Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest and can come from many animals. In some locales, the type of animal the brisket comes from is inherent in the word. In Texas, for example, if brisket is used by itself, it implies that the meat is beef.

Brisket can be cooked many ways, but a popular method in the U.S. Southern States is marinating the meat and cooking slowly over hot coals or wood. Additional basting of the meat is often done during the cooking process. Juices from the meat drip on the heat source. As the juice boils off, the smoke penetrates the meat - adding flavor. Small amounts of certain woods such as hickory or mesquite are sometimes added to the main heat source. The smoke from these woods further enhances the flavor. The finished meat is often referred to as barbecue.