In the Kitchen
I’ve shared some of the tips to make a classic corned beef in my Guide to Buying and Cooking Corned Beef. Now, I want to explore non-traditional corned beef recipe ideas, which was harder than I thought.
I literally spent hours looking at recipes, and there were many that told you want to do with a corned beef once it had been cooked on sites like Food Network, Delish, and the Spruce Eats. But as for ideas of what to do that was different, it was more of the same old same old stuff.
I put together some ideas, and I'm testing a few others, but first here's a tip that is worth thinking about.
Money Saving Tip
Before I jump in, I want to share my experience in buying corned beef. I had no idea how expensive it was outside the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. A few years ago, it was February, and I wanted to test some corned beef recipes for my St. Patrick’s Day posts. When I went to buy a corned beef, I found they ranged from nearly $15 on up to as high as $30 or more, depending on the size!
I don’t know why I was so shocked, but here’s the tip. If you love to make corned beef, buy some when they are on sale and throw them in the freezer. You don’t have a large window to do this like you do with Turkey or Ham at the holidays, so get them when you can. It will save you a load of money.
Ok, onto some non-traditional corned beef recipes.
Non-traditional Corned Beef Recipe Ideas
Tex-Mex Corned Beef Tacos
Imagine tender, shredded corned beef nestled in warm tortillas, topped with vibrant salsa, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime. This is where the magic of fusion happens! The saltiness of the corned beef pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Flavor Profile: Savory, spicy, and refreshing.
General Method: Shredded corned beef, seasoned with chili powder and cumin, serves as the protein in your favorite taco recipe.
Check out Grobbel & Son’s Recipe on YouTube (click the description for the full recipe)
Spiced Apple Cider & Cranberry Corned Beef
Flavor Profile: Sweet, tart, and aromatic with warm spices.
General Method:
When cooking your corned beef (particularly during a simmer or braise), add 1 quart of apple cider, 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 2 star anise to the cooking liquid.
Continue cooking as usual. The fruit will break down, and the spices will infuse the meat with a festive, slightly tangy sweetness.
This creates a wonderfully flavored broth that can be served alongside the sliced corned beef.
This is a take on a Apple Cider and Cranberry Braised Short Ribs Recipe by Whole & Heavenly Oven
The first time I made these, I was a bit skeptical, but they are delicious! The combination of cabbage, Swiss cheese, and corned beef is heavenly. You could make a twist on this and make it like a Ruben by switching out the cabbage for sauerkraut and adding a little Thousand Island dressing or using it as a dipping sauce.
Flavor Profile: Savory, crispy, and cheesy.
General Method: Combine chopped corned beef, cabbage, and Swiss cheese. Wrap in egg roll wrappers and fry.
Corned Beef with Mustard & Apricot Glaze
The saltiness of the corned beef pairs really well with the sweet, spicy, and tangy glaze. I love the balance of flavors in this version, and unlike the next recipe, you don’t cook the corned beef in the mixture but glaze it after it is done.
Flavor Profile: Salty, sweet, sticky, spicy, tangy
General Method: Cook your corned beef in the simmering method. Once the corned beef is cooked, you transfer it and some of the juices to another baking dish, glaze, and bake until the glaze is golden.
Inspired by the Genetic Cook’s Recipe for a Non-Traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
I started making this dish several years ago, and it is something I crave when I think about corned beef because it is salty, sweet, and spicy. My favorite combination. Think of this as more of a “barbequed” corned beef. You rub the sugar and spice into the corned beef and then braise.
Flavor Profile: Salty, sweet, spicy
General Method: Mix together the sugar and spice and rub the corned beef, sprinkling some on top. Cook most of the time covered and the last hour uncovered to create a crust.
Smoked Corned Beef Brisket Burnt Ends
If you have the ability to smoke meat, take the point cut, smoke it low and slow, then cube it and toss it in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. This technique is similar to how pork belly burnt ends are made. The smokey sweet and salty combination is addictive.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, salty, and spicy.
Concept: Smoke the point cut, cube it, and toss it in barbecue sauce before finishing on the smoker or in the oven.
Here’s a recipe to get started from Smoked Meat Sunday - Smoked Corned Beef Burnt Ends.
Embrace the Experimentation!
These are just a few ideas to spark your culinary creativity. I'll add more as I discover or test them.
Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients. I'm thinking spicy & citrusy, Asian-inspired, or perhaps Italian-inspired. Corned beef is a blank canvas waiting for your artistic touch!
Happy cooking!
Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020. Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook. Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking. Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.
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