Calories in Brisket: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Beef brisket is a large, flavorful cut from the breast section of the cow that is popular for slow-cooking, smoking, and braising. A 3.5 oz serving of cooked flat-cut brisket trimmed to 1/8-inch fat contains approximately 246 calories and delivers 28 grams of protein. Brisket is a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Calories by serving size:

Brisket becomes exceptionally tender when cooked low and slow, which breaks down the collagen in the connective tissue. While the point cut is fattier and more marbled, the flat cut offers a leaner option with only 6 grams of fat per 3.5 oz when trimmed to lean only. Both cuts provide a substantial amount of complete protein and essential minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between flat cut and point cut brisket?

The brisket is divided into two subcuts: the flat (or first cut) and the point (or second cut). The flat is leaner and more uniform in shape with about 246 calories per 3.5 oz, while the point is fattier and more marbled at roughly 305 calories for the same serving. The point cut is often preferred for smoking because its higher fat content keeps the meat moist during long cooking times.

How many calories are in smoked brisket?

Smoked brisket calories are similar to other cooking methods since smoking does not add significant fat. A 3.5 oz serving of smoked flat-cut brisket contains roughly 246 calories when trimmed, though slices from the fattier point cut can reach 300 calories or more. Barbecue sauces and rubs can add additional calories depending on the amount used.

Is brisket a fatty cut of beef?

Brisket can be relatively fatty depending on the subcut and how much fat is trimmed. The point cut with its heavy marbling contains about 22 grams of fat per 3.5 oz cooked, making it one of the fattier beef cuts. However, the flat cut trimmed to lean only has only about 6 grams of fat per 3.5 oz, which is comparable to many moderately lean cuts.

How much protein is in brisket?

A 3.5 oz (100 g) serving of cooked flat-cut brisket provides approximately 28 grams of protein when trimmed, or 31 grams when trimmed to lean meat only. A larger 6 oz serving delivers about 48 grams of protein. This makes brisket an excellent source of complete protein with all essential amino acids.

How does brisket compare to other beef cuts?

Brisket falls in the middle range for calories and fat among beef cuts. It is fattier than sirloin (about 183 kcal per 3.5 oz lean) and eye of round (about 175 kcal), but leaner than short ribs (roughly 295 kcal) and ribeye (about 271 kcal). Brisket's unique advantage is its high collagen content, which converts to gelatin during slow cooking and creates its characteristically tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.