How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done?

How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done

Do you want to know how to properly cook corned beef? We will help you identify when the meat is done using different ways. Read on to find out the details.

Corned beef is a salt-cured brisket of beef. It differs from other meat types since it requires a longer cooking time, and its color may not change significantly after being cooked.

So, you need to be careful in cooking corned beef to make sure it is safe to eat.

What Is Corned Beef?

How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done

Corned beef comes from parts of beef that are less tender, such as the brisket. As a result, it needs an extensive and moist cooking process.

After being cooked, the color may still be pink. But this does not indicate it needs to cook longer. In the curing phase, producers add nitrite. This factor affects the color of the meat by fixing the pigment.

How To Know if Corned Beef Is Cooked?

Using Meat Thermometer

Place a thermometer in the corned beef and check the internal temperature to know if it is done. It should be 145°F, according to the USDA. The heat level destroys bacteria that could be present in the meat. Also, the temperature makes it safe to consume.

When you choose to take extra caution and ensure that the beef has been cooked thoroughly, take temperature readings in various areas of the meat. It is possible that the meat did not cook evenly and did not cook all the way through.

Following the Recipe Cooking Time

Check whether your meat is cooked thoroughly by making sure you cook it for an appropriate amount of time at the correct temperature. If you follow the instructions on a recipe, the meat should be safe to consume.

3 Different Ways To Cook Corned Beef

How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done

Using the Stovetop

Put a large pan on the stove. Lay the corned beef in the pan and fill it up with water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to keep it simmering. When you turn the heat down, put the lid on it immediately.

Set the timer for 1 hour per pound of brisket to boil. Keep a watch on the corned beef but do not overdo it. Each time you lift the lid, the cooking time will increase. Wait until the last 30 minutes of the cooking process to add the vegetables.

When the time is up, remove the lid. Check if the meat is fork-tender. It is ready after the internal temperature has reached 145°F. Finally, remove the corned beef and vegetables.

Using the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

If desired, put the corned beef in a bag. To retain the natural juices, cook the beef in the same way as cooking a turkey. Add 1 tablespoon of flour in the bag, then shake it before putting the corned beef inside. Place the bag on a baking sheet.

Otherwise, use a roasting pan to cook the corned beef. Although some meat’s natural juices decrease with the dry heat, roasting the corned beef with water will help. Pour a small amount of water in the pan to improve the meat’s moisture.

Set a timer for correct cooking times. Cook for 2.5-3 hours if using a bag for 2 to 3 pounds of meat. For a 3.5 to 5 pound meat cut, cook for 3.5 hours. If you are using a roasting pan, allow 1 hour per pound of meat to cook.

When the timer rings, take the beef out of the oven. Place it on the stovetop and, if required, remove it from the bag. Put a meat thermometer in the meat. It is ready after the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

Using a Slow Cooker

Place the beef in a slow cooker or crockpot. Cover the meat with water and boil. If you are going to include root vegetables, put them below the meat in the pot.

On the high setting, cook the meat for about 1 hour. Then, reduce the temperature to a low level. Continue to cook on low for 10-12 hours.

Remove the lid and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reached the requirement. You may also test it with a fork to see whether it is ready. The meat needs to be tender.

The Bottom Line

Corned beef requires patience to cook since it is a tough cut of meat that needs a long cooking period.

To ensure that it is cooked properly, follow the instructions outlined above. For food safety, keep in mind the required internal temperature for the meat.


How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done Cooking?

Want to learn how to tell when corned beef is done cooking? The best way to tell if it is done cooking is by using a thermometer. For the best results, you should use an instant-read thermometer or one with an alarm set to sound when it reaches the desired temperature.

Learn how to tell when corned beef is cooked by following these steps:

  • Author: Recipe Marker


  • Corned beef
  • Thermometer


  1. Cook corned beef in a pot with enough water that will cover the meat with at least 1 inch of water on top
  2. Insert the thermometer into the center of the meat, making sure not to touch any bone, fat, or connective tissue
  3. Once the temperature reaches 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit (63-71 degrees celsius), take out the meat and place it in a clean container
  4. Cut off any visible fat and connective

Keywords: How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done

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