Jewish Deli Corned Beef Recipe
Recreate the classic Jewish deli experience at home with this easy corned beef recipe. With just a few ingredients and patience, you can serve up a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches or a hearty meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For making the brine and cooking the corned beef.
- 1 Large container To hold the brisket while it brines.
- 1 tongs To handle the beef safely.
- 1 cutting board For slicing the brisket after cooking.
- 1 sharp knife To slice the corned beef thinly, against the grain.
- 1 slow cooker For an alternative cooking method.
- 1 Meat thermometer To ensure the beef reaches the proper temperature
Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 ½ cups kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp pickling spices
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp pink curing salt
For Cooking:
- 4-5 lb beef brisket flat cut
- 2 tbsp pickling spices
- 1 onion quartered
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Brining the Beef
- In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, sugar, minced garlic, and pickling spices. Heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, sugar, minced garlic, and pickling spices. Heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Place the brisket in a large container and pour the cooled brine over it, ensuring the meat is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days.
Cooking the Corned Beef
- After brining, remove the brisket and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt.
- Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with water. Add pickling spices, onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with water. Add pickling spices, onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
Serving
- Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve on rye bread with mustard or alongside cabbage and potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
Jewish deli corned beef is a beloved dish, deeply rooted in Jewish-American culture. Corned beef is known for its salty, tender, and flavorful taste, traditionally served in iconic New York delis. It’s perfect for sandwiches, often paired with rye bread, mustard, or a side of pickles. This recipe recreates the rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience of deli-cooked beef right in your kitchen.
Tips and Variations
- Customizing the Flavor: Add mustard seeds or juniper berries to the brine for a different flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Option: For hands-off cooking, transfer the rinsed brisket to a slow cooker with enough water to cover it. Add the same aromatics and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
