Corned beef is a delicious and versatile cured meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. From corned beef sandwiches to corned beef and cabbage, this salty, umami-rich ingredient is a staple for many home cooks. However, with different cuts, brands, and types of corned beef available, it can be confusing to know what to look for when buying corned beef. In this article, we’ll walk through the key things to consider when purchasing corned beef so you can select the best option for your recipe.
Types of Corned Beef
There are three main types of corned beef you’ll encounter at the grocery store
Canned Corned Beef
Canned corned beef is pre-cooked and packed into cans or pouches. This is the most processed and convenient option but lacks the depth of flavor and tender texture of freshly cooked corned beef. Canned corned beef is best used for making corned beef hash.
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Deli Corned Beef
You’ll find deli corned beef presliced at the supermarket deli counter or packaged into stacks of thin slices. Like canned corned beef, deli corned beef has already been cooked and tends to be saltier and less tender compared to home-cooked It’s a good quick fix for sandwiches but not ideal for recipes where you want juicy, fork-tender beef
Frequency of “deli corned beef” in source content: 2
Raw Brined Corned Beef
This is corned beef in its most basic form – a raw cut of beef that has been brined or “corned” to preserve and flavor it. The brining process gives it the distinctive salty, pink color. Raw corned beef must be cooked before eating but provides the most authentic, restaurant-quality results. You’ll find it near the packaged fresh meats at grocery stores.
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Cuts of Corned Beef
There are two main cuts used to make corned beef:
Flat Cut
The flat cut comes from the brisket primal cut and is rectangular in shape. It’s leaner with less fat marbling. Flat cut corned beef tends to be slightly less tender than the point cut.
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Point Cut
Also from the brisket, the point cut is triangular and contains more fat. It’s juicier and more tender than the flat cut. For most recipes, the point cut is preferred, but the flat cut has a nice lean texture.
Frequency of “point cut” in source content: 2
How Much to Buy
Raw corned beef shrinks substantially when cooked – up to 1/3 of its original size. So make sure to buy more than you think you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is 1/2 to 3/4 pound of raw corned beef per person. A 3-5 pound brisket feeds 6-8 generously. Adjust amounts down for sandwiches and up for hearty portions.
Should You Rinse Corned Beef Before Cooking?
It’s generally recommended to rinse raw corned beef, especially if it wasn’t specified as “no-sodium” or “low-sodium.” Rinsing removes excess salt from the exterior and helps prevent over-salting. Pat the meat dry thoroughly after rinsing. The flavorful brine has already penetrated deep into the meat so you won’t compromise taste.
Frequency of advice to rinse corned beef in source content: 2
Tips for Selecting Corned Beef
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Look for corned beef with bright pink or mahogany red coloring without dried, brown spots.
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Raw corned beef may come with a sealed packet of pickling spices. Use these spices when cooking for fullest flavor.
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Choose corned beef that feels firm to the touch without dried or mushy patches.
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Check the ingredients for preservatives like sodium nitrite. Opt for brands with fewer artificial additives.
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Read the label to determine if it’s fully cooked. Raw corned beef requires simmering or slow cooking.
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For leaner corned beef, select the flat cut versus the fattier point cut.
How to Store Corned Beef
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Raw corned beef: Store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or freeze up to 2 months.
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Cooked corned beef: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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Canned/deli corned beef: Once opened, refrigerate and use within 5-7 days.
Best Cooking Methods
Raw corned beef requires gentle, moist cooking to become tender. Here are top cooking methods:
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Braising: Cover with liquid like beer or broth in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Cook covered at 350°F for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
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Simmering: Place in large pot, add water to cover. Simmer 3-4 hours until fork tender.
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Slow cooker: Add pickling spices, water/broth. Cook 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
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Sous vide: Vacuum seal seasoned corned beef and cook 12-36 hours at 145°F-180°F.
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Pressure cooker: Cover with broth, spices in Instant Pot. Cook 90 minutes on high pressure.
The rich, beefy flavors of homemade corned beef can’t be beat. Follow these tips for selecting the right corned beef and you’ll enjoy tender, juicy results every time. From simmering big briskets for holidays to piling corned beef high on Reubens, you’ll get the most from your ingredients. Happy corned beef cooking!
Ingredients Beef, Water, Salt, Brown Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Dextrose, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Nitrite.
* Injected up to 20 %
Description
Whether youre hosting a large gathering or running a restaurant, this corned beef is perfect for any occasion. It is available in a case, making it convenient for bulk purchases, or in smaller packs for personal use, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicacy anytime.
This beloved specialty is ready to be enjoyed all year long, no longer limited to St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Indulge in the rich flavors and tender texture that make our Premium Corned Beef a staple in any kitchen.
Sold individually (3lb) or by the case (Approx. 30 lbs.)
*Individually packaged within the case for freshness and convenience.
How to Cook Store Bought Corned Beef for Dinner | 3 Minutes! 2025
FAQ
What is the best type of corned beef to buy?
The flat cut is the preferred cut for corned beef, but the whole brisket is used often as well.Feb 9, 2021
Where is corned beef in the grocery store?
Look in the meat section of the grocery store for ready-to-cook corned beef. You’ll find it packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag in brine, weighing an average of three to five pounds. Ready-to-cook corned beef can be cooked exactly the same as one that was cured at home.
Is corned beef from a grocery store already cooked?
There’s canned beef, sliced pre-cooked beef from the deli counter, and brined beef in the butcher section, and they all claim to be corned beef. While each has its purpose, Cohen told us in an exclusive interview that the brined (but uncooked) corned beef is what you should reach for to use in recipes.
Where can I buy corned beef?
There are a few stores where you can buy corned beef. I would recommend Costco, as they have a great selection and reasonable prices. Sam’s Club is another option with a good selection and reasonable prices. Walmart is also a viable choice.
Can you cook more corned beef at home?
If you’re looking to cook more corned beef at home, you might be struggling to decipher what type you should use. There’s canned beef, sliced pre-cooked beef from the deli counter, and brined beef in the butcher section, and they all claim to be corned beef.
Should I buy corned beef pre-brined?
Purchasing it pre-brined is more convenient, but there aren’t many options available in terms of seasoning and size. How much to buy: While our golden rule is eight ounces (or a half-pound) of meat per person, corned beef is an exception, since this cut will significantly cook down.
What is corned beef?
Corned beef is a beef product that is produced by curing and preserving beef with nitrite. It is typically made from less tender cuts of beef, such as the brisket, and is cooked by boiling. Corned beef is a traditional dish in many cultures and is often served with cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables.
What does corned beef taste like?
The “corning” is what gives corned beef its unique, briny taste, infusing the beef with a salty, sour, spiced flavor. If you’re planning to cook corned beef, you have two options for buying the meat. You can buy a ready-to-cook corned beef that’s already cured, or you can buy a beef brisket and cure the meat yourself.
How much is a pound of corned beef?
The Morton’s of Omaha corned beef is available for delivery via Instacart for $7.59 per pound. As with most meats, like turkey, we recommend buying ½ lb. per person. However, your intended cooking method also influences how much corned beef you should buy. Corned beef tends to shrink by as much as one-third.