What Is Corned Beef, Really?

In the U.S., no St. Patrick's Day party is complete without corned beef. But is this dish truly part of Irish tradition? And what exactly is it made of?

Whether you're curious about what's inside a Reuben sandwich or learning how to prepare corned beef for your next Irish-themed meal, discover what makes this cured meat so special.

What Exactly Is Corned Beef and What Is It Made Of?

Corned beef is a meat that has been cured with salt. This curing process involves soaking the meat in a brine for over a week, which essentially pickles it. Brisket is typically used for corned beef since it's a tough cut that becomes tender after the long curing process.

After the curing process is complete, the meat is slowly cooked, transforming the tough cut into a tender, flavorful, and salty dish that's sure to impress.

Corned beef can refer to either the fresh cut of beef you cook yourself or the canned version of salt-cured beef. While it's popular in both Irish and Jewish cuisines, it's most famously enjoyed worldwide on St. Patrick's Day.

Try This Recipe: Braised Corned Beef Brisket

What Is Corned Beef Hash?

Corned beef hash is often made from leftovers. It’s a mix of chopped corned beef (either canned or homemade), cooked potatoes or frozen hash browns, onions, and seasonings, all pan-fried until crispy and golden. It’s commonly served with poached or fried eggs on top.

What’s the Difference Between Corned Beef and Pastrami?

Though both corned beef and pastrami are made from brisket, pastrami is cut from the fattier navel section. Both meats are cured in a salt brine, but while corned beef is boiled after curing, pastrami is smoked to develop its rich flavor.

The two meats are also served in different ways: corned beef is often featured in hot dishes like Corned Beef and Cabbage or in sandwiches like the Reuben with sauerkraut. Pastrami, on the other hand, is typically served in a Pastrami on Rye sandwich, topped with spicy mustard.

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef on St. Patrick's Day?

It turns out that corned beef is more of an Irish-American tradition than an authentic Irish dish. According to Irish Central, the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal in Ireland actually revolves around bacon (or what Americans might call ham). So, how did beef become the star of the celebration in the U.S.?

In 19th century Ireland, beef was a luxury that most people couldn’t afford. But when Irish immigrants came to America, they found corned beef to be a more accessible option. The close-knit Irish and Jewish communities in New York’s Lower East Side helped make corned beef a popular choice by the early 20th century.

Why is corned beef often served with cabbage on St. Patrick's Day? Simply put, cabbage was one of the most affordable vegetables available to Irish immigrants at the time.

Where to Buy Corned Beef

Around St. Patrick's Day, most large grocery stores and supermarkets carry pre-brined and boiled corned beef. If you're looking for this product during another time of year, check with your butcher to see if they can special order some for you.

If they can't, don’t worry—you can always make your own corned beef at home. It's a simple process, and much of the cooking time requires very little hands-on effort.

How to Cook Corned Beef

If you’ve got a fresh brisket ready for your St. Patrick’s Day feast, there are several ways to prepare it. Follow this guide on how to cook corned beef to achieve the best results.