With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (2024)

12 Ways to Get Your Corned Beef OnFEATURED IN:

Vibrant pink, salty, and spicy, corned beef is always a welcome meal in our home, whether in a boiled dinner, with cabbage, or in a sandwich with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Who knew it was so easy to make?

Corned beef is essentially beef cured in a salt brine, with some pickling spices for added flavor. It gets its name "corn" from an old English word for grain, or small pieces of hard things the size of grain, such as salt.

With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (1)

How Is Corned Beef Made?

Over the years, many of my friends have encouraged me to cure my own corned beef, insisting that it wasn't hard to do, and well worth the effort. After finally getting around to it, I'm happy to report that my friends were right! It really is easy; it just takes about 5 days to cure.

Here's what to do:

  1. Make a salty curing brine with pickling spices like mustard seed, allspice berries, coriander seeds, and peppercorns.
  2. Marinate a beef brisket in the brine, for 5 to 7 days.
  3. Simmer the brined and drained brisket in water with more pickling spices for several hours until tender.

With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (2)

How to Season Your Corned Beef

Because you get to choose what pickling spices to use, you can make your own distinctively flavored corned beef. You know how BBQ masters have their own favorite homemade dry rubs? It's sort of like that.

Pretty much every packaged corned beef brisket I've bought tastes about the same. The one I home cured? Wonderful and different.

While I researched several online sources for curing your own corned beef, as well as interrogating my colleague Hank, the source I referred to the most was Michael Ruhlman's brilliant Charcuterie: The Craft of Salting, Smoking, and Curing (high recommend). You can also see his instructions on Leite's Culinaria.

I played around a bit with the spice mix, and kept the garlic out of the brine, but other than that, pretty much followed Michael's method.

With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (3)

What Makes Corned Beef Pink?

Corned beef gets its vibrant pink color from the use of sodium nitrite, a chemical compound that also adds flavor and helps inhibit bacterial growth. Sodium nitrite is sold for the purposes of curing meat in a form called "pink salt." Since sodium nitrite is toxic in concentrated amounts, it is dyed pink so that we don't mistake it for table salt. Note that curing pink salt is NOT Himalayan pink salt.

You can use pink salt for this recipe or not. I've corned beef with and without pink salt. Both work. The curing salt adds a little more flavor and will help preserve the beef better if you don't cook it right away after curing.

There is some controversy over the use of sodium nitrite in curing meats, as the frequent consumption of cured meats (bacon, ham, pancetta, corned beef) is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. I eat cured meat maybe once a month, so I'm not worried for myself, but it helps to know about the risks and the current research.

To achieve a pink color without the use of curing salt, some people add a beet or two to the boiling water when it comes time to cook the roast. I haven't tried that yet, but if you do, please let us know how it works out for you!

Use Your Corned Beef in These Recipes

  • Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Corned Beef Hash
  • New England Boiled Dinner
  • Red Flannel Hash
  • Reuben Sandwich

Homemade Corned Beef

The spice mix with the gallon of brine makes easily enough curing brine for a 5 pound brisket, cured in a somewhat large-ish container. If you were to use a 2-gallon freezer bag or marinating bag, you would likely need just half (or less) of the amount of brine and brine spices.

Pink curing salt, or sodium nitrite, goes by many names, such as Prague Powder #1 or DQ Curing Salt #1, and is available online and may be available at your local specialty market or butcher shop. If you don't have it, you can still make corned beef, but it is necessary for that vibrant pink color we associate with corned beef. And it adds flavor too. Without it the corned beef will be a dull grey color.

Note that pink curing salt is NOT Himalayan pink salt. Pink curing salt is toxic and can be deadly if ingested directly, which is why it is colored pink, so consumers do not mistake it for table salt.

Ingredients

For the pickling spices

  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries

  • 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds (brown or yellow)

  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves

  • 9 wholecardamom pods

  • 6 large bay leaves, crumbled

  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger

  • 1/2 stick cinnamon

For the brine

  • 1 gallon (3.8 liters) water

  • 300g kosher salt (2 cups of Diamond Crystal brand Kosher Salt OR 1 cup 3 1/2 tablespoons of Morton's Kosher Salt)

  • 5 teaspoonspink curing salt, optional, see Recipe Note

  • 3 tablespoons pickling spices

  • 1/2 cup (90g) brown sugar

For the brisket

  • 1 (5-pound) beef brisket

  • 1 tablespoon pickling spices

Method

  1. Toast and crush the spices:

    You can either used store-bought pickling spices or you can make your own. To make your own, toast the allspice berries, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom pods in a small frying pan on medium heat until fragrant. Note that it is pretty easy to burn spices; you want enough heat to release their flavors, not so much that they get burned.

    Remove from heat and place in a small bowl. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the spices a little (or the back of a spoon or the side of a knife on a flat surface). Add to a small bowl and stir in the crumbled bay leaves and ground ginger.

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (4)

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (5)

  2. Make the curing brine:

    Add about 3 tablespoons of the spice mix (reserve the rest for cooking the corned beef after it has cured), plus the half stick of cinnamon, to a gallon of water in a large pot, along with the kosher salt, pink salt (if using), and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until well chilled.

  3. Brine the brisket for 5 to 7 days:

    Place the brisket in a large, flat container or pan, and cover with the brine. The brine should cover the meat. The meat may float in which case you may want to weigh it down with a plate.

    Alternatively you can use a 2-gallon freezer bag (placed in a container so if it leaks it doesn't leak all over your refrigerator), place the brisket in the freezer bag and about 2 quarts of brine, squeezing out the air from the bag before sealing.

    Place in the refrigerator and chill from 5-7 days. Every day flip the brisket over, so that all sides get brined equally.

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (6)

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (7)

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (8)

  4. Cook the corned beef:

    At the end of the cure, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse off the brine with cold water. Place the brisket in a large pot that just fits around the brisket and cover with at least one inch of water. If you want your brisket less salty, add another inch of water to the pot.

    Add a tablespoon of the pickling spices to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a very low simmer (barely bubbling), and cook 3-4 hours, until the corned beef is fork tender. (At this point you can store in the fridge for up to a week.)

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (9)

  5. Cut across the grain:

    Remove the meat to a cutting board. (You can use the spiced cooking liquid to cook vegetables for boiled dinner or corned beef and cabbage.) Notice the visible lines on the meat; this is the "grain" of the meat, or the direction of the muscle fibers.

    To make the meat easier to cut, cut it first in half, along the grain of the meat. Then make thin crosswise cuts, across the grain to cut the meat to serve.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (10)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
531Calories
32g Fat
9g Carbs
50g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6to 8
Amount per serving
Calories531
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 32g42%
Saturated Fat 13g63%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 2530mg110%
Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
Dietary Fiber 3g9%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 50g
Vitamin C 2mg11%
Calcium 115mg9%
Iron 6mg35%
Potassium 509mg11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

With This Recipe, Homemade Corned Beef Is Worth It (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade corned beef worth it? ›

Sure, you can buy pre-brined corned beef in the store, but it just doesn't compare to making your own. Not only can you control the quality of the ingredients you use, but the flavor is just SO much better!

What is the secret to the best corned beef? ›

One of the keys to simmering corned beef correctly is the amount of water in the pot. When there's not ample liquid to cover the meat, your dreams of tender corned beef may be replaced by a tough, chewy result. Instead: Start by filling a large pot with enough water so the corned beef is completely submerged.

What is the best method to cook corned beef? ›

The most common method for cooking corned beef and cabbage is boiling. Put the meat in a large pot, cover it with water or beef broth, add a seasoning packet and boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and cooked to your liking.

What happens if you don't rinse corned beef before cooking? ›

Many recipes don't include a step for rinsing the meat, but it's worth doing it anyway. Depending on the pickling solution used for the meat, you may be in for a saltier meal than you bargained for if you cook the meat without rinsing it. And don't worry: Rinsing won't make the beef taste bland!

How long to boil 3 lb corned beef? ›

For a two to three-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For a three to five-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. STOVE: Place brisket fat-side up in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, allowing about 1 hour per pound.

Is home cooked corned beef healthy? ›

Corned beef contains a variety of essential micronutrients and is rich in protein, which the body requires to build muscle, produce enzymes, and maintain tissue. However, it has a very high amount of sodium and fat. Therefore, it can harm people following a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet.

Should you soak corned beef before cooking? ›

Essentially, you'd soak the brisket for one hour in a large pot with cool water, then dump the water and repeat one more time to decrease the sodium before cooking. Note: Be sure to place the beef in the pot back into the refrigerator while doing so to maintain proper food safety procedures in place.

Does corned beef get more tender the longer you boil it? ›

Information. Corned beef is made from one of several less tender cuts of beef like the brisket, rump, or round. Therefore, it requires long, moist cooking. Corned beef is safe once the internal temperature has reached at least 145 °F, with a three minute rest time, but cooking it longer will make it fork-tender.

Why is my corned beef always tough? ›

Slow cooking at a low temperature gives the collagen in the meat time to become soft and gelatinous, which makes your meat tender. If your meat is dry or chewy, it's likely because it was cooked too hot and too fast.

Do you rinse corned beef before slow cooking? ›

Yes, corned beef should be rinsed because it is cured in a salt brine; there is probably excess salt on the meat. The uncooked corned beef should be rinsed under cool running water before it is cooked.

Should you use the juice in the corned beef package? ›

To make the corned beef, open the sealed package right over the slow cooker, because you want to include the brine in the cooking liquid. Don't discard the brine.

Is it better to cook corned beef on stove or slow cooker? ›

Low and slow is the way you need to cook corned beef and what better way than in the slow cooker. Also known as corned silverside all you need to do is place all your ingredients in the bowl of the cooker, set it to low and go about with your day – to return to a fork tender, delicious dinner.

What is the red stuff in a corned beef package? ›

Blood is removed from beef during slaughter and only a small amount remains within the muscle tissue. Since beef is about 3/4 water, this natural moisture combined with protein is the source of the liquid in the package.

When cooking corned beef, do you use the liquid in the bag? ›

Place the brined corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven along with the liquid and spices that accompanied it in the package. Pour in enough water to cover the beef, then bring the water to a boil on the stovetop. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot.

Is it okay to eat canned corned beef without cooking? ›

Canned corned beef is already cooked. It is safe to eat straight from the can. You'll probably improve the texture by warming it up, and you'll probably improve the flavor by browning it a bit in a hot skillet. But technically, you don't NEED to do any of that.

How long does homemade corned beef last? ›

The flavor and texture will diminish with prolonged freezing but the product is still safe. After cooking, corned beef may be refrigerated for about three to four days and frozen for about two to three months.

Is corned beef a cheap cut of meat? ›

Corned beef is most often made from beef brisket (a relatively inexpensive, tough cut of beef) that's been cured in a salt brine with a mix of spices, like bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seed, juniper berries, coriander seed, and whole cloves.

Why is corned beef so expensive? ›

The brining (and sometimes cooking) involves labor, packaging and special equipment expenses (on top of raw material costs), so all things being equal, it will cost more than beef brisket (the cut of beef corned beef is usually made from). ... That's less than half of the price of beef brisket.

What cut of beef is used to make corned beef? ›

Historically, any type of meat could be put through the curing process that makes what we know as corned beef today. In the U.S., corned beef is made from beef brisket. You might have seen it at Jewish delis, and that's because the brisket is a traditionally kosher cut of meat that's cured to tenderize it.

References

Top Articles
Authentic Gazpacho Recipe - Gimme Some Oven
Mini Jello Fish Bowls - Mighty Mrs | Super Easy Recipes
Funny Roblox Id Codes 2023
Golden Abyss - Chapter 5 - Lunar_Angel
Www.paystubportal.com/7-11 Login
Joi Databas
DPhil Research - List of thesis titles
Shs Games 1V1 Lol
Evil Dead Rise Showtimes Near Massena Movieplex
Steamy Afternoon With Handsome Fernando
Which aspects are important in sales |#1 Prospection
Top Hat Trailer Wiring Diagram
George The Animal Steele Gif
Red Tomatoes Farmers Market Menu
Nalley Tartar Sauce
Chile Crunch Original
Immortal Ink Waxahachie
Craigslist Free Stuff Santa Cruz
Mflwer
Spergo Net Worth 2022
Costco Gas Foster City
Obsidian Guard's Cutlass
Marvon McCray Update: Did He Pass Away Or Is He Still Alive?
Mccain Agportal
Amih Stocktwits
Fort Mccoy Fire Map
Uta Kinesiology Advising
Kcwi Tv Schedule
What Time Does Walmart Auto Center Open
Nesb Routing Number
Random Bibleizer
10 Best Places to Go and Things to Know for a Trip to the Hickory M...
Black Lion Backpack And Glider Voucher
Duke University Transcript Request
Lincoln Financial Field, section 110, row 4, home of Philadelphia Eagles, Temple Owls, page 1
Jambus - Definition, Beispiele, Merkmale, Wirkung
Netherforged Lavaproof Boots
Ark Unlock All Skins Command
Craigslist Red Wing Mn
School Tool / School Tool Parent Portal
D3 Boards
Jail View Sumter
Nancy Pazelt Obituary
Birmingham City Schools Clever Login
Trivago Anaheim California
Thotsbook Com
Vérificateur De Billet Loto-Québec
Funkin' on the Heights
Vci Classified Paducah
Www Pig11 Net
Ty Glass Sentenced
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5897

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.