The corned Beef Recipe is a comfort classic. There are so many ways to make it shine. This is the best recipe which you can make for any occasion.
What is Corned Beef?
Imagine that tough cut of beef is known as brisket. If you want to make it tender and tasty, you must preserve it for a long time. In this recipe, you have to add lots of big pieces of salt, which corns of salt.
So, first, the corned beef is soaked in the salty water with those salty substances called corn. This will help to :
- It prevents the meat from getting spoiled.
- This is also used to change the colour and flavour of the beef. The salt and other species transform the colour of beef to pink and make it a savoury, salty flavour.
Basic Boiled Corned Beef:
This is the easiest way to make it. In this process, you just have to boil it in water. It is a classic meal, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. It is the most comfortable and filling meal for any day.
Ingredients:
- First, you have to take 1(3-4) pound corned beef brisket along with its spice packet.
- You have to take enough water to cover the brisket.
- You can take optional veggies for extra flavour :
- One big onion is cut into four pieces.
- A few carrots that have to be chopped into big chunks.
- A few celery sticks can also be in the form of big chunks.
- One bay leaf.
Instructions:
- First, you have to take the corned beef out of its packaging and rinse it in cold water. This will help to remove excess salt from it.
- Then you put the corned beef into the large pot.
- Pour enough cold water into the pot to completely cover the beef by about an inch.
- If you have a spice packet, then add it to the brisket, or you have the optional veggies such as carrot, onion, celery sticks, and bay leaf for extra flavour.
- Then you have to leave it for 3-4 hours to get properly soft and easily pierce it with a fork.
- Once you have cooked then you can remove it from the pot and leave it for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Lastly, you can slice the corned beef against the grain and then serve it with your favourite veggies.
Basically, you only need to put the corned beef into a pot with water and some spices, with some veggies if you want. Then you can let it simmer until it’s super tender.
Oven-Baked Corned Beef
In this recipe, first, you have to bake it in the oven. It will create a flavourful and tender test.
Ingredients:
- 1(3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet.
- 1 cup Beef broth.
- You can add optional veggies into it, such as:
- 1 sliced onion.
- 2 cloves of garlic.
Instructions:
- First, you have to preheat your oven to 325°F or 160°C.
- Then you have to rinse it under cold water.
- You have to put the corned beef into the roasting pan.
- Pour the beef broth over the corned beef. Then you can add the spice packet to it. If you’re using them, add the sliced onion and minced garlic.
- You have to cover the pan tightly with foil paper and leave it for 3-4 hours until it is properly baked.
- Lastly, you can take the corned beef from the oven and leave it for 10-15 minutes before you slice it against the grain.
Slow-Cooked Corned Beef
You can easily make tender corned beef with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1(3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spice packet.
- 1 cup Beef broth.
- You can add optional veggies into it, such as:
- 1 Onion that has to be roughly chopped.
- 2 Carrots that have to be roughly chopped.
Instructions:
- First, you have to take the corned beef out of its packaging and rinse it in cold water.
- Then you have to put the corned beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth or water over the beef. Add the spice packet and any optional vegetables.
- You can cook it on low for 8-10 hours, or you can also cook it on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is very tender.
- Lastly, you have to remove the beef and let it rest before slicing it against the grain.
Corned Beef Hash
In this recipe, you can easily transform the leftover corned beef into a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked corned beef.
- 2 cups of potatoes.
- 1 onion.
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil.
- Salt and pepper for taste purposes.
- You can add optional things such as:
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions:
- First, you have to boil or steam the diced potatoes until they are tender.
- The second step is that you have to melt the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and cook until softened. Lastly, you can also add the garlic and cook for a minute more.
- Then you have to add the diced corned beef and potatoes to the skillet. You can also add seasoning flavour with salt and pepper.
- You have to cook it, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and corned beef are browned and crispy on the edges.
- Finally, you can serve it hot, perhaps with a fried egg on top.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
This is the most traditional Irish-American dish, and it is so simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, cooked by using any of the above methods.
- 1 head of cabbage and cut into wedges.
- You can add optional veggies in a chunk form, such as:
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Carrot
Instructions:
- Firstly, you have to cook the corned beef using your preferred method.
- When the corned beef is about to be done in 30 minutes, you have to add the cabbage wedges or any other veggies you want into the pot or oven.
- Then you have to cook it until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
- Lastly, you can serve by slicing the corned beef with cooked cabbage and other vegetables.
How healthy is Corned beef for you?
As we know, a coin has two sides, as corned beef can be good and not so good when it comes to your health.
The Good:
Protein Power:
- Protein is the core element for the building blocks of your body. You need it to grow stronger muscles. This will be beneficial for healing the cuts and keeping everything working right.
- Corned beef has a lot of protein, so it is a good way to get those building blocks.
- Also, protein makes you feel full after eating, so you are less likely to get hungry again right away.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Both act as tiny helpers that help your body stay healthy.
Vitamin B12:
- This vitamin is super important for your nerves, which send messages all over your body.
- It is also helpful for making healthy blood.
Iron:
- Iron helps your blood carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body.
- Oxygen is like fuel for your cells.
Zinc and Selenium:
- Zinc helps to improve your immune system, through which you can easily fight off sickness.
- Selenium is an antioxidant. This helps to protect your cells from getting damaged.
The Not-so-Good:
High in Sodium:
- Corned beef gets its flavour and stays fresh because it is soaked in a lot of salt, and that salt is sodium.
- Too much sodium can make your blood pressure high.
High in Fat:
- The brisket part of the beef, which is often used for corned beef, has a lot of fat.
- This can lead to high cholesterol in your blood.
- In future, if it increases, then it can also lead to heart problems.
Processed Meat Concerns:
- Processed Meat means that the meat has been changed in some way to preserve it or add flavour. Corned beef is processed through curing.
- Some studies have shown that eating a lot of processed meats might increase your risk of certain health issues.
Conclusion
Corned beef is a delicious, classic dish, especially when cooked simply. It is great for special occasions or a hearty meal.
However, you have to remember that it is a combination of high salt and fat, so you should not eat it every day. It can cause various health diseases.
You can enjoy it in moderate amounts, and you can simply balance it with lots of veggies. You can enjoy the tasty flavours without worrying too much. It is a treat, not an everyday staple.