How to Cook Corned Beef

June 3, 2008

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Learning how to cook corned beef, or corned beef with cabbage is really not that difficult. Depending on how adventurous you are, there are videos and instructions below on how to brine and cook your own corned beef brisket from scratch. If you are not feeling so adventurous, you can skip the brining process and purchase a beef brisket that is already brined and ready to cook. There is a video below with instructions on how to do that too. Make sure you also check out the links to some delicious recipes I found toward the bottom of this page.

What is corned beef? Why is it called corned beef?

Before the wonderful invention we so easily take for granted today called refrigeration, people had to rely on other methods to preserve meats. In the past, they used a method called “Corning” which had absolutely nothing to do with corn. Corning got its name because of the corn-sized crystals of salt that were used for dry curing the meat. Today, brines are used to replace the dry corning method. The brine used for corned beef is typically a liquid mixture made up of water, salt, sugar and spices. The ingredients are brought to a boil and then allowed to cool. The beef brisket is then placed in the brining liquid and refrigerated for a number of days, depending on how thick the brisket is.

How Long Do You Cook Corned Beef?

If you are cooking corned beef the traditional way by simmering it in water, then you should expect a brisket of about 4 pounds, to be done in roughly 3 hours. You can test doneness by piercing the center of the corned beef brisket with a fork. It should penetrate easily.

How To Make Corned Beef Videos

How To Corn Beef At Home

This is a short “How to” on corning beef. This recipe is presented “as is” and at the end of this video, you may wish to make substitutions on your own depending on your tastes and spice cabinet. Probably the most common difference in other folk’s recipes is that they often use commercial pickling spice blends. You can do that as well. You can also use all allspice or cloves rather than the blend of both. They are very similar flavors.

Homemade corned beef

A St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner starts with a brisket and a brine.�

The Bachelor Chef - Saint Patricks Day Corned Beef & Cabbage

Chris makes a classic, one pot meal. He makes a traditional St. Patrick’s day dinner. This is a dish where the earthy flavor stands out thanks to the root vegetables. Simplicity is the key ingredient to this meal. Being able to let each vegetable’s flavor shine was Chris’ main goal. The corned beef was nice and tender when sliced against the grain. This dish is a simple winner.�