Homemade Corned Beef: A Culinary Delight

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef, also known as salt beef, is a brisket that’s cured in a pickle-spiced salt brine. This process gives it a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other beef cuts.

Why is it Called Corned Beef?

The term “corned” refers to the large grains of rock salt that were traditionally used to cure the beef. These grains resembled corn kernels.

Ingredients for Homemade Corned Beef

For Brining:

• 12 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar










• 2 tablespoons pink curing salt
• 3 tablespoons pickling spice

For Cooking:

• 3- to 4-pound flat cut beef brisket





• 1 tablespoon pickling spice
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 4 cups ice cubes

Instructions

Brining:

1. Combine all brining ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil.
2. Let cool for 30 minutes.
3. Line a large vessel with a brining bag and add ice.
4. Pour the cooled brining liquid over the ice.
5. Place the brisket in the liquid and submerge it.
6. Weigh down the brisket if it floats.



7. Refrigerate for 5-7 days, keeping the temperature between 32°F and 40°F.

Cooking:

1. Remove the brisket from the brine and discard the liquid.
2. Rinse and pat dry the brisket.






3. Place the brisket in a large stockpot with water, garlic, bay leaf, and pickling spice.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours, or until tender.
5. Remove the brisket and let cool for 10 minutes.
6. Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
7. Let the brisket rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
8. Slice the brisket against the grain.

Tips

• If you don’t have pink curing salt, you can use regular kosher salt. However, the pink salt gives the brisket its signature pink hue.




• You can make your own pickling spice by combining yellow mustard seed, peppercorns, coriander seeds, allspice berries, red pepper flakes, whole cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and ground ginger.
• Corned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.