Corned beef hash is a classic dish that is traditionally made with leftover corned beef and potatoes. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. However, preparing corned beef hash can take some time, as it requires the meat and potatoes to be cooked and then combined in a skillet. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the beef and the desired level of tenderness.
To cook corned beef hash, you will need to start by cooking the corned beef brisket. This can be done by simmering the meat in a pot of water for about 3-4 hours, or until it is fork-tender. Once the beef is cooked, it should be removed from the pot and allowed to cool slightly before being shredded or chopped into small pieces.
In a separate pot, the potatoes should be boiled until they are tender, but not mushy. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, they should be drained and diced into small cubes.
Next, the shredded corned beef and diced potatoes should be combined in a skillet and cooked over medium heat. The hash should be stirred occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly, and it should be cooked for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may be longer if you prefer a softer texture.
Overall, the cooking time for corned beef hash can range from 3-4 hours to prepare the meat, to an additional 10-15 minutes to cook the hash itself. However, the time spent is well worth it for the delicious and satisfying meal that awaits. So, if you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful breakfast or brunch, give corned beef hash a try!
Preparing the ingredients
Before you can start cooking corned beef hash, you need to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Gather the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients listed below:
- 2 cups of leftover cooked corned beef, diced
- 4 cups of cooked potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Prepare the corned beef
If you did not have leftover cooked corned beef, you will need to cook it first. Follow the instructions on the packaging to cook the corned beef until it is tender. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before dicing it into small pieces.
3. Cook the potatoes
If you do not have leftover cooked potatoes, you will need to cook them as well. Start by peeling the potatoes and then place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes cool before dicing them into small pieces.
4. Chop the onion and mince the garlic
Finely chop the large onion and mince the garlic cloves. This will add flavor to the corned beef hash.
5. Heat the vegetable oil
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. This will be used to cook the onions and garlic.
6. Sauté the onions and garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the heated oil. Sauté them until they are soft and translucent.
7. Combine all the ingredients
Add the diced corned beef and potatoes to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Now that you have prepared all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking the corned beef hash. The next step is to cook the mixture until it is heated through and slightly crispy.
Cooking the corned beef
Before cooking the corned beef, it is important to rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. This step helps to reduce the saltiness of the meat.
Next, place the corned beef in a large pot and cover it with water. Make sure the water is enough to completely cover the meat.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 ½ to 3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the corned beef brisket.
It is important to cook the corned beef slowly and gently to ensure that it becomes tender and flavorful. Simmering it on low heat for a longer time allows the meat to become more tender and easier to shred or chop for the corned beef hash.
To check if the corned beef is cooked, use a fork or a meat thermometer to pierce the meat. It should easily go through the meat, and the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing or chopping it. This resting time allows the meat to retain its juices and become even more tender.
After resting, you can proceed to shred or chop the corned beef to make the corned beef hash. The cooked corned beef can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if not using immediately.
Chopping and cooking the vegetables
To make corned beef hash, you will need to chop and cook the vegetables. The key vegetables used are potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Here is how you can do it:
1. Prepare the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use any type of potatoes you prefer – russet, yellow, or red potatoes all work well. Place the potato pieces in a pot of boiling water and cook until they are tender but still firm, usually around 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Chop the onions and bell peppers
While the potatoes are cooking, chop the onions and bell peppers. Dice the onions into small pieces and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. You can use any color of bell pepper – green, red, or yellow – or a combination of all three for added color and flavor.
Vegetable | Quantity | Preparation |
---|---|---|
Potatoes | 3 medium-sized | Peel and cut into small, bite-sized pieces |
Onions | 1 large | Dice into small pieces |
Bell Peppers | 1 or 2 | Slice into thin strips |
Once all the vegetables are chopped and prepared, you can proceed to cook them along with the corned beef and other ingredients to make the delicious corned beef hash.
Mixing everything together
Once you have cooked your corned beef and potatoes separately, it’s time to mix them together to create the delicious corned beef hash. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Cooked corned beef
- Cooked potatoes
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- While the onion and garlic are cooking, chop the cooked corned beef and potatoes into small pieces.
- Add the chopped corned beef and potatoes to the skillet and mix everything together well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any other desired spices or herbs.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove from the heat and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or serve with a side of eggs for a complete meal.
Now you can enjoy your homemade corned beef hash! It’s a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Serving and enjoying
Corned beef hash can be served in a variety of ways, allowing you to enjoy it according to your preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions:
1. Classic breakfast: Serve a generous portion of corned beef hash alongside fried or poached eggs. The combination of the crispy hash and the rich, runny yolk creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish.
2. Sandwich: Spread a layer of mustard or mayonnaise on your favorite bread, then top it with corned beef hash. Add some fresh lettuce or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor and freshness. Enjoy it as a hearty sandwich for lunch or a quick dinner.
3. Side dish: Serve a smaller portion of corned beef hash as a side dish alongside grilled meat or roasted vegetables. Its savory and slightly salty flavor can complement a variety of main courses.
4. Brunch casserole: Use corned beef hash as a base for a delicious brunch casserole. Combine it with beaten eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables. Bake it in the oven until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted for a flavorful and filling brunch dish.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it, corned beef hash is best enjoyed hot and fresh. It can be refrigerated and reheated, but the texture and flavor may change slightly. So, it’s recommended to enjoy it immediately after cooking for the best experience.
Variations and serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve corned beef hash and add variety to this classic dish:
1. Add vegetables: For a healthier option, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the hash. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the cooked hash.
2. Top it with an egg: To make the dish heartier, you can top the corned beef hash with a fried or poached egg. The runny yolk adds a delicious richness to the dish.
3. Make it spicy: If you like some heat, you can add spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the corned beef hash. This will give it a flavorful kick.
4. Serve it with toast: Corned beef hash pairs well with toast or buttered bread. The crispy texture of the toast complements the tender beef and potatoes.
5. Try different seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to enhance the flavor of the hash. Add them while cooking to infuse the dish with aromatic notes.
Remember, while corned beef hash is traditionally a breakfast dish, it can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Q&A
How long should I cook corned beef hash in the oven?
To cook corned beef hash in the oven, it usually takes about 20-30 minutes at a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Can I cook corned beef hash on the stove?
Yes, you can cook corned beef hash on the stove. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the potatoes are tender.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the corned beef for making corned beef hash?
No, it is not necessary to pre-cook the corned beef before making corned beef hash. The corned beef can be chopped or shredded and cooked directly with the other ingredients.
Can I use leftover corned beef for making corned beef hash?
Yes, you can definitely use leftover corned beef for making corned beef hash. In fact, using leftover corned beef adds great flavor to the dish. Just chop or shred the corned beef and add it to the other ingredients.
What are the main ingredients needed for making corned beef hash?
The main ingredients needed for making corned beef hash include corned beef, potatoes, onions, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots if desired.