Corned beef broth is the delicious salty liquid left behind after cooking corned beef. While the meat itself often gets all the glory the broth is too tasty to simply throw away. At my home, we cook corned beef for celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day and always end up with leftover broth. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered many savory ways to use up this beefy elixir.
First, let’s go over exactly what corned beef broth is. Corned beef is brisket that has been cured in a salty brine solution. This curing liquid infuses the meat with flavor and preserves it. Corned beef broth is the strained liquid left after simmering the cured brisket. It contains the spices and seasonings from the brine like garlic, peppercorns, coriander, and bay leaves. This gives the broth a bold, peppery taste.
The main drawback of corned beef broth is its saltiness The curing process makes it high in sodium But with a few tweaks, this umami rich broth can be transformed into all sorts of appetizing dishes.
Helpful Tips for Using Leftover Broth
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when cooking with corned beef broth
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Dilute the broth – Cut the overpowering saltiness by diluting with water or unsalted beef broth. Start with a 1:1 ratio of corned beef broth to diluting liquid. Adjust to taste.
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Simmer uncovered – Boiling the broth uncovered helps reduce excess saltiness by allowing some evaporation.
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Skim the fat – For a healthier broth, skim and discard the layer of fat that accumulates on the top after chilling.
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Freeze for later – Store leftover broth in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Satisfying Soups and Stews
Richly flavored corned beef broth shines in hearty soups and stews. The umami taste punches up textures like beans, grains and root vegetables. Here are some soup recipes to try:
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Bean and Barley Stew – Combine broth with barley, lima beans, carrots, potatoes and cabbage for a cozy, comforting meal.
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Minestrone – Use broth as the base for this classic Italian soup with tomatoes, zucchini, spinach and white beans.
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Corn and Potato Chowder – Puree corn, diced potato and corned beef broth for a smoothing chowder. Garnish with fresh chives.
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Beef Vegetable Soup – Sauté carrots, celery, onion and garlic in olive oil. Add broth, tomatoes, pasta and beef for a robust soup.
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Red Lentil Dal – Simmer red lentils in diluted broth with tomatoes and Indian spices for a cozy vegetarian soup.
Level Up Leftover Grains and Beans
The savory notes of corned beef broth can transform bland grains or beans into richly satisfying sides. Here are some ideas:
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Make a pilaf by cooking rice, quinoa or bulgur in a mixture of diluted broth and water.
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Braise chickpeas in broth with tomatoes, garlic and cumin for a flavor-packed side dish.
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Cook barley or farro risotto-style in broth, stirring often until creamy. Finish with parsley and Parmesan.
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Instead of water, use broth to cook polenta, farro or steel-cut oats for breakfast.
Braising Beef and Vegetables
Corned beef broth adds profound flavor when braising roasts or tougher vegetables cuts. Try making:
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Pot Roast – Brown chuck roast then braise in broth with potatoes and carrots until tender.
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Short Ribs – Braise boneless beef short ribs and parsnips in diluted broth until fork tender.
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Corned Beef Brisket – For round two, braise another brisket in broth, beer or cider for fall-off-the-bone meat.
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Root Vegetables – Braise halved Brussels sprouts, cubed sweet potatoes or sliced beets in broth for a savory side.
Boost Flavor in Sauces and Gravies
A splash of corned beef broth can add meaty richness to pan sauces, gravies and condiments:
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Whisk some into the classic French sauce Bordelaise made with red wine, butter and shallots.
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Use it as the liquid when making beef gravy from pan drippings for the perfect match with roast beef.
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Blend it into ketchup or steak sauce for a from-scratch flavor boost.
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Stir a spoonful into au jus or jus lié to serve with french dip sandwiches.
Satisfying Leftover Broth Recipes
With its dynamic savory taste, leftover corned beef broth is too delicious to waste. With a few simple preparation tips, it can elevate soups, grains, braised meats and more. I hope these creative ideas inspire you to make the most of this beefy byproduct next time you cook up a corned beef brisket.
Corned Beef Hash Soup
You only need 30 minutes to make this hearty meat and potatoes soup. Its filling enough for dinner throughout the week, especially when served with crusty bread.
Get the Corned Beef Hash Soup recipe at Kitchen Sanctuary.
CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE SOUP?! Let your leftovers work for you!!
FAQ
What to do with liquid after cooking corned beef reddit?
Every time I make corned beef I boil potatoes in the leftover liquid and then strain that and make gravy (make sure to taste, it can get real salty). You can mash the potatoes or fry ’em up and do like a poutine with the gravy and cheese.
How to dispose of corned beef water?
Pour it into a mason jar or something & put it in the fridge. Tomorrow you can pull the hardened fat off & toss it in the trash & then pour the fat free liquid down the drain. This is what I’ve done for years.
How long does leftover beef broth last in the fridge?
Provided you store your beef broth in a container with an air-tight covering, you can expect homemade beef broth to last around 3 days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. If you are saving store bought broth, it will likely last 4 days as it has extra preservatives meant to extend its shelf life.
How long can you keep leftover corned beef in the fridge?
How Long Does Corned Beef Last? Corned beef will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that it’s best to transfer it to the freezer where you can store it for 3-4 months. This is a great way to prep ahead of time for parties and holidays, especially when you’re making leftover recipes like these.
Can I use leftover corned beef broth in a soup?
Can I use the leftover broth from corned beef and cabbage in a soup the next day? Sent by Jane Editor: Jane, yes — you may have to add a little more water or stock if the broth is very salty, but it will make a delicious soup. Here are a few more ideas for reusing leftover corned beef braising liquid: → What Can I Do With Leftover Braising Liquid?
Can you use leftover corned beef braising liquid?
Editor: Jane, yes — you may have to add a little more water or stock if the broth is very salty, but it will make a delicious soup. Here are a few more ideas for reusing leftover corned beef braising liquid: → What Can I Do With Leftover Braising Liquid? Readers, what do you do with the leftover broth from a corned beef and cabbage dinner?
Why should you repurpose leftover corned beef broth?
Leftover corned beef broth can elevate the flavors of soups and stews. Moreover, the broth can serve as a versatile cooking liquid for various recipes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dishes. Overall, repurposing leftover corned beef broth is a practical and flavorful way to reduce food waste and elevate your cooking.
What can I make with leftover corned beef?
Here are some ideas for using leftover corned beef: Toss chopped corned beef with cooked pasta, veggies, and a creamy sauce like Alfredo or a simple garlic butter sauce. You can also try making Corned Beef Shepherd’s Pie. These recipes make for a quick and comforting dinner that takes little time to prepare.
How do you eat corned beef broth?
The easiest way to do this is with a soup or pasta dish. Corned beef broth in old-fashioned cabbage soup increases the richness and gives all those sweet veggies a deeper flavor. Corned beef broth can also be turned into a quick batch of creamy beef pasta. Heat up some ground beef while simmering pasta in the broth and water.
What can you do with leftover beef broth?
Adding water helps to reduce salinity, but you can also opt for unsalted beef broth. Leftover broth can be used to enhance dishes with a beefy, spiced flavor. The easiest way to do this is with a soup or pasta dish. Corned beef broth in old-fashioned cabbage soup increases the richness and gives all those sweet veggies a deeper flavor.