Brisket Buying Checklist – Girls Can Grill

Selecting a great brisket comes down to a few predictable factors: marbling, flat thickness, shape and how the brisket was processed. Use this checklist before you buy, whether you’re shopping in person or online.

This page is part of my Ultimate Brisket Guide and links to deeper explanations for each checkpoint.

Use this checklist as your quick reference and click through the links if you want deeper guidance on each factor.

Quick Answer
The best brisket to buy has good marbling in the flat, a thick even flat (¾ inch+), balanced shape, and intact trim with a ¼-inch fat cap.

Marbling

• ☐ Visible white streaks in the flat, not just the point
• ☐ Even, consistent marbling
• ☐ Choose the highest marbling available for your budget
• ☐ Grade matches your goals (Prime for beginners, Wagyu for premium cooks)

More details → Brisket Grades Explained

Flat Thickness

• ☐ At least ¾ inch at the thinnest point
• ☐ No sharply tapered ends
• ☐ Smooth, even shape from edge to point
• ☐ No deep cuts or gouges from the butcher

More details → How to Spot a Quality Brisket

Overall Shape

• ☐ Brisket is not triangle-shaped
• ☐ Flat and point are proportionate
• ☐ No extremely lopsided slabs
• ☐ Natural curve is okay, but look for balanced thickness

More details → Brisket Size & Shape Variations

Fat Cap & Trim

• ☐ Avoid over-trimmed briskets
• ☐ You want the fat cap to be at least ¼-inch thick
• ☐ Edges intact without shaving into the flat

More details → How to Trim a Brisket

Packaging & Handling

• ☐ Cryovac seal is tight with no leaks
• ☐ No discoloration, off-odors, or excessive purge
• ☐ If ordering online, allow 2-4 days for thawing

More details → Storing & Thawing Brisket

Size & Yield

• ☐ Weight matches your needs (1 lb raw per person for packers)
• ☐ Consider cook loss (30-50% total)

More details → How Much Brisket Per Person

Where You’re Buying

• ☐ Grocery stores: usually Choice, variable trim
• ☐ Costco/Sam’s: best value for Prime
• ☐ Butcher shops: consistent quality, custom trimming
• ☐ Online: premium marbling but you can’t hand-pick shape

More details → Where to Buy Brisket

Brisket Guides

This node is part of my Ultimate Brisket Guide, which breaks down every step from anatomy to trimming to cooking.

Explore more brisket fundamentals:

For a full overview:

My Go-To Brisket Rub for Building Flavor and Bark

I use Girls Can Grill Brisket Rub on all of my briskets. This blend layers salt, pepper, garlic and savory spices to highlight the natural beef flavor while helping the bark develop evenly.