Are you looking for How To Cut Corned Beef? Its juicy, savory flavor makes it an easy crowd pleaser, and with the right technique, you can quickly learn how to cut this delicious protein like a pro.
In this post, we’ll provide helpful instructions on how to master the art of corned beef cutting so that you can enjoy meals packed with variety and delectable flavors. Read on to learn all about the best practices for slicing and preparing succulent slices of corned beef!
How to cut corned beef?
Corned beef is a traditional Irish dish that is cooked in a salt brine. The brine helps preserve the meat and adds flavor to it. Corned beef can be cooked in a variety of ways, but this article will focus on how to cut corned beef for cooking.
The first step in preparing corned beef is to remove any excess fat from the outside of the meat. You can do this by trimming off any extra fat with a sharp knife, or by using a machine designed for trimming meat.
Next, you need to rinse the meat under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
After you’ve removed as much fat as possible from your corned beef and rinsed it under cold water, you’re ready for cooking! To prepare your corned beef for cooking, first, place it on a cutting board so that one end points toward you (this will make it easier to work with). Then cut off any excess fat along the edge of the meat.
Once all excess fat has been removed from both sides of the meat, slice through it horizontally at least halfway through, making sure not to cut all the way through so that there are still two pieces attached at one end (don’t worry if some pieces break off; these can be added back on later).
After you have cut the corned beef into two halves, lay one-half flat and begin slicing through it in parallel lines. Make sure that your knife is sharp so that you get even slices.
If you find yourself having difficulty cutting through the thicker areas of the meat, turn over the piece and try slicing from a different angle. Once all of your slices are complete, separate them from each other and enjoy!
3 popular knives to cut corned beef
How to Cook Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a cut of beef that has been cured with salt, spices, and other ingredients. It is typically braised or boiled in water for several hours, but it can also be cooked with other ingredients such as cabbage and potatoes. The meat should be cooked slowly to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the corned beef by removing any packaging that is still attached to the meat. Rinse off any excess salt from the surface of the meat under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot but not smoking then add onions and garlic cloves; saute until soft but not browned (about 2 minutes). Stir in flour until lightly colored (about 2 minutes) then gradually add broth while whisking constantly until smooth; bring to boil while stirring constantly then reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes stirring occasionally until thickened slightly (if too thick add more broth). Remove from heat; set aside while preparing other ingredients if needed later on during cooking time (if desired).
- Place corned beef in a large pot and cover with water; bring to boil then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for 2-3 hours or until tender.
- Add vegetables to the pot; cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve corned beef with cooked vegetables, potatoes, or any other side dish of your choice (e.g., mashed potatoes). Enjoy!
Common Corned Beef Mistakes To Avoid
Corned beef is an iconic Irish-American dish that’s beloved around the world. But it can be tricky to make and there are many mistakes that can easily ruin a delicious pot of corned beef. Here are five common problems novice cooks often make, along with tips on how to avoid them:
- Not using enough water in the pot: It’s important not to skimp on the water when cooking corned beef, it needs plenty for the meat to cook slowly and evenly. Make sure you use at least 4-5 cups of liquid per pound of meat, more if you’re using a larger cut or adding vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
- Not cooking the meat long enough: Corned beef should be cooked at a low temperature for several hours in order to properly tenderize the meat. Depending on the size of the cut, it can take up to 8 hours or more for it to be fully cooked and tender.
- Not rinsing the meat before cooking: Before you put it into the pot, make sure you rinse off your corned beef brisket under cold running water. This will help remove any excess salt from the brine solution and ensure a better-tasting finished product.
- Cutting your meat in the wrong way: An important part of achieving an evenly-cooked, juicy cut of corned beef is slicing it correctly after cooking. If you slice against the grain, you’ll get smaller, more tender pieces; however, if you slice with the grain, your meat will be tougher and chewier.
- Cooking it at a high temperature: If you’re cooking corned beef in an oven or slow cooker on a higher temperature setting, keep in mind that fast cooking can make the meat tough and dry. A low-and-slow approach is key to making juicy, flavorful corned beef.
- Not seasoning it enough: Corned beef can be a bit bland, so make sure you give it some extra flavor with herbs and spices. Common additions include garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and juniper berries.
- Not letting it rest before slicing: After cooking your corned beef for several hours, let the meat rest for about 20 minutes before slicing or shredding it. This will allow any residual heat to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier slices with better texture.
FAQs
Does corned beef need to rest before slicing?
Yes, it is important to let the corned beef rest before slicing. This will allow the juices in the beef to redistribute throughout and give you a much more flavorful and juicy result! Give your corned beef at least 10-15 minutes of resting time before cutting or serving.
Should corned beef rest cover or uncovered?
Corned beef should be rested uncovered. Covering it with foil or plastic wrap while resting can cause condensation to form, which will make the meat soggy. Letting the corned beef rest uncovered allows moisture in the meat to evaporate, creating a succulent and juicy texture when served.
You can loosely cover the corned beef with parchment paper if you need to keep it warm during its resting period. Once the resting time is up, uncover the corned beef before slicing and serving it.
At what temperature is corned beef the most tender?
The optimal temperature for cooking corned beef is 190°F. At this temperature, the fat and connective tissue break down, making the beef more tender. If cooked too long or at a high temperature, corned beef can become tough and chewy. To ensure optimal results, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before serving.
Additionally, you can add some liquid such as water or broth to help keep the meat moist while it cooks. Cooking corned beef in a slow cooker is an excellent way to guarantee that it will be tender when finished. The low heat of the slow cooker helps to slowly break down the fibers in the beef for maximum tenderness.
Conclusion
Learning how to cut corned beef can be a time-saving skill in the kitchen. With this guide, you’ll be able to confidently tackle this culinary task and impress your guests with your knife skills.
So next time you have a hankering for some corned beef, don’t hesitate to try out these techniques yourself. And if you’re looking for other meal ideas, check out our blog for more recipes and cooking tips.