How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done?

As an experienced home cook, I know that properly preparing corned beef takes time and care. Undercooked corned beef can be tough and chewy, while overcooked beef ends up dry and flavorless. That’s why it’s important to know exactly how to tell when corned beef is done.

In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook delicious, tender corned beef at home. I’ll start with an overview of what corned beef is, then explain the different methods for checking doneness. I’ll also provide tips for three foolproof cooking techniques. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be able to enjoy perfect corned beef every time.

What Is Corned Beef?

First, let’s cover the basics. Corned beef comes from less tender cuts of beef, usually taken from the brisket area. It’s called “corned” beef because of the coarse salt crystals historically used to cure it. The curing process tenderizes the meat and gives it its signature pink color and distinctive salty flavor.

Compared to other cuts of beef, corned beef requires more extensive cooking. The meat needs to reach an internal temperature high enough to break down its tough muscle fibers. Color alone is not an indicator of doneness, since properly cooked corned beef will often still have a pink or rosy hue.

How to Know When Corned Beef Is Cooked

When I cook corned beef, I rely on these two tried-and-true techniques to check for doneness:

Use a Meat Thermometer

The most foolproof way to test corned beef is with a digital instant-read meat thermometer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the corned beef, making sure it’s not touching any bones or fat.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds for the thermometer reading to stabilize.
3. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for beef to be considered safe to eat.
4. Take temperature readings in a few different spots to ensure even cooking throughout.

Follow the Recipe Cooking Time

If you don’t have a meat thermometer on hand, you can rely on the suggested cooking time in a trusted corned beef recipe. Here are some tips for this method:

1. Closely follow the recipe instructions for oven temperature and cooking time.
2. Use a timer and check on the corned beef periodically as it cooks.
3. For accuracy, choose a recipe specifically for your cut and size of corned beef.

3 Foolproof Ways to Cook Corned Beef

Now that you know how to determine doneness, let’s look at techniques for cooking picture-perfect corned beef. I recommend these three reliable methods:

Stovetop

This traditional approach lets you keep an eye on the meat as it cooks:

1. Place the corned beef in a large pot and add enough water to cover.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
3. Add aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery during the last 30 minutes.
4. Cook until fork-tender, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Oven

For hands-off cooking, the oven is ideal:

1. Preheat oven to 325-350°F.
2. Place corned beef in a roasting pan and add water to cover halfway.
3. Cover tightly with foil and cook according to recipe time.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Slow Cooker

Let your slow cooker do the work over several hours:

1. Add corned beef to slow cooker and cover with water.
2. Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce to low.
3. Simmer for 8-10 hours until meat is falling apart.
4. Check doneness with a thermometer before serving.

The Takeaway on Cooking Corned Beef

Perfectly cooked corned beef requires patience. The long, slow cooking breaks down the tough meat for a fork-tender texture. For food safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure the corned beef reaches the recommended safe internal temperature. Follow my tips above for reliably delicious results every time!