Ah, the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the juicy tenderness of a succulent chicken breast, or the mouthwatering aroma of a slow-roasted pork shoulder – there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a well-cooked piece of meat.
But as any seasoned chef will tell you, achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and safety is all about cooking meat to the correct internal temperature. Like any other meat, corned beef has to be cooked to the proper temperature in order to be both delicious and safe to eat.
What Is The Right Internal Temperature For Corned Beef?
The right internal temperature for corned beef is 145°F (62.8°C). The temperature should be taken with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It is important to note that the temperature should be taken in the center of the meat, not the edges.
How To Cook Corned Beef To The Right Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure that corned beef is cooked to the right internal temperature is to use a thermometer. However, a typical method would be to cook it at a temperature of 190°F (87.8°C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
It is also important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of corned beef will continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is important to remove the corned beef from the heat source when the thermometer reads 145°F (62.8°C). This will ensure that the corned beef is cooked to the right internal temperature.
Why Is Internal Temperature Important?
Cooking food to the right internal temperature is essential for food safety. Bacteria can cause foodborne illness when food is not cooked to the right temperature.
Corned Beef is particularly susceptible to foodborne illness because it can contain higher levels of bacteria than other meats. Therefore, it is important to ensure that corned beef is cooked to the right internal temperature in order to avoid foodborne illness.
When Cooking Corned Beef, It Is Important To Keep The Following Tips In Mind:
1. To make the corned beef more tender, soak it in cold water for at least 3 hours before cooking.
2. Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 3-4 hours.
3. You can also cook the corned beef in a slow cooker. Simply place the beef in the slow cooker and add enough water to cover it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Add flavor to the corned beef by adding aromatics such as onion, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves to the pot of water.
5. To add even more flavor, you can also brown the beef before cooking. Simply heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it’s browned, then transfer it to the pot of water or slow cooker.
6. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot or slow cooker and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain. Serve with the cooking liquid, mustard, and pickles.
Corned Beef Recipes
Recipe 1. Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients
1 lb. carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lb. red potatoes, chopped
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 head of cabbage, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 cup beef broth
1 (12 oz) can of beer
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried mustard
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 (3 lb) corned beef brisket
Instructions
1) Add all ingredients except for the corned beef to the slow cooker. Stir well.
2) Place the corned beef on top of the vegetables, fat side up.
3) Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the corned beef is very tender.
4) Remove the corned beef to a cutting board and thinly slice the meat against the grain.
5) Serve the corned beef slices with the cooked vegetables.
Corned Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce
1 (3 lb) corned beef brisket
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 onion, peeled and quartered
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 (12 oz) can of beer
8-10 whole grain hamburger buns
Horseradish Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions
1) In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the corned beef brisket, beef broth, water, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaf, and black peppercorns.
2) Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the corned beef is very tender.
3) Remove the corned beef to a cutting board and thinly slice the meat against the grain.
4) Spread horseradish sauce on the hamburger buns and top with sliced corned beef.
Recipe 2. Horseradish Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup prepared horseradish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1) In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until smooth.
2) Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Sources
1. Grobbel’s Gourmet. (n.d.-b). https://www.grobbel.com/corned-beef-cooking-guide/
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