The beef round comes from the rear of the animal, around the rump and hind leg. Its meat is tough and very lean, so it benefits from moist-heat cooking. The brisket is located in the front of the steer and is also tough, but fatty as well. The round is a better choice for corned beef, but it’s fine to substitute the brisket flat.

The best cut of corned beef for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a rich, beefy flavor and a tender texture, then brisket is the way to go. If you prefer a leaner cut with a milder flavor, then round is a good choice.

Brisket is a good cut of beef to use for making corned beef because it has nice fat content. Beef round, on the other hand, is much leaner; it just depends on your preference. The higher fat content of brisket will produce a moister corned beef, although much of the actual fat will melt away while it cooks.