Corned beef is a classic Aussie comfort food that has been bringing families together for generations. Whether you remember it from Sunday dinners or you’re trying it for the first time, this flavourful dish is easy to make. If you’re craving a taste of childhood, you can recreate those memories with delicious home-cooked corned beef.
What is corned beef?
Corned beef is a beef cut that has been cured in a seasoned salt brine before cooking. In Australia, the most common cut used is corned silverside, but brisket can also be used. The curing process is what gives the meat its distinctive flavour and keeps it tender during cooking.
Traditionally, corned beef is gently simmered until it is soft enough to slice easily. It’s a classic choice for family dinners since it can be served with sauces and vegetables. You can combine corned beef with your favourite Australian recipes.
What you need to cook corned beef
A delicious corned beef recipe starts with choosing ingredients and understanding how to use them. Flavouring the cooking liquid well is the key to a great dish.
The cut (silverside or brisket)
Corned silverside is the traditional choice for boiled corned beef. The silverside is a lean cut taken from the hind leg of a cow and is known to become tender when cooked slowly. Another good option is the brisket. However, it has more fat and connective tissue, which gives you a richer flavour and softer texture, but may take longer to cook.
When deciding to cook between the two:
- Corned silverside: Leaner, slices neatly and delivers the classic corned beef experience that many Australians grew up with.
- Corned brisket: Slightly richer in flavour due to the high fat content, giving you an indulgent dish similar to onion gravy beef brisket & mash.
If you want something that you can prepare for a family dinner, go with silverside since it pairs with most traditional vegetables. For more information on preparing this cut, explore how to cook silverside beef for guidance on achieving tender results.
The poaching liquid and aromatics
Unlike roasting, corned beef develops its flavour and texture through gentle poaching. The cooking liquid balances the salty, cured taste without overpowering it.
The poaching liquid typically includes water, brown sugar, vinegar, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves and peppercorns. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavour. For instance, onions and celery give it savoury depth, carrots contribute natural sweetness, while bay leaves and peppercorns provide gentle aromatic notes. The brown sugar balances the saltiness of the cured beef.
Tip: Do not add salt, and ensure the beef has enough liquid for even cooking.
How to cook corned beef: step by step
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook corned beef, the process is straightforward. The secret is patience since it requires slow cooking, which ensures that connective tissues break down slowly. Here are the steps:
- Prepare the meat: Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove excess surface brine.
- Put the ingredients in a pot: Put the beef in a large pot and add your aromatics, onions, carrots and celery and cover everything with water.
- Cook until tender: Heat up the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer until the beef is tender. It should take 45 to 60 minutes to cook a kilogram of corned beef. Remove the cooked beef from the liquid and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
If you want a hands-off approach, try slow cooker corned beef. Place the corned beef into your slow cooker alongside all the ingredients and enough liquid. Cook on low for eight to nine hours or until tender.
If you enjoy slow-cooked beef dishes, you should check out our steak recipes and hearty comfort food favourites such as American beef bowl & smoky corn cobs.
Common mistakes to avoid with corned beef
A common mistake when cooking corned beef is rapid boiling. Cooking at high temperatures makes the meat fibres tighten, and the dish is less tender. If the liquid doesn’t completely cover the beef, it may cook unevenly and develop a tougher texture.
Do not skip the resting period after cooking. Allowing the beef to rest before slicing helps it retain moisture.
What to serve with corned beef
Corned beef is an Aussie classic due to its versatility. You can serve it with vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, green beans and peas. For a classic family meal, serve your corned beef with white sauce.
Spice up the dish with roasted vegetables to add texture and sweetness, or serve with mashed potatoes that can soak up the sauces.
How to store and reheat corned beef
Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container with a small amount of the cooking liquid to help keep it moist. Keep the beef in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for a few days.
When reheating, gentle heat does the trick. Put the slices in a pan covered with cooking liquid or reheat them in the oven covered in foil. You can enjoy leftover corned beef in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or alongside freshly cooked vegetables from your HelloFresh meal kits.
Corned beef FAQs
What cut is corned beef?
Corned beef is usually made from silverside, although corned brisket is also available. Silverside is a popular choice since it cooks into tender and delicious slices.
Do you rinse corned beef before cooking?
Yes. You rinse corned beef under cold water to remove excess brine from the surface. This helps balance the flavour without removing the seasoning developed during curing.
How long do you cook corned beef per kilo?
Cook the corned beef for around 45 to 60 minutes per kilogram on a low simmer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut.
Should you cook corned beef fat side up or down?
When simmering corned beef, the position of the beef fat is not important since the meat needs to be submerged. Some cooking methods recommend cooking with the fat side up to baste the meat.
Can you cook corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes. You can cook corned beef in a slow cooker. This involves cooking the beef on low for eight to nine hours. The result is a tender and flavourful dish.
What sauce goes with corned beef?
White sauce pairs well with corned beef and is a classic choice for family dinners. You can also serve it with parsley sauce or light gravy.