How to Choose the Best Corned Beef: A Friendly Buying Guide

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a flavorful, salty cured meat made from beef brisket. It’s most commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day and deli sandwiches, but it’s delicious year-round. The “corned” in its name comes from the large grains (“corns”) of salt used in the curing process. Whether you’re planning a hearty dinner or a tasty sandwich, knowing how to pick the right corned beef can make all the difference.

Types of Corned Beef: Know Your Options

Before you head to the store, it helps to understand the different types of corned beef available. Here are the main varieties you’ll find:

• Fresh (Uncooked) Corned Beef Brisket: This is raw, cured beef that needs to be cooked before eating. It’s usually sold vacuum-sealed and can be found in the meat section, especially around March.
• Canned Corned Beef: Pre-cooked, shelf-stable, and ready to eat. It’s great for quick meals and hash, but has a different texture than fresh corned beef.
• Deli-Style Corned Beef: Sliced and ready to use for sandwiches, this version is cooked and often found at the deli counter.

For most homemade recipes, fresh corned beef brisket is your best bet. Canned is convenient, while deli-style is perfect for sandwiches.

Choosing the Right Cut: Flat Cut vs. Point Cut

Corned beef brisket comes in two main cuts:

• Flat Cut: Uniform in shape, leaner, and easier to slice. It’s ideal for serving neat slices at the dinner table.
• Point Cut: Thicker, more marbled with fat, and often juicier. It’s less uniform but packed with flavor, making it great for shredding or recipes where appearance isn’t as important.

If you want nice, even slices for presentation, go for the flat cut. If flavor and tenderness are your top priorities, try the point cut.

What to Look For When Buying Corned Beef

Here are some handy tips to help you select the best corned beef brisket at the store:

• Check the Weight: Corned beef shrinks during cooking—expect it to lose about a third of its weight. Plan on buying about half a pound (8 ounces) per person if it’s the main course.
• Inspect the Packaging: Look for vacuum-sealed packs without tears or excessive liquid. The beef should be fully submerged in brine for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Examine the Color: The meat should have a deep pink or reddish hue from the curing process. Avoid grayish meat or anything with off smells.
• Read the Label: Some corned beef comes pre-seasoned with spice packets (like peppercorns, mustard seed, bay leaf). If you like extra flavor, choose one with a spice packet included.
• Consider Sodium Content: Corned beef is naturally salty, but sodium levels can vary by brand. If you’re watching your salt intake, compare labels or rinse your brisket before cooking.

Where to Buy Corned Beef

You can find corned beef at most major supermarkets, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Look in the refrigerated meat section for fresh briskets. For canned corned beef, check the canned meat aisle year-round. If you want top-quality meat, try your local butcher—they might even cure briskets in-house for superior taste and texture.

Popular Brands of Corned Beef

Some well-known brands include:

• Grobbels
• Freirich
• Omaha Steaks
• Liebman’s
• Lifeway
• Hormel (for canned corned beef)
• Libby’s (for canned corned beef)

Taste and texture can vary between brands, so don’t hesitate to try a few to find your favorite.

How Much Corned Beef Should You Buy?

Corned beef cooks down quite a bit due to moisture and fat loss. As a rule of thumb:

• Main Course: Buy about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person before cooking.
• Sandwiches or Leftovers: If you want extra for sandwiches or hash, buy a little more—up to 3/4 pound per person.

How to Store Corned Beef Before Cooking

If you’re not cooking your corned beef right away, keep it refrigerated in its original packaging until you’re ready. Fresh vacuum-sealed briskets will last up to a week in the fridge if unopened. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just be aware that freezing may affect texture slightly.

Tips for Cooking Corned Beef

The way you cook corned beef will impact its flavor and tenderness. Here are some quick tips:

• Rinse Before Cooking: Give your brisket a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess salt from the surface (unless you like it extra salty).
• Low and Slow: Simmer gently on the stovetop or cook in a slow cooker for several hours until tender. Avoid boiling too hard—it can make the meat tough.
• Add Veggies: Classic accompaniments include cabbage, carrots, and potatoes—add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
• Slicing Matters: Always slice against the grain for tender bites.

Corned Beef FAQs

Is corned beef healthy?

Corned beef is high in protein but also contains significant sodium and fat. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday food if you’re watching your diet.

Can I make my own corned beef?

Absolutely! You can cure your own brisket at home with kosher salt, pink curing salt (sodium nitrite), sugar, and spices. The process takes about a week but gives you control over flavors and sodium levels.

What’s the difference between corned beef and pastrami?

Both start with brisket and are cured with similar spices. Pastrami is typically smoked after curing and coated with black pepper and coriander, while corned beef is simply boiled or simmered without smoking.

How long does cooked corned beef last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to two months.

Why does my corned beef sometimes turn gray?

If corned beef turns gray when cooked, it may be due to lack of curing salt (sodium nitrite) or exposure to air during cooking. It’s still safe to eat but may lack the classic pink color.

The Bottom Line: Enjoying Corned Beef

Corned beef is a classic comfort food that’s easy to enjoy at home when you know what to look for at the store. Remember to choose the cut that fits your recipe, check packaging and color, plan portions carefully, and cook it low and slow for best results. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a hearty meal, these tips will help you bring home the tastiest corned beef every time!