Corned beef, bully beef, or salt beef is a salt-cured brisket of beef and a famous meal often associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Corned beef is a popular and famous meal on the dining tables, like the classic corned beef and cabbage with rich flavors and juicy textures that melt in the mouth. Learning to cook corned beef to perfection is necessary to enjoy this delicious meal. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step method to cook corned beef in the oven or crock pot and how to reuse the leftover corned beef for breakfast. No matter, if you are a novice cook, following the guide, will help you cook this delicious dish perfectly.
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Baked Corned Beef in the Oven
Cooking corned beef in the oven is one of the simplest and most popular cooking methods. One of the simplest and most popular methods for cooking corned beef is baking it in the oven. The oven-baked method produces flavorful and tender corned beef.
Ingredients
- 1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds)
- Seasoning packet (usually included with the brisket)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and preheat it.
- Place the corned beef brisket on a rack inside a roasting pan with fat side up.
- Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the brisket.
- Put the brown sugar onto the fat side of the brisket.
- Add water to the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Bake for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or about 1 hour per pound.
- Remove the aluminum foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the corned beef fat side to brown.
- Let the corned beef rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Crockpot Corned Beef
Slow-cooking corned beef in a crockpot is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- 1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds)
- Seasoning packet
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Place the onion and garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Lay the corned beef brisket on top, fat side up.
- Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the brisket.
- Add water until the brisket is almost covered.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove the corned beef and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
A traditional corned beef and cabbage dish is a staple for many during St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe can be made either on the stovetop or in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds)
- Seasoning packet
- 4 cups water
- 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
Instructions
- Follow the steps above for cooking corned beef in a crockpot.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, with the corned beef sliced against the grain.
Corned Beef Hash
Do you have any leftover corned beef from last night’s supper? Then, you can use it to make delicious corned beef hash for your breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the potato and onion, cooking until the potato is tender and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in and cook the corned beef until browned and crispy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with eggs on the side.
Reuben Sandwich with Corned Beef
The Reuben sandwich is a classic American deli staple that features flavorful corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread. This sandwich is perfect for using leftover corned beef or enjoying a hearty meal anytime.
Step 1- Prepare the Corned Beef
If you have leftover corned beef, use it directly. Otherwise, cook a fresh corned beef brisket using one of the earlier methods. Thinly slice the cooked corned beef against the grain for the best texture.
Step 2- Assemble the Sandwich
Arrange the slices of rye bread on a clean surface. Spread one side of each slice with a generous amount of Russian dressing.
Step 3- Layer the ingredients
On half of the bread slices, layer the Swiss cheese, followed by the corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
Step 4- Grill the sandwiches
Cook the sandwiches on the grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
Corned beef is a versatile dish that can be cooked in various ways and can be enjoyed on regular family meals as well as special occasions. Corned beef preserves it tenderness and flavors whether you are making delicious corned beef hash in the breakfast or oven baked corned beef. Gather your ingredients and start cooking the tempting corned beef to savor its tenderness and mouthwatering flavors.