Where to Buy the Best Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef brisket is a traditional Irish dish that has become popular fare around St. Patrick’s Day. This salty, seasoned beef is simmered for hours until tender and full of flavor. Making corned beef brisket at home can be time consuming, so many opt to buy one instead. But not all corned beef is created equal. If you want the best quality brisket to cook up for your next St. Paddy’s Day feast, here’s where to get it.

Understanding Corned Beef Grades

Like all beef, corned beef brisket is available in different quality grades. The grade indicates the amount of marbling or intramuscular fat in the meat. More marbling means a more tender and flavorful brisket when cooked. Here are the grades to look for:

• USDA Prime – The highest quality grade, only about 2% of all beef achieves Prime status. These briskets have abundant marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

• USDA Choice – The most common grade, Choice briskets still have good marbling and tenderness. A more affordable option than Prime.

• USDA Select – Lower quality grade with less marbling. Can be tougher and drier when cooked. Not ideal for corned beef.

Prime or Choice briskets are highly recommended for the most delicious corned beef. Lower grades like Select will be tougher and less flavorful.

Butcher Shops and Specialty Meat Markets

For the freshest, high-quality brisket, your best bet is shopping at a local butcher shop or specialty meat market. These stores work directly with meat suppliers to hand-select exceptional cuts of meat. Here’s where to shop:

Lobel’s

This premier butcher based in New York sources only USDA Prime beef. Their corned beef brisket is always Prime grade for unparalleled texture and flavor. They ship nationwide.

Price: $120+ for a 10 lb brisket

Pat La Frieda Meat Purveyors

Another top NY butcher offering Prime corned beef briskets cured for over a week with spices for full flavor. Ships nationwide.

Price: $130+ for a 10 lb brisket

Local Butcher Shops

Check your local high-end butcher shops and meat markets for fresh corned beef. Many will have Choice or Prime briskets from regional suppliers. Ask about the quality grade and sourcing.

Price: $80-$120+ for a 10-15 lb brisket

Online Retailers

If you can’t make it to a specialty butcher, some online meat retailers also have quality pre-cooked corned beef for sale with nationwide shipping:

D’Artagnan

Sells Prime-graded briskets from premium Black Angus cattle. Wet-cured for 10-14 days. Ships frozen.

Price: $130+ for a 5 lb brisket

Porter Road

Offers USDA Choice briskets cured for 8-10 days with coriander, mustard seed, and bay leaves. Ships frozen.

Price: $80+ for a 3 lb brisket

Crowd Cow

Sources Choice briskets from family-owned ranches. 14 day cure and ships frozen.

Price: $100+ for a 3 lb brisket

Rastelli’s

Has Choice grade briskets cured for 12 days. Ships frozen.

Price: $80+ for a 3 lb brisket

Snake River Farms

Known for American Wagyu beef, they offer Prime-equivalent Wagyu corned beef. Intensely marbled for richness. Ships frozen.

Price: $160+ for a 3 lb brisket

Local Meat Shops or Grocer Deli

The briskets sold at your average local meat market or grocery store deli counter are usually USDA Choice or Select grade. They tend to be mass-produced and not as high quality as those from specialized purveyors. However, if Prime or Choice corn beef is unavailable in your area, the deli counter briskets can make a decent substitute. Just be aware they likely won’t be quite as tender, juicy, or flavorful.

Price: $50-$100 for a 10+ lb brisket

Should You Make Your Own?

You can certainly cure your own corned beef at home too. This requires purchasing a fresh brisket and homemade wet brine. It takes over a week but isn’t overly complicated. However, for most home cooks, starting with a ready-to-cook pre-brined brisket is quicker and easier. Buying pre-made also guarantees you get that authentic corned beef flavor without risking any curing mishaps.

Look for These Qualities

To get the best corned beef brisket, keep these tips in mind when purchasing:

• USDA Prime or Choice grade for superior marbling, texture, and moisture
• Minimally trimmed with a nice fat cap to keep it tender when cooked
• Natural juices in the packaging is a sign of freshness
• Reputable source like a premier butcher or meat shop
• Avoid briskets that are grayish or dried out looking

With a high quality brisket from one of the recommended purveyors, you’re sure to have the star of your St. Patrick’s Day meal! Slow cook it until fork tender and savor the juicy, robust corned beef flavor.