Where to Buy Corned Beef Brisket Near Me

Corned beef brisket is a delicious cut of beef that has been cured and seasoned. It’s often associated with Irish and Jewish cuisine, especially around St Patrick’s Day when many families cook corned beef and cabbage Even if you don’t have Irish heritage, you can still enjoy this savory, tender meat. The good news is that corned beef brisket is easy to find at stores near you. Here’s a guide on where to buy corned beef brisket and how to choose the best one.

What is Corned Beef Brisket?

Corned beef gets its name from the curing process that uses large grains of rock salt, which were historically called “corns” of salt. The term corned beef comes from that process, even though there’s no actual corn in it.

To make corned beef, beef briskets are cured in a salt brine solution for anywhere from 3-14 days. This both preserves the meat and infuses it with flavor. Spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, and mustard seeds are also commonly added to the curing brine.

After curing, the corned beef is ready to be cooked. It’s most often simmered or slow cooked until tender, which can take 2-4 hours. The low, slow cooking helps break down the connective tissues in the brisket.

Why Buy Corned Beef Brisket?

There are a few reasons why corned beef brisket is a great choice

• Flavor – The curing process gives corned beef a distinctively salty, savory flavor. Spices add extra depth.

• Tenderness – Slow cooking transforms the sometimes tough brisket into fork-tender meat.

• Convenience – You can buy pre-brined and seasoned corned beef so the prep work is already done.

• Versatility – Corned beef can be the basis for many meals beyond just corned beef and cabbage. Try it in sandwiches, hash, soups, eggs, and more.

Where to Buy Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef brisket is widely available at many grocery stores and markets. Here are some of the best places to buy it:

Grocery Store Chains

Most major grocery chains will carry corned beef brisket in the meat department:

• Kroger – Kroger’s store brand corned beef flat cut brisket comes pre-seasoned and ready to cook.

• Publix – Publix deli counters sell high-quality corned beef by the pound.

• Safeway – Look for corned beef at Safeway, including flats and points.

• Albertsons – Corned beef brisket is stocked around St. Patrick’s Day.

• HEB – Texas-based HEB has butcher shop corned beef.

• Wegmans – Wegmans offers corned beef brisket packs with seasonings.

• WinCo – WinCo has house-made and branded vacuum-packed corned beef.

• Food Lion – Check Food Lion for corned beef around March.

Warehouse Stores

Bulk shopping stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are great places to buy large packages of corned beef brisket:

• Costco – Costco usually stocks corned beef flats and whole briskets in 2-4 pound packages.

• Sam’s Club – Member’s Mark corned beef comes pre-brined and pre-cooked.

• BJ’s – BJ’s carries corned beef brisket near St. Patrick’s Day.

Natural Food Stores

Stores focused on natural and organic products also sell corned beef:

• Whole Foods – Whole Foods has uncured corned beef brisket with a spice packet.

• Sprouts – Check Sprouts meat counters for corned beef around March.

• Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s stocks corned beef brisket seasoned with spices.

Discount Stores

You can often find great deals on corned beef brisket at discount grocery chains:

• Aldi – Aldi has Cattlemen’s Ranch corned beef flats for a budget price.

• Lidl – Lidl stocks Willy’s corned beef around St. Patrick’s Day.

• Save A Lot – Save A Lot sells corn beef brisket at discount prices.

• Grocery Outlet – Grocery Outlet gets major brands of corned beef when in stock.

Online Stores and Delivery

Another convenient option is to buy corned beef brisket online and have it delivered:

• Instacart – Order corned beef for same-day delivery from local stores via Instacart.

• Amazon Fresh – Amazon Fresh includes corned beef options with free delivery for Prime members.

• Walmart – Walmart Grocery haspickup and delivery for Marketside corned beef.

• Peapod – Shop Peapod’s selection of corned beef for home delivery.

• FreshDirect – Get FreshDirect corned beef delivered if you live in their Northeast service region.

Direct from Meat Markets

For specialty corned beef, buy directly from a local butcher shop or meat market:

• The Corned Beef Factory – This company sells mail order corned beef online.

• McBride’s Steakhouse – McBride’s ships authentic Irish corned beef nationwide.

• Schaller’s Stube – This German meat market in New York makes high-quality corned beef.

• Kowalski’s Markets – Check the butcher counter at this Midwest meat market chain.

• Le District – This French marketplace in New York offers gourmet corned beef.

What to Look for When Buying Corned Beef

Keep these tips in mind when selecting your corned beef brisket:

• Size – Pick a size that fits your needs. Briskets often come in 2-5 pound pieces.

• Fat cap – Look for a thick fat cap on top to keep the meat moist during cooking.

• Color – Opt for bright pink or red color without dried or brown spots.

• Expiration date – Check the use-by date and plan to cook before then.

• Ingredients – Check if it’s pre-brined or if you’ll need to cure it yourself.

• Certified Angus beef – Thissignals high qualitybrisket.

• Price – Compare cost per pound to find the best value. Allow about 1/2 pound per person.

Tips for Cooking Corned Beef Brisket

Once you’ve selected your brisket, follow these tips for cooking success:

• Rinse – Rinse off the brine before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.

• Trim -Trim off any hardened fat edges or large lumps of fat.

• Slow cook – Braise on the stovetop or cook low and slow in the oven.

• Add liquid – Keep the meat covered in water, beer, broth or juice while cooking.

• Use spices – Try pickling spices, bay leaves, onions, garlic, peppercorns.

• Check doneness – Use a meat thermometer and cook until 195°F – 205°F for maximum tenderness.

• Rest – Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

• Slice thin – Cut across the grain in thin slices for the most tender bites.

• Make leftovers – Use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, salads, nachos and more!

Make a Delicious Meal

Now that you know where to buy corned beef brisket and how to cook it, try these delicious meal ideas:

• Classic corned beef and cabbage
• Reuben sandwich with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing
• Eggs Benedict with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce
• Hash with potatoes, onions, peppers and eggs
• Shepherd’s pie with corned beef instead of lamb
• Tacos with fried potatoes, cabbage slaw and corned beef
• Pizza with corned beef, sauerkraut and mustard

With so many stores selling corned beef brisket, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your St. Patrick’s Day feast or anytime you’re craving this uniquely flavored cut of meat. Use this guide to get the best quality brisket and cook up a mouthwatering meal. Sláinte!