The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Corned Beef: Recipes, Tips, and St. Patrick’s Day Pairings
The Ultimate Corned Beef Guide
Note: Corned Beef is a seasonal item that is offered in the spring months.
Corned beef is a beloved dish that has become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the world. Originally a part of Irish-American cuisine, corned beef has roots in the Irish immigrants’ adaptation to local ingredients in the U.S. Today, it's most famously enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day, where it’s typically paired with cabbage and potatoes.
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Corned Beef: Brisket vs. Round
We offer two main cuts of corned beef:
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Corned Beef Brisket: Trimmed from the flat of the brisket, this cut is tender and more traditional. It serves about 3 to 4 people, making it ideal for smaller gatherings. Shop Now→
- Corned Beef Round: Cut from the bottom round flat, this cut is a bit denser and provides more servings, offering a great option for larger groups. It serves about 6 to 8 people. Shop Now→
Both cuts are equally delicious and flavorful, but the brisket offers more tenderness, while the round delivers a heartier portion for your guests.
How Much Corned Beef Per Person?
When planning for your St. Patrick’s Day feast, it's important to ensure you have enough corned beef for everyone. As a general rule, plan on serving 8 ounces of corned beef per person. This will give each guest a generous portion, but if you have larger appetites or want to have leftovers, it's a good idea to add a little extra.
Keep in mind that corned beef will shrink by about 20% during the cooking process, so be sure to account for this when determining how much to purchase. For example, if you're cooking for 6 people and want to serve 8 ounces each, you'll need about 3 pounds of corned beef, allowing for shrinkage.
Whether you're choosing the tender Corned Beef Brisket or the flavorful Corned Beef Round, these serving suggestions will ensure everyone enjoys a hearty meal.
How to Cook Corned Beef: 3 Easy Methods
Cooking corned beef can be as simple as choosing the method that best suits your taste and schedule. Whether you’re a fan of the classic stovetop simmer, slow roasting, or sous vide, we’ve got you covered with easy, flavorful methods.
Method #1 - Classic Method
- Add a tablespoon of oil to a Dutch oven (or any large covered pot) and heat on medium high. Place corned beef on the hot surface and sear it on all sides until brown. This helps develop a richer flavor.
- Add enough liquid to cover the corned beef. Use water, beer, cider, beef stock or combo of all.
- Optional – you can also add onions, carrots, bay leaves, garlic or other seasonings. These will cook down and are seasonings, not to eat.
- Turn up the heat and bring the contents of the Dutch oven to a boil, then lower heat to a slow simmer.
- For SRF corned beef brisket (avg. wt. 2.5 lbs.) cook for 3 to 3.5 hours or until internal temp is between 190°F and 200°F.
- For SRF corned beef round (avg. wt. 7 lbs.) cook for 4.5 to 6 hours or until internal temp is between 190°F and 200°F.
- When done, remove from pan and rest for 20 minutes. When the corned beef is cool enough to handle, slice it against the grain and serve.
NOTE: Corned beef is pretty fool proof, so it can cook longer than the above times. It’s not sensitive to time like a roast or steak.
*Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, etc. can be added to the stock and cooked for the final 45 minutes.
Watch how to perfectly reverse sear your corned beef:
Method #2 - Slow Roast Method
- Sear corned beef in a Dutch Oven or pan. Note: searing the beef caramelizes the exterior and develops flavor.
- Add liquid to cover the corned beef about half way. Place lid on Dutch Oven or seal pan with foil.
- Cook in a 250°F oven.
- For SRF Corned Beef Brisket (avg. wt. 2.5 lbs.) cook for 4 to 5 hours or until internal temp is between 190°F and 200°F.
- For SRF Corned Beef Round (avg. wt. 7 lbs.) cook for 5 to 6 hours or until internal temp is between 190°F and 200°F.
- The idea here is to slow cook until the corned beef is fork tender.
- When done, remove from pan and rest for 20 minutes. When the corned beef is cool enough to handle, slice it against the grain and serve.
*Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, etc. can be added to the stock and cooked for the final hour.
Learn the oven-braised method for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef:
Method #3 - Sous Vide Method
Ingredients
- 1 – SRF corned beef, brisket (avg. 2.5 lbs.) or bottom round flat (avg. 8 lbs.)
- Beef stock
- Beer (Guinness Stout is ideal – this is also optional)
- 1 shallot, sliced
Prep and Cooking Instructions
- Set immersion circulator to 150°F. (Some recipes call for a lower temp, but the higher temp is food safe and provides a better cook.)
- If using brisket, place in sous vide bag, add sliced shallot and ½ cup stock and ½ cup beer.
- If using half round, cut in half, place each half in a sous vide bag, add 1/2 of the shallot, ½ cup stock and ½ cup beer to each bag. Seal.
- Place sealed bag(s) into heated water bath.
- Cook a minimum of 12 hours and up to 24 hours. 24 hours is ideal, but 12 hours provides a nice final texture.
- Remove bag from water bath. Remove corned beef and pat dry.
- Heat broiler and place corned beef, fat side up. Allow to sear and brown. This happens quickly, so keep an eye on the process.
- Remove, slice and serve.
Our Favorite Corned Beef Recipes
Once you’ve perfected your cooking method, why not experiment with some delicious corned beef recipes? These are perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—or anytime you crave a flavorful meal.
Dijon-Glazed Corned Beef with Savory Cabbage and Red Potatoes
A tangy, savory twist on classic corned beef, paired with cabbage and red potatoes.
Explore the Recipe →
Braised Corned Beef & Orange Marmalade Mustard Glaze
This slow-braised corned beef is glazed with a sweet and tangy orange-marmalade mustard sauce.
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Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Vegetables
Set it and forget it! This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a hands-off, hearty meal.
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Hard Cider Braised Corned Beef with Mustard Cider-Reduction
Cooked in hard cider and finished with a tangy mustard cider-reduction sauce.
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Corned Beef with Fire Roasted Potatoes and Sautéed Red Cabbage
A simple, savory dish of corned beef paired with fire-roasted potatoes and tender cabbage.
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Wagyu Corned Beef Cottage Pie
A hearty and comforting cottage pie made with premium Wagyu corned beef.
Explore the Recipe →
St. Patrick's Day Meal Ideas
Looking for the perfect way to pair your corned beef with traditional St. Patrick’s Day sides? Here are some classic recipes that elevate the holiday feast:
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Irish Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a buttery richness.
- Cabbage with Bacon: A savory, smoky side dish that complements the richness of corned beef.
- Beer Pairings: Pair your corned beef with Irish stouts, ales, or even a nice cider for a complete St. Patrick's Day experience
Why Choose SRF Corned Beef?
At Snake River Farms, we pride ourselves on offering premium Wagyu corned beef, ensuring the highest quality and tenderness in every bite. Whether you choose our Wagyu Corned Beef Brisket or Wagyu Corned Beef Round, you’re guaranteed a rich, flavorful cut that will make your St. Patrick’s Day—or any meal—extra special.
American Wagyu Corned Beef 1/2 Round
This premium Wagyu corned beef is rich, tender, and perfect for those who prefer a denser, more flavorful cut. Ideal for larger gatherings, it serves 6-8 people.
Shop American Wagyu Corned Beef 1/2 Round →
American Wagyu Corned Beef Brisket
Our Wagyu corned beef brisket is beautifully marbled for unmatched tenderness and flavor. Perfect for traditional recipes or your own creative twists. Serves 3-4 people.
Shop American Wagyu Corned Beef Brisket →Whether you’re looking for tips on how to cook the perfect corned beef or need inspiration for a St. Patrick’s Day feast, this guide has you covered. We offer only the highest quality Wagyu corned beef, ensuring that every meal is delicious and memorable.
Order your Wagyu Corned Beef today to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day—and be sure to explore our full range of recipes and meal ideas to make your celebration even more special. Shop Now→
