Cook a Corned Beef Dinner

History

In the United States, corned beef is synonymous with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. However, corned beef is not considered a true Irish national dish. Its connection with St. Patrick’s Day originated with the influx of Irish immigrants into the United States during the 18^th century. Corned beef and cabbage became popular in the U.S. after Irish immigrants replaced the bacon in their traditional dish of bacon and cabbage with corned beef due to the high cost of pork.

Salt-Cured Beef

Corned beef is a type of salt-cured beef. Corning was a form of curing where the meat was dry-cured using coarse “corns” of salt. Pellets of salt, some the size of kernels of corn, were rubbed into the beef to keep it from spoiling and to preserve it. This traditional curing method was used before refrigeration. Brining, using salt water, has now replaced the dry salt cure method. Peppercorns, bay leaves, and other regional spices give corned beef its distinctive flavor.

Storage

Uncooked corned beef with a “sell-by” date or “no date” can be stored unopened in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. If the corned beef has a “use-by” date, store the product in the refrigerator unopened until that date. If you plan to freeze uncooked corned beef, drain the brine from the meat and wrap well before freezing. If it is not drained, the high salt brine encourages rancidity and texture changes in the meat. For the best quality, freeze uncooked corned beef for one month. Prolonged freezing can alter the flavor and texture, but the meat will still be safe to eat. After cooking, corned beef may be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months for best quality.

Cooking for Success

Corned beef is made from less tender cuts of beef such as the brisket, rump, or round, so it requires long, moist cooking methods. It can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, in a slow cooker, or in the microwave. Corned beef may still be pink in color even when it is done due to the nitrites used in the curing process. “Fork tender” is a good indication of doneness, but always use a food thermometer to make sure you have reached a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees. When the meat is removed from the heat source, always allow it to stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing, as it will be easier to slice. It is even easier to cut uniform slices when the corned beef is cold. For the most uniform slices, slice diagonally across the grain of the meat. Corned beef is great to cook ahead of time and then reheat and serve later. Before reheating, be sure to skim the congealed fat off of the corned beef, which will make it lower in fat and calories.

Create Something New with Leftovers

Corned beef can also be purchased in cans and ready-to-eat in delis. It is the key ingredient in Reuben sandwiches. Smoking corned beef with a spice mixture produces smoked beef products such as pastrami.

May the Luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day!

Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator

Corned Beef Dinner

Course: Main Course

Ingredients

3-5 pounds corned beef
6 medium potatoes
1 large onion
6-12 medium carrots
1 head cabbage
beets, turnips, parsnips if desired

Instructions

Remove corned beef from package and rinse off brine under cool running water. Rinsing the brine off helps to remove the excess salt from the meat. Also trim any excess fat from the meat.
Place the corned beef in a large, heavy pot and cover with water. Add the spice packet included with the corned beef. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for about 2- 3 hours.
At about 2 hours, add chunks of onions, potatoes and carrots. Bring back to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender. You can also add wedges of cabbage and other root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips and beets, if desired. Just make sure that you do not overcook the vegetables. If the vegetables get done before the meat, remove them from the pot and keep warm.
You can tell when the corned beef is done by piercing the meat with a thin, sharp knife or a fork. When the meat allows the knife or fork to pass into the center of the meat with little resistance, it is done. But to be sure of the doneness, use a food thermometer to test the meat. The meat should be at an internal temperature of 145 degrees.
Serve the sliced corned beef on a platter surrounded by the vegetables. The juice that is made while the meat and vegetables are cooking is very good to serve on the vegetables. Delicious!