Corned beef is a beloved deli meat and centerpiece of many holiday meals like St Patrick’s Day. However, one of the most common complaints about cooking corned beef is that it seems to shrink dramatically during the cooking process Home cooks everywhere have experienced the disappointment of watching a nice sized corned beef brisket dwindle down to a fraction of its original glory. So just how much does corned beef shrink, and what causes this mysterious phenomenon? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind the shrinkage.
Understanding Why Corned Beef Shrinks
To understand corned beef shrinkage, you first need to understand how corned beef is made Corned beef starts off as a brisket or another tough, fatty cut of beef The meat is cured in a brine solution, which gives it its signature salty, pink color and unique flavor. The brine contains water, salt, spices, and preservatives. This curing process helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor.
However, the high water content of the brine contributes to shrinkage later on. Brisket is naturally about 60-70% water before brining. After curing, that moisture content increases even more. Then when the corned beef is cooked, the heat causes the proteins in the meat to tighten and contract forcing out moisture in the process. The end result is a significant reduction in size.
Factors That Impact Shrinkage
Several key factors impact how much corned beef will shrink during cooking:
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Cut of Meat – Fattier cuts like brisket shrink less than leaner cuts. The fat helps retain moisture.
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Cooking Method – Moist cooking methods like braising or simmering result in less shrinkage. Dry heat causes more moisture loss.
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Temperature – High heat increases shrinkage versus lower, slower cooking.
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Doneness Level – Well done meat shrinks more than rare or medium.
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Brining – Length of brining time impacts moisture content and subsequent shrinkage.
How Much Should You Expect Corned Beef to Shrink?
In general, expect your corned beef to lose around 15-40% of its original raw weight during cooking. However, shrinkage amounts can vary based on the factors above. Here are some estimates:
- Braising or simmering: 15-30%
- Baking: 25-40%
- Grilling or smoking: 20-35%
So for example, if you start with a 3 pound corned beef brisket, you may end up with around 2 to 2.5 pounds of cooked meat. It’s a good idea to buy about 1/3 more raw corned beef than you think you’ll need to allow for shrinkage.
Tips to Minimize Shrinkage
While some shrinkage is inevitable, you can take steps to reduce the amount of contraction during cooking:
- Choose fattier cuts of meat
- Cook at lower temperatures for longer time
- Braise or simmer instead of baking or grilling
- Cook in a covered pot to retain moisture
- Avoid overcooking beyond recommended temps
- Slice meat across the grain when serving
Should You Worry About Corned Beef Shrinkage?
While shrinkage may seem like a big problem, keep in mind that the resulting corned beef is often more tender and flavorful after cooking. So the loss in quantity is made up for in quality. With some planning and technique, you can still end up with plenty of delicious corned beef to go around. Just be sure to buy extra raw meat, and use moist cooking methods to limit moisture loss. Then savor the corned beef goodness!
So now you know why corned beef seems to disappear when cooked, and how to work around this quirky meat conundrum. With the right strategies and expectations, you can master the art of cooking corned beef and have lots of tasty meat for sandwiches, platters and more. Don’t let the shrinkage scare you away from making this wonderfully savory deli delicacy.
What cut of beef does corned beef come from?
Beef brisket is the cut used to make corned beef. A primal cut, its a large piece from the breast or lower chest of beef cattle. Brisket is a tough cut with connective tissue throughout, and a whole brisket typically weighs 10 pounds or more. When its cooked whole, its usually served as a roast or barbecued brisket. Otherwise, its cut into flat and point cuts. Many cooks are confused about which of these to buy, though theyre actually quite similar.
Is corned beef and cabbage really Irish?
Not in the most traditional sense. Its actually an American dish that originated with Irish immigrants more than a century ago. At that time, corned beef was an affordable cut of meat, and cabbage was cheap, too. A traditional Irish boiled dinner typically includes cabbage cooked with bacon, not corned beef. The bacon is not the kind were used to seeing on breakfast tables, either. The Irish variety comes from the back of the pig, rather than the belly.
If youve a hankering for corned beef this St. Patricks Day, here are some of our favorite recipes from the Free Press test kitchen archives.
Contact Susan Selasky: 313-222-6872 or [email protected]. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.
Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Corned Beef And Cabbage
FAQ
Does corned beef shrink a lot?
Corned beef shrinks so much, so figure that in when you count your guests and servings. A four pound corned beef will shrink by at least half and with the cabbage and potatoes, will serve four people. Base the amount of potatoes on the amount of people.
How much weight does corned beef lose during cooking?
When you buy corned beef, keep in mind the brisket can shrink by as much as one-third when cooked. So you will need to plan accordingly for the number of servings. For example, I bought a 3-pound package, which is weighed by the entire package. After the brisket is cooked, I had just about 1½ pounds of cooked meat.
How many people will 4 lb corned beef feed?
Each 2-5lb. package of corned beef, when cooked and trimmed, will serve 4-6 people.
Can I eat cooked corned beef while pregnant?
Pre-packed meats, such as ham and corned beef, are safe to eat when you’re pregnant.
Why does corned beef shrink?
The most significant factor is the fat content of the meat. Fattier cuts of corned beef will generally shrink less because fat tends to render less than lean meat. Additionally, the cooking method used can impact shrinkage. For example, slow cooking at a low temperature will result in less shrinkage compared to high-heat cooking methods.
How do you reduce corned beef?
Purchase a pound of corned beef, then reduce it. Using a food scale, measure the meat once more before finishing. You can see how much the corned beef can shrink while cooking from this. If you want to have a certain amount at the end, you can use this information to calculate how much corned beef you need to order.
Does corned beef lose moisture?
While some claim that modern corned beef doesn’t lose any moisture at all, others disagree. This may vary depending on the type of corned beef and the processing method used. The corned beef will typically shrink by 25 to 35 percent on average. This implies that you must always purchase more corned beef when you buy it.
How many people can a 3 pound Corned beef brisket feed?
Keep in mind that depending on the cut, corned beef will shrink by as much as one-third during cooking. A 3-pound brisket should feed four to six people if served with vegetables. What is a Serving Size of Corned Beef? On average, you should plan on serving half a pound of cooked corned beef per person.
How much corned beef should I buy per person?
The corned beef will typically shrink by 25 to 35 percent on average. This implies that you must always purchase more corned beef when you buy it. At the conclusion, there will be sufficient cooked corned beef for each person. I would advise you to purchase approximately 3/4 pound of food per person.
How do you make corned beef tender when cooked?
Instead: Begin by completely submerging the corned beef in a large pot of water. Throughout the cooking process, remove the lid to check the liquid level and, if necessary, add more water. This simple step will guarantee that the finished corned beef is incredibly tender. Why does corned beef shrink when cooked?