Where to Buy Sliced Corned Beef

Corned beef is a popular deli meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic Reuben sandwiches to hashes. While you can find corned beef in some grocery stores getting high-quality sliced corned beef requires going to a specialty store or butcher shop. Here is an overview of the best places to buy sliced corned beef and what to look for when purchasing it.

Delis and Specialty Food Stores

One of the best places to find sliced corned beef is your local deli counter or specialty food store. These stores typically have skilled meat cutters and butchers who can slice the corned beef fresh while you wait. This ensures you get the freshest, highest quality sliced corned beef.

Some popular deli chains and specialty food stores where you can often find great sliced corned beef include:

• Whole Foods – Many Whole Foods stores have an excellent deli counter with high-end meats. Check the prepared foods section.

• Wegmans – Similar to Whole Foods, Wegmans is known for its large selection of fresh meats and cheeses. The deli counter will have corned beef.

• DiBella’s – This sub shop chain is known for high quality meats. You can get sliced corned beef for sandwiches.

• Tony Luke’s – A popular Philadelphia-based sandwich chain featuring classic deli meats.

• Molinaro’s – This specialty Italian deli chain in New York and New Jersey has excellent corned beef.

• Zabar’s – An iconic gourmet food market in New York City with a large deli selection.

The advantage of getting your corned beef from these types of stores is that you know it will be freshly sliced and high quality. The downside is that the per pound cost may be higher than at a standard grocery store. However, you are paying for superior taste and freshness.

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

Along with delis, old-fashioned butcher shops and meat markets are a terrific place to find sliced corned beef. These stores take pride in their meat cutting skills. They can slice the corned beef to your preferred thickness.

Some regional and local butcher shops to check out include:

• Esposito’s Meat Market (New York City metro area)
• Penzeys Spices (nationwide chain of spice shops with some butcher counters)
• Honeycutt’s Prime Meat Market (Texas)
• McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores (Denver, CO area)
• Boar’s Head Brand Delicatessen Meats (available at many delis nationwide)
• Siesel’s Meats (San Diego, CA area)

The advantage of getting corned beef from a butcher over a standard grocery store is that you know the quality is top-notch. Butcher shops are also a good spot to find grass-fed or organic corned beef if that is important to you. The main downside is butcher shops may have a more limited selection compared to large supermarkets.

Grocery Store Deli Counters

For easy one-stop shopping, the deli counter at your local supermarket can be a convenient place to buy sliced corned beef. While the quality may not be quite as high as a specialty store, grocery store delis can still have good quality meats.

Some grocery store chains recognized for their in-store deli selections include:

• Kroger – Large selection of Boar’s Head and other name brand meats.

• Albertsons – Look for the Signature Cafe deli counter inside most locations.

• Safeway – Many Safeway stores have a “Murray’s Cheese Shop” with deli meats.

• Publix – Known for its fresh subs, Publix delis have quality Boar’s Head meats.

• Hy-Vee – Midwestern chain with a Market Grille deli.

• Stop & Shop – Northeast chain with a wide range of deli products.

• Giant Eagle – Major grocery chain in the Midwest and Northeast with full delis.

The main advantage of grocery store deli counters is convenience, as well as lower prices compared to specialty shops. Just be aware that the sliced meats may not always be freshly sliced like at a dedicated deli.

Buying Corned Beef Brisket and Slicing at Home

For the freshest sliced corned beef possible, some people prefer to buy a whole corned beef brisket and slice it themselves at home. This allows you to control the thickness and portioning. It also saves money compared to buying pre-sliced corned beef.

To go this route, look for corned beef briskets at warehouse club stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, which often sell them around holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. You can also find briskets at many grocery store meat counters. Choose a brisket between 3-5 pounds to serve 4-6 people.

Place the brisket in a slow cooker with seasoning and cooking liquid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork tender. After cooking, transfer the brisket to a cutting board and slice across the grain as thick or thin as preferred. Use the freshly sliced corned beef right away for sandwiches and other recipes. Freeze any leftover portions.

The main advantage here is getting the freshest possible corned beef. The drawbacks are the time required for cooking and slicing yourself.

What to Look for When Buying Sliced Corned Beef

Once you find corned beef at one of the stores mentioned above, look for a few signs of quality when purchasing:

• Bright pink or red color without dry or brown spots
• Slices with clearly visible flecks of coriander and other spices
• Meat should be moist but not dripping wet
• Lean meat with minimal fatty areas
• Pleasant corned beef aroma
• For pre-packaged, check label for expiration date

Higher quality corned beef will also simply taste better when eaten! It will have a rich beefy flavor with a pleasant saltiness from the curing process. The meat should be tender and slice easily when making sandwiches.

Popular Dishes with Sliced Corned Beef

Once you have your freshly sliced corned beef, here are some amazing dishes to make with it:

• Reuben Sandwich – Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. A classic!

• Corned Beef Hash – Diced corned beef with potatoes, onions, and spices fried together. Great for breakfast.

• Corned Beef & Cabbage – Simmered cabbage wedges and boiled potatoes served with sliced corned beef. An Irish specialty.

• Deli Sandwiches – From Rachel sandwiches to triple decker clubs, corned beef adds hearty flavor.

• Omelets and Frittatas – Diced corned beef makes a stellar addition to egg dishes.

• Salads – Chilled corned beef contrasts nicely with creamy potato salad and fresh greens.

• Pizza and Flatbreads – Sliced corned beef is an unexpected and tasty topping.

So for high-quality sliced corned beef ready to make these mouthwatering dishes, check your local specialty food shops, delis, butcher counters, and grocery store deli selections. With so many stores carrying it, you’re sure to find the perfect corned beef to suit your cooking needs.