Quick Answer: How Do You Know When Corned Beef Is Done And What Are The Best Cooking Methods?
When it comes to cooking corned beef, there are two central ways of knowing when it’s done. The first way is simply checking the cooking time provided on the recipe or packaging. These guidelines are there for a reason and will give you an accurate benchmark to work from! Alternatively, you can also use a thermometer. When your corned beef has reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to eat (although 190 degrees is the recommended temperature for ideal tenderness). While these two methods are foolproof, you can also tell your corn beef is finished when it can be cut effortlessly using a fork.
In terms of how you actually prepare corned beef, there are 3 easy approaches. These include boiling on the stovetop (traditional approach), using a slow cooker (least effort) and baking in the oven (for most crisp factor).
Despite what the name implies, corned beef doesn’t actually have anything to do with corn. If you’ve ever tried this English fan favorite, you’ll know that corned beef is simply just beef cured in salt brine.
Although it’s not the most nutritious food, corned beef is a delicious treat that, when consumed in moderation, is a lovely side dish in a variety of meals.
When it comes to actually preparing this cut of meat, allowing corned beef to cook slowly and for longer periods of time is preferable- yes, we are talking several hours.
Whether you execute the traditional stove top boiling approach, the slow cooker method, or the oven approach, you will need to make sure you’ve planned ahead.
Now, longer cooking times don’t necessarily indicate more effort. In fact, each of these methods is super easy and requires very little work on your part.
Your main tasks are simply getting the corned beef into the correct appliance and knowing when to take it out.
Speaking of which, being able to identify when your corned beef is done is critical for ensuring an optimal eating experience. Because who wants dry, overcooked corned beef?
Check out the following table to see just how you can achieve perfectly moist and tender corned beef every time.
How To Know When Corned Beef Is Done?
| Indicator | Explanation |
| Cooking Time | One of the best ways to know when your corned beef is done is by looking at the cooking times provided by the recipe you are using. If you’re not using a recipe, you can also look at the packaging that the corned beef came in for any indications. These guidelines are generally accurate but, depending on your oven, may vary slightly. For further reassurance, try out one of the other two tests. |
| Thermometer | The most foolproof way of knowing your corned beef is ready is by using a thermometer (we recommend an instant-read one as these are the easiest to use). According to the USDA, corned beef is only safe to eat and free of any bacteria once it has reached an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this is the degree at which the corned beef is no longer harmful, for optimal tenderness, we recommend allowing your meat to cook until it reaches 190 degrees Fahrenheit. For the most accurate reading, make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the corned beef, as this is the part of the meat that will take the longest to heat through. |
| Fork Test | A final indication that your corned beef is done is when you cut into it with a fork and are able to seamlessly slice through the meat with little effort. If this happens, it means your corned beef is nice and tender, which is precisely what we want and, what causes the meat fibers to separate so easily. |
RELATED: What To Serve With Corned Beef (14 Best Side Dishes)
How To Boil Corned Beef On The Stovetop?
The most traditional way of preparing corned beef is on the stovetop. This method is super easy but does require up to 4 hours to be complete, so make sure you plan ahead with this one.
Aside from its simplicity, boiling corned beef is a great option because of its many functions.
Not only does boiling cook the meat to tender perfection, it also helps to remove excess salt (the salt in the corned beef helps to provide flavor, but if you don’t remove some of it, it can be overbearing).
To know exactly how to boil your corned beef, check out the following table
Pro Tips
- Remember that corned beef is already extremely salty, so you don’t need to add in any extra to the pot.
- If you want to add in a spice, we recommend pickling spice.
- Veggies also aren’t a necessity, but if you’re cooking for the whole fam, why not go for the one-pot easy cleanup dish? Garlic, onions, carrots and celery go lovely with corned beef! Potatoes also complement corned beef really well and can be added to the pot 30 minutes prior to the end of the cooking time.
- The total cooking time will depend on your heat power and how large your corned beef is as well as whether or not you are cooking it with veggies.
- The general time frame is between 3-4 hours (about 1 hour per pound). We recommend keeping an eye out for it and executing the fork test: when a fork can effortlessly slide through the meat, it’s done.
- Alternatively, you can also use a thermometer. Place the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and when it reads an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done.
- When cutting the corned beef into slices, ensure you are cutting against the grain.
How To Cook Corned Beef In The Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker to prepare your corned beef is similar to boiling but even better.
If you’re an avid slow cooker user like us, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Slow cookers are great because they do all the work for you.
Simply pop the corned beef inside, set the temperature, sit back and watch the magic happen (unlike the boiling method where you have to keep watch so that nothing burns).
If you don’t have a slow cooker at home, we definitely recommend getting one. We promise, you won’t regret it.
Pro Tip
- The faster cooking time on high heat will definitely get the job done, but if you can spare some time, we recommend cooking the corned beef on low heat.
- Corned beef is a type of brisket and is best prepared “low and slow”:
- The “low” aspect refers to the temperature: briskets are best cooked at a lower heat setting.
- The slow part refers to the total cooking time: briskets cook for long periods of time so that the meat heats up slowly and stays nice and tender.
- Remember that corned beef is already extremely salty, so you don’t need to add in any extra to the slow cooker.
- If you want to add in a spice, we recommend pickling spice.
- Like with the pot, veggies aren’t a necessity, but let’s be honest- are you going to find an easier alternative to throwing in all your protein, fibers and greens into one pot that will do all the work for you?
- For a well-rounded meal, we recommend pairing the corned beef with garlic, onions, carrots and celery and potatoes.
- The total cooking time will depend on the type of slow cooker you have and how large your corned beef is as well as whether or not you are cooking it with veggies.
- We recommend keeping an eye out for it and executing the fork test: when a fork can effortlessly slide through the meat, it’s done.
- Alternatively, you can also use a thermometer. Place the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and when it reads an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done.
- When cutting the corned beef into slices, ensure you are cutting against the grain.
- If you have a crockpot at home, the same steps and rules as the slow cooker can be applied.
RELATED: 15 Corned Beef And Cabbage Recipes You Can Try Tonight
How To Cook Corned Beef In The Oven?
A less common but equally effective method of preparing corned beef is baking it in the oven.
This approach is unique in that it ensures a deliciously crispy exterior on your meat. However, baking the corned beef won’t remove that excess salt, so ensuring that you boil it beforehand is essential.
Here’s what to do
Pro Tips
- Boiling the corned beef twice is essential for getting rid of the excess salt.
- Adding foil to your corned beef will make it extra tender as it will lock in all the moisture, making it super juicy and flavorful.
- The additional 30 minutes, in the end, is critical for developing that crust on the exterior, so don’t skip out on this part!
- You can add a little brown sugar to the corned beef if you would like to add even more flavor and aid with creating that delicious crust.
- The total cooking time will depend on your oven and how large your corned beef is as well as whether or not you are cooking it with veggies.
- We recommend keeping an eye out for it and executing the fork test: when a fork can effortlessly slide through the meat, it’s done.
- Alternatively, you can also use a thermometer. Place the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and when it reads an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done.
- When cutting the corned beef into slices, ensure you are cutting against the grain.
- Add some veggies to the baking sheet for an easy 1-sheet meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Actually In Corned Beef?
Corned beef is predominantly made from beef brisket: the breast and lower chest parts of the cow.
This beef is then cured in salt brine which is what makes it so flavorful. Additional spices, such as bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seed, juniper berries, coriander seed, and whole cloves are also added.
How Do You Make Corned Beef Tender?
The key to achieving a juicy and tender slab of corned beef is all in the “low and slow” cooking process.
Cooking corned beef at low temperatures for long periods of time will make your meat extra moist, which is exactly what occurs when you cook it on either the stovetop, in a slow cooker or the oven.
Adding foil to your corned beef when cooking it in the oven will also help to increase its tenderness.
Does The Fatty Side Of Corned Beef Face Up Or Down?
The fatty side of the corned beef should always face upward, regardless of the cooking method.
How To Boil Corned Beef On The Stovetop?
Corned beef is placed in a large pot with water and veggies (if desired) and cooked for 3-4 hours.
Materials
- Corned beef
- Water
- Vegetables of your choice
Tools
- Large pot
Instructions
- Place the corned beef in a large pot
- Add enough water to the pot so that it covers the meat
- Set the stovetop to high heat
- Add in any spices or vegetables that you desire
- Allow the water to come to a boil
- Reduce the temperature so that the water comes to a simmer
- Cover the pot with a lid
- Allow the corned beef to cook for 3-4 hours, only stirring it occasionally
- When finished, remove the corned beef from the pot
- Place the meat on a cutting board and cut into slices
How To Cook Corned Beef In The Slow Cooker?
Corned beef is placed in the slow cooker on top of the veggies (if desired) and cooked for either 8-9 hours on low heat or 4.5 hours on high heat.
Materials
- Corned beef
- Water
- Vegetables of your choice
Tools
- Slow cooker
Instructions
- Retrieve your slow cooker and set the temperature to the desired heat setting (low heat will take 8-9 hours & high eating, approximately 4.5 hours)
- If adding any veggies, place these in the base of the slow cooker
- Set the corned beef on top of the veggies or directly into the slow cooker if you are preparing it by itself
- Add enough water to the slow cooker so that the meat is sufficiently submerged
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid
- Allow the corned beef to cook for 4.5 hours (high heat) or 8-9 hours (low heat)
- When finished, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker
- Place the meat on a cutting board and cut into slices
How To Cook Corned Beef In The Oven?
Corned beef is first boiled twice on the stovetop before being baked in the oven for 2 hours in foil and then an additional 30 minutes without foil, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Materials
- Corned beef
- Water
Tools
- Large pot
- Baking pan
- Foil
Instructions
- Place the corned beef in a large pot
- Add enough water to the pot so that it covers the meat
- Set the stovetop to high heat
- Allow the water to come to a boil
- Meanwhile, set the oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pour the water out of the pot and repeat the boiling process a second time
- Wrap the corned beef in foil with the fatty side facing upward and place it on a baking sheet
- Set the baking sheet in the middle of the oven and bake for 2 hours
- Remove the corned beef, take off the foil and cook it in the oven for an additional 30 minutes in the upper third section of the oven
- When finished, remove the corned beef from the oven
- Place the meat on a cutting board and cut into slices
Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.
I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!
- Top Main Differences Between Tagliatelle And Fettuccine Pasta - March 10, 2023
- The Main Differences Between Red And Green Jalapeno Peppers - March 10, 2023
- Perfect Griddle Cakes To Make Simply Delicious Recipes For The Meal - March 9, 2023