St. Patrick's Day Feast: How to Make the Best Corned Beef
St. Patrick's Day is not just about wearing green and having a good time(okay for you maybe, and your friend pat, we love you pat); it's also about enjoying some fantastic food. One of the stars of the day is Corned Beef .
This dish is a big deal on March 17th, and we're here to tell you all about how to make it taste amazing.
A Little Background on Corned Beef
So, first things first: Corned Beef isn't originally from Ireland, bummer I know we wanted it to be from there too, it just feels right, ya know? Okay anyways the name "corned" comes from the old way of using big salt grains, kind of like corn kernels, to cure the meat. Back in the day, Irish immigrants in America started eating more beef because it was cheaper than back home. That's how Corned Beef became a big deal for St. Patrick's Day in the U.S., mixing Irish traditions with what was available here.
Picking the Right Meat
To get your Corned Beef right, you need to start with the right cut of beef. The two go-tos are brisket and round. Brisket is more traditional because it's fatty and gets really tender when you cook it slowly. Round is a bit leaner but can still work great. Look for a piece of meat that's a nice red color and has a good amount of fat on it.
How to Prepare Corned Beef
Also yes we are going to link the term "Corned Beef" to ours every time so just pick some up already.
Preparing Corned Beef is all about the brine. That's a fancy word for a saltwater mix that you soak the beef in. You'll also add some spices like mustard seeds, black pepper, coriander, and maybe a bit of sugar to sweeten the deal. This mix not only makes the beef tasty but also super tender.
Cooking It Just Right
The best way to cook Corned Beef is to simmer it in water for a few hours. This means cooking it on low heat so it doesn't boil too hard. This slow cook makes the beef really soft and lets it soak up all the good flavors from the spices. If you want to add some veggies like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, throw them in the pot during the last hour of cooking.
Trying Something New
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try other ways to cook Corned Beef, like baking it, using a slow cooker, or even trying sous vide, which means cooking it in water at a very precise temperature. These methods can change up the texture and flavor, making your Corned Beef unique.
Serving Your Corned Beef
When your Corned Beef is ready, make sure you slice it against the grain of the meat; this makes it easier to eat. You can stick with traditional sides like boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, or mix it up with some roasted veggies. For drinks, a good beer, especially a stout or ale, goes really well with the salty meat.
Bringing It All Together
St. Patrick's Day is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, and making a delicious Corned Beef is a big part of that. It's a dish with a lot of history that can be made in modern and interesting ways. No matter how you make it, Corned Beef is a tasty tradition that's perfect for the holiday.
Remember, it's all about having fun in the kitchen and buying our Corned Beef oh my goodness look at all those links^ are you really about to ignore all that? Alright fine then but just incase you change your mind just remember its all about enjoying good food with the people you care about, like us. So, wear your green, cook up some Corned Beef, and have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day.
