What Brand of Corned Beef is Best? A Taste Test Guide

Ah, corned beef! This beloved dish holds a special place in many hearts and on countless dinner tables, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re craving a hearty Reuben sandwich, a comforting corned beef hash, or a classic boiled dinner with cabbage, the quality of your corned beef makes all the difference. But with so many options, from convenient cans to fresh briskets, how do you choose the best brand?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the delicious world of corned beef. We’ll explore top contenders, delve into the differences between canned and fresh varieties, and share essential tips to ensure your next corned beef meal is a triumph.

Canned Corned Beef Showdown: Libby’s vs. Hormel

Canned corned beef is a pantry hero for its incredible convenience and long shelf life. Perfect for quick meals, it’s typically made from beef brisket, cured, cooked, and then shredded or chopped. It offers a distinct savory and salty flavor profile.

Libby’s Corned Beef: The Classic Choice

When you think of canned corned beef, Libby’s often comes to mind first. It’s arguably the most popular and widely recognized brand, known for its consistent quality and classic flavor.

• Flavor Profile: Distinctly salty and robust beef flavor, well-seasoned.
• Texture: Slightly crumbly yet tender, easy to break apart. Browns beautifully for crispness.
• Ingredients: Beef, beef broth, salt, and sodium nitrite.
• Best Uses: Fantastic for traditional corned beef hash, quick sandwiches, or adding to casseroles.

Many consider Libby’s the gold standard for canned corned beef, appreciating its nostalgic taste and versatility.

Hormel Corned Beef: A Strong Contender

Hormel is another dominant force in the canned corned beef aisle, offering a reliable and tasty option.

• Flavor Profile: Savory and salty beef taste, satisfying. Some find it slightly less intensely seasoned than Libby’s.
• Texture: Often described as smooth and finely shredded, easy to incorporate. Also crisps up nicely when browned.
• Ingredients: Cooked beef, salt, and sodium nitrite.
• Best Uses: Shines in hash, great for quick snacks, or adding to scrambled eggs.

Both Libby’s and Hormel provide excellent quality for canned corned beef. Your preference might come down to subtle differences in texture or seasoning, but you can’t go wrong with either for your favorite recipes.

Beyond the Can: Exploring Fresh Corned Beef

While canned corned beef offers unparalleled convenience, nothing quite compares to the rich, tender experience of freshly cooked corned beef brisket. This is the star of many St. Patrick’s Day feasts and deli-style Reuben sandwiches.

Fresh corned beef is typically a beef brisket cut cured in a salty brine, often with a mix of spices. It comes uncooked and requires a longer cooking time, but the reward is incredibly tender, flavorful meat.

Choosing Your Cut: Flat vs. Point

When buying fresh corned beef, you’ll generally find two main cuts:

• Flat Cut (“First Cut”): Leaner, uniform thickness, ideal for slicing. Perfect for traditional dinners or sandwiches.
• Point Cut (“Second Cut”): Fattier, more connective tissue, incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Fantastic for shredding or hearty stews.

Premium Deli and Supermarket Brands for Fresh Corned Beef

For fresh corned beef, you’ll often find excellent options from reputable deli brands and quality supermarket private labels:

• Boar’s Head: Widely regarded for premium quality deli meats, Boar’s Head offers excellent corned beef, known for consistent flavor and tender texture.
• Coleman Natural: A fantastic choice for natural, uncured options, often free from artificial ingredients, providing a cleaner, high-quality flavor.
• Supermarket Private Labels: Don’t overlook your local grocery store’s own brands! Stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods (365 brand), and Safeway often carry high-quality, pre-brined briskets, especially around holidays. These can be excellent value.

When choosing fresh corned beef, always check for a nice pink color and firm texture. A spice packet is a bonus for authentic flavor!

Smart Shopping & Storage Tips for Canned Corned Beef

To get the best from your canned corned beef, remember these tips:

• Check the Can: Inspect for dents, bulges, or leaks.
• Expiration Date: Canned corned beef has a long shelf life, but always check the “best by” date.
• Pantry Perfect: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Cooking Up a Storm: Best Practices for Canned Corned Beef

Canned corned beef is incredibly versatile! Here’s how to make it shine:

• Brown It Up: For hash or pan-fried dishes, browning creates a wonderfully crispy texture and enhances savory flavor.
• Add Aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers can significantly elevate the dish.
• Spice it Right: Add a pinch of black pepper, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or paprika to customize the taste.
• Versatile Dishes: Use in sandwiches (grilled cheese with corned beef is amazing!), casseroles, or mixed into scrambled eggs.

Mastering Fresh Corned Beef: From Brine to Plate

Cooking fresh corned beef brisket is a rewarding culinary experience. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Rinse and Soak: Rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt. For less saltiness, soak in fresh cold water for 30-60 minutes, changing water once or twice.
• Don’t Forget the Spices: Most briskets come with a spice packet (peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, allspice). Add these to your cooking liquid for classic flavor.
• Choose Your Method:
  • Boiling: Place brisket in a large pot, cover with water (or broth), add spices, and simmer gently until fork-tender.
  • Slow Cooker: Cook brisket, water/broth, and spices on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender results.
  • Oven Baking: Bake wrapped in foil with liquid at a low temperature for several hours.
• Cook to Tenderness: Cook until incredibly tender (2.5 to 3.5 hours for a 3-5 pound brisket is a good rule of thumb).
• Rest Before Slicing: Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This redistributes juices for a more tender, flavorful slice.
• Classic Pairings: Serve with boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots for a traditional meal.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Best Corned Beef

Ultimately, the “best” brand of corned beef depends on your personal preference and what you’re cooking. For quick, convenient, and reliably delicious results, Libby’s and Hormel canned corned beef are stellar choices, perfect for hash or sandwiches.

If you have more time for a show-stopping meal, a fresh corned beef brisket from brands like Boar’s Head, Coleman Natural, or a quality supermarket label will deliver an unforgettable experience. Experiment with different brands and cooking methods to discover your ultimate corned beef favorite. Happy cooking!