Corned beef and cabbage is a beloved Irish-American dish that is synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day. This hearty meal featuring tender, seasoned brisket paired with wedges of cabbage and potatoes is a favorite for many on March 17th But it’s also a comforting dinner you can enjoy all year round if you know where to look In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of corned beef and cabbage, the best places to eat it for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime, and tips for making it at home.
A Brief History of Corned Beef and Cabbage
While many people associate corned beef and cabbage with Ireland it’s actually an Irish-American tradition. Corned beef was not commonly eaten in Ireland until the late 19th century when it was exported from the United States. Irish immigrants living in New York City and other urban centers adopted corned beef brisket as an affordable alternative to traditional Irish bacon. Brisket, a tougher cut was cheaper than pork and could be slow-cooked with cabbage, potatoes and seasonings into a hearty meal. Over time, corned beef and cabbage became a staple for Irish Americans, especially around St. Patrick’s Day when it is still faithfully served in many communities.
The Best Restaurants for Corned Beef and Cabbage
If you don’t want to cook corned beef and cabbage yourself, going out to eat is a great option. Here are some of the top restaurants known for serving excellent versions of this classic:
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Irish pubs and taverns – Look for neighborhood Irish bars and taverns that serve corned beef and cabbage year-round or feature it as a specialty around St. Patrick’s Day. Authentic Irish pubs pride themselves on preparing traditional dishes like this well.
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Family-style restaurants – Casual family and neighborhood restaurants often have corned beef and cabbage on their menus. Check the daily specials for availability.
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Steakhouses and BBQ joints – Many steakhouses and barbecue restaurants offer corned beef brisket as a specialty item or limited-time offering. Call ahead to see if it’s on the menu.
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Cafeterias and buffets – All-you-can-eat cafeterias and buffets sometimes feature corned beef and cabbage, allowing you to load up your plate. Check the daily offerings.
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Irish festivals and events – Around St. Patrick’s Day, keep an eye out for local Irish culture festivals and events that may be serving corned beef and cabbage from food trucks and vendors.
When looking for restaurants that serve corned beef and cabbage, be sure to check recent menus and call ahead to confirm availability on a specific day. Timing your visit close to St. Patrick’s Day improves the chances of it being served.
Tips for Cooking Corned Beef and Cabbage at Home
Preparing authentic corned beef and cabbage at home is easier than you may think. Here are some tips:
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Choose the right cut of meat – Select a corned beef brisket between 3-5 pounds. Opt for a flat cut brisket over point cut for more uniform cooking.
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Look for quality seasoning – Pick a corned beef that has been cured and seasoned with quality ingredients like garlic, peppercorns, allspice berries and bay leaves. This imparts rich flavor.
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Slow cook the brisket – Cook the corned beef in a covered pot or slow cooker with water or beef broth for 2-3 hours until fork tender. Adding vegetables like onions, carrots and celery boosts flavor.
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Steam or boil the cabbage – Place halved or quartered cabbage wedges in a steamer basket, steam for 15 minutes until tender. Or boil chunks of cabbage in the corned beef cooking liquid the last 20-30 minutes.
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Don’t forget the potatoes! – Boil halved small potatoes in the corned beef cooking liquid the last 10-15 minutes until fork tender. For variety, roast or mash potatoes instead.
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Make it ahead – For convenience, you can fully cook the corned beef a day or two before serving. Simply reheat gently in the cooking liquid before assembling the dish.
With tender corned beef, sweet cabbage, and smooth potatoes, this hearty one-pot meal is sure to satisfy any time of year. Adjust seasonings to taste and add bread, beer or whiskey cocktails for the perfect Irish-American feast. Sláinte!
Top Places to Find Corned Beef and Cabbage Near Me
If you don’t want the hassle of cooking corned beef and cabbage yourself, simply search “corned beef and cabbage near me” to find restaurants in your area serving this specialty dish. Here are some of the top spots to check out based on location:
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Major cities – Head to Irish pubs and steakhouses in major hubs like New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia for excellent corned beef and cabbage.
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Coastal towns – Towns with historic Irish-American populations like Providence, Rhode Island or Savannah, Georgia often have great local restaurants for corned beef and cabbage.
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Around military bases – Restaurants near bases sometimes feature dishes like corned beef and cabbage that are popular with military families.
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College towns – Casual restaurants and pubs in college towns will often serve corned beef and cabbage as a hearty, budget-friendly meal.
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Nearby Irish festivals – If your location hosts any Irish cultural festivals, check the event schedule for food vendors selling authentic corned beef and cabbage plates.
No matter where you are, a bit of searching online, checking restaurant menus, and calling ahead can usually turn up someplace preparing this St. Patrick’s Day favorite. With an increasing interest in heritage cuisine, more chefs are even putting their own creative spin on the classic dish too.
Alternatives If You Can’t Find Corned Beef Brisket
If you strike out finding pre-made corned beef, don’t despair. There are a couple alternatives that allow you to create a similar flavor profile:
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Use pastrami – Seasoned and smoked pastrami makes an excellent stand-in for corned beef. Cook it the same way – long and slow until tender.
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Corn your own beef – Buy a fresh beef brisket and make your own corned beef by curing it for 5-7 days in a brine of salt, spices and curing salt. Then cook as usual.
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Use pork – Substitute corned pork shoulder or pork loin if you can’t find beef. It will have a slightly different flavor but still pair well with cabbage.
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Go vegetarian – For a meatless take, use seared and oven-roasted cabbage “steaks” or hard root vegetables like potatoes or turnips as the main.
While corned beef brisket may be ideal for authenticity, there are plenty of creative substitutions to give you a similar eating experience. With some flexibility and seasoning, you can whip up something special.
Satisfy Your Craving for Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a hearty, comforting meal that many look forward to on St. Patrick’s Day. But why reserve it just for March 17th? With a visit to your favorite local Irish pub, a made-from-scratch dinner, or clever beef stand-ins, you can enjoy tender brisket, sweet cabbage, and smooth potatoes any time. This Irish-American favorite is easy to find and make at home year-round if you know where to get your fix.
Potato famine immigrants picked up corned beef habit
The corned beef the Irish immigrants ate was much different from that produced in Ireland 200 years prior, the Smithsonian said.
Irish immigrants to the U.S. almost solely bought their meat from kosher Jewish butchers. The Jewish population in New York City was made up of new immigrants from eastern and central Europe who made corned beef from brisket, a kosher cut of meat from the front of the cow.
Since brisket is a tougher cut, the salting and cooking processes transformed the meat into the tender corned beef now consumed.
Why is the salted beef called ‘corned’ beef?
The British invented the term “corned beef” in the 17th century to describe the salt crystals used to cure the meat, which were the size of corn kernels.
After the Cattle Acts, salt was the main reason Ireland became the hub for corned beef. Ireland’s salt tax was lower than England’s, and the Irish could import the highest-quality salt at an inexpensive price, according to the Smithsonian.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe | St. Patricks Meal | Food Wishes
FAQ
Where are corned beef and cabbage eaten?
Over time, corned beef and cabbage became the go-to dish for Irish-American celebrations, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Does Cracker Barrel have corned beef and cabbage?
One year, the corned beef and cabbage was even served campfire style. In this case, the idea proved to be better than the reality. The meal was served along with Gulden’s spicy brown mustard for extra flavor. One of the great offshoots of the corned beef was the Cracker Barrel Reuben sandwich.
Is corned beef healthy or no?
Corned beef adds some important nutrients to your diet, but it’s still processed red meat, linked with an increased risk of health problems like heart disease …Feb 23, 2021
Do grocery stores sell corned beef year round?
‘Corning’ the beef was originally used as a preservation technique during winter months or during lent, but corned beef can be found year-round now. “It is traditionally served with cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day, but also a tasty meat for sandwiches,” Blakeslee said.