Making Corned Beef for Beginners: Jane's Questions Answered!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the experiences and opinions of participants regarding cooking corned beef, particularly in relation to using a microwave versus traditional oven methods. Participants share their thoughts on the effectiveness of different cooking techniques and the outcomes they have observed.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a novice, expresses curiosity about cooking corned beef in the microwave and seeks detailed guidance.
  • Another participant shares their experience, stating they would not recommend cooking corned beef in the microwave as it may result in toughness.
  • Several users mention that corned beef benefits from slow cooking methods to achieve tenderness.
  • One participant notes that while they have seen pot roast recipes for the microwave, they remain skeptical about corned beef.
  • Another participant recounts their attempt to cook corned beef in the microwave, indicating that it did not yield the same results as oven cooking.
  • One participant describes a successful method of cooking corned beef in the DCB at 350°F for three hours, including the addition of vegetables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of cooking corned beef in the microwave, with some participants expressing skepticism and others sharing personal experiences that suggest it may not produce desirable results.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal cooking experiences and preferences, particularly focusing on the methods they have used for corned beef, highlighting the differences between microwave and oven cooking.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and community members looking to explore different cooking methods for corned beef and share their personal experiences.

janezapchef
Gold Member
Messages
1,096
Has anyone tried this? Would it work in the microwave? I am a complete novice at the corned beef thing -- I just buy it already done, heated and everything, never made it. So, the more details the better here! I like to offer the Reuben Ring close to St. Patrick's Day, but I still want to feature the DCB.
Thanks,
Jane :)
 
holding for an answer.....
 
I personally would not cook corn beef in the micro. :yuck: It would come out tough. Corn beef needs to cook for several hours.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
So does pretty much everything you make in the dcb in the microwave though, that's why I'm wondering about it.
 
corned beef (and say...a pork roast or pot roast) are items that benefit from a "low and slow" type of cooking...250 to 300 degrees all day long to break down the tough portions and allow the entire thing to get fall apart tender. I don't think that you are gonna get that in our DCB in the microwave. I would do it in the DCB in a low oven.

(Chicken, pork tenderloin, etc.) all cook relatively quickly in comparison, so I think that's why they lend themselves well to microwave cooking and the stone helps to hold in the moisture so they don't get tough.

For recipes on a low and slow corned beef, check out this website: All recipes – complete resource for recipes and cooking tips It's my "go to" site for recipes...just look for a recipe with LOTS of positive reviews!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Thanks for the input!

I guess I was just thinking it might work because I've seen recipes on here for pot roast done in the DCB in the microwave.
 
Jane...I may be wrong, but that's my educated guess. Maybe someone on here has actually tried it and can let us know how it turned out.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
I think you are probably right, but I just thought I'd ask. I never thought I'd see the day that I could cook a whole chicken in the microwave and it would taste like I roasted it for hours either, so, I thought maybe...
 
I know what you mean, Jane. I remember the first time I heard about the chicken in the micro, I thought "YUCK". I never thought it would be so moist that it would fall off the bone. So maybe you are right!

Maybe if no one has actually tried it, you could try it out with just a small piece of your corned beef to see how it turns out. That way, if it doesn't work, you can still cook the rest of it in a slow oven.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Yeah, that's pretty much my plan, but I thought I'd check here first.
 
Please be sure and post the results of your experiment. It sure would be a time saver if it could be done in the DCB, with onions, carrots, and cabbage. Add a cup of water and your seasoning packet that comes with the corned beef. I find that the round is more tender. If it does not have a spice packet you can use a few bay leaves and peppercorns, or use our pepper grinder over the surface. If you want a good Irish Soda bread recipe, I can attach one to go with your corned beef.
 

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I have tried it, but let me start by saying that I always cook my Corned Beef in the oven. I fill the pan half way with water & cover tightly & let it cook for hours. So I was curious to see if it would work. I started off by checking it every 10 minutes. Well It still took over an hour & it was just not the same.....HTH :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
Ginger428 said:
I have tried it, but let me start by saying that I always cook my Corned Beef in the oven. I fill the pan half way with water & cover tightly & let it cook for hours. So I was curious to see if it would work. I started off by checking it every 10 minutes. Well It still took over an hour & it was just not the same.....HTH :)

Thanks! That's exactly what I was wondering and hoping to find out here! I was just wishing it would work.
 
janezapchef said:
Thanks! That's exactly what I was wondering and hoping to find out here! I was just wishing it would work.

It was really weird!! When I first take it out of the oven, I let it cool down completely before cutting it or it will just shred. Did the same thing after the microwave & it was hard as a rock!! :eek:
 
I made my corned beef in the DCB last night. I sprinkled it with the spice packet, pressed 3 cloves of garlic over it, then added water. I cooked it at 350 F for about 3 hours. I didn't think there was enough room for the veggies, so after it was done, I removed the meat and poured the juices into my 4-quart SS pot. I added little potatoes and let them cook for a few minutes. Then I added baby carrots and cabbage wedges on top and boiled it until the cabbage was tender. It was all delicious.

Kelly
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of corned beef to use for beginners?

The best cut of corned beef for beginners is typically the brisket, specifically the flat cut. It is leaner and easier to slice, making it a great choice for those new to cooking corned beef. The point cut is fattier and can be more flavorful, but it may require more skill to prepare properly.

How long should I cook corned beef?

A general rule of thumb is to cook corned beef for about 2.5 to 3 hours per pound when boiling or braising. If you're using a slow cooker, it may take 8 to 10 hours on low heat. Always check for tenderness; the meat should be fork-tender when it's done.

What spices should I use when cooking corned beef?

Most corned beef comes with a spice packet that includes mustard seeds, coriander, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. You can use these spices, or you can enhance the flavor by adding garlic, cloves, or even a splash of beer or apple cider to the cooking liquid.

Should I rinse corned beef before cooking?

Yes, it is recommended to rinse corned beef before cooking to remove excess salt and brine. This helps to prevent the finished dish from being overly salty. After rinsing, you can pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.

What is the best way to serve corned beef?

Corned beef is traditionally served with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. You can also slice it thinly for sandwiches, serve it with mustard, or use it in dishes like corned beef hash. Pairing it with a side of pickles or sauerkraut can also enhance the meal.

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