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December 10, 2024
If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, then you know that the key ingredient is the delicious corned beef. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, using a crock pot makes it incredibly easy. The slow and low cooking method results in tender and flavorful corned beef that is perfect for sandwiches.
To cook corned beef in a crock pot for Reuben, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need a corned beef brisket. You can usually find this at your local grocery store, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day. The brisket is a cut of beef that has been cured in a brine solution with pickling spices.
Once you have your brisket, you’ll want to gather your spices. The traditional flavors of corned beef include cloves, allspice berries, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds. You can either use the included spice packet that often comes with the corned beef, or you can create your own spice blend.
To cook the corned beef in the crock pot, you’ll start by placing the brisket in the pot, fat side up. Then, you’ll sprinkle the spices evenly over the meat. Depending on the size of your brisket, you may also need to add water or broth to the crock pot until the brisket is about halfway submerged.
Tip: Adding chopped garlic and onion to the crock pot can also add delicious flavor to the corned beef.
Once the corned beef is in the crock pot, you’ll want to cook it on low heat for about 8-10 hours. This long cooking time allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together. After the cooking time is up, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the beef has reached at least 145°F (63°C).
Tip: For even more flavor, you can add chopped cabbage and carrots to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
When the corned beef is done cooking, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. You’ll want to slice the beef against the grain for the most tender results. Serve the sliced corned beef on rye bread with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing for a delicious homemade Reuben sandwich.
Now that you know how to cook corned beef in a crock pot for Reuben, you can enjoy this classic sandwich anytime you’d like. The slow and low cooking method ensures tender and flavorful beef that is perfect for sandwiches. So go ahead and give it a try!
Preparation
Before cooking your corned beef in a crock pot, there are a few steps you need to take:
- Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess brine.
- Pat the corned beef dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Trim any excess fat from the corned beef, if desired.
- Place the corned beef in the crock pot.
- Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef or your own spices, such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves.
- Add enough water to the crock pot to cover the corned beef completely.
- Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, or until the corned beef is tender.
- Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Now that your corned beef is ready, you can proceed to make delicious Reuben sandwiches or any other dish you desire!
Cutting the Beef
Before cooking the corned beef in a crock pot for your Reuben sandwich, it’s important to properly cut the beef to ensure it cooks evenly and is easy to serve. Here are the steps to cutting the beef:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
For this step, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Make sure the knife is large enough to handle the size of the corned beef you have.
Step 2: Remove the Packaging
Take the corned beef out of its packaging and discard any brine or spices that came with it. Rinse the beef under cold water to remove excess salt.
Step 3: Decide on the Thickness
Decide how thick you want your corned beef slices to be. Thinner slices are usually preferred for Reuben sandwiches, but it’s up to your personal preference. Keep in mind that thicker slices will take longer to cook.
Step 4: Cut Against the Grain
Place the corned beef on the cutting board and locate the grain (the lines that run through the meat). To achieve tender and easy-to-chew slices, it’s essential to cut against the grain. This means you will be slicing perpendicular to the lines.
Step 5: Slice the Corned Beef
Using your sharp knife, slice the corned beef against the grain into the desired thickness. Take your time and make sure each slice is evenly cut.
Now that you’ve successfully cut the corned beef, you’re ready to continue with the next steps of cooking it in the crock pot for your delicious Reuben sandwich!
Soaking the Beef
Before cooking corned beef in a crock pot for a Reuben sandwich, it’s important to soak the beef to remove some of the excess saltiness. This step helps to ensure a balanced flavor in the final dish.
To soak the beef, start by removing it from its packaging and rinsing it under cold water. This will help to remove any brine or excess salt on the surface.
Next, place the beef in a large bowl or container and cover it with cold water. You can also add ice cubes to the water to keep it cold. Soak the beef for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
During the soaking process, the water will gradually draw out some of the excess salt from the beef, resulting in a milder flavor. It’s important to discard the soaking water after this process to ensure that the excess salt is removed.
Tip:
For an extra flavorful twist, you can add aromatics such as bay leaves, black peppercorns, or garlic cloves to the soaking water. These ingredients will infuse the beef with additional flavors as it absorbs the water.
Gather the Ingredients
To make corned beef in a crock pot for a delicious Reuben sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
| 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket |
| 1 cup water |
| 1 cup beef broth |
| 1 onion, sliced |
| 4 cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons pickling spice |
| 8 slices rye bread |
| 8 slices Swiss cheese |
| 1 cup sauerkraut, drained |
| 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing |
| Butter, for spreading |
Having all these ingredients ready will ensure that you can cook your corned beef in the crock pot and create a mouthwatering Reuben sandwich afterwards!
Preparing the Slow Cooker
Before starting the cooking process, it is important to make sure that your slow cooker is clean and in proper working condition. Follow these steps to prepare your slow cooker:
- Wash the crock pot with warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
- Make sure the crock pot is completely dry before using it.
- Place the slow cooker on a stable and heat-resistant surface.
- Check the power cord for any damages or frays. If you notice any, it is recommended to get it repaired before using the slow cooker.
- Ensure that the slow cooker lid fits tightly on the crock pot. This is important to retain heat and moisture during the cooking process.
- Plug the slow cooker into a grounded electrical outlet.
- Set the slow cooker to the desired cooking temperature according to the recipe you are using.
By properly preparing your slow cooker, you can ensure that your corned beef will cook evenly and come out tender and flavorful.
Cooking
When it comes to cooking corned beef in a crock pot for a Reuben sandwich, it’s all about getting that tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need a 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, water, spices (usually included in the corned beef package), and any additional seasoning you prefer.
2. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place the corned beef brisket in your crock pot. If there is a spice packet included, sprinkle it over the meat. Add any additional seasonings you like, such as garlic, onion, or pickling spices.
4. Pour enough water into the crock pot to almost cover the corned beef brisket. The meat should be submerged but not completely covered.
5. Place the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat. Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
6. Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.
7. Your corned beef is now ready to be used in a Reuben sandwich. Layer it on rye bread with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Enjoy your homemade Reuben sandwich with deliciously cooked corned beef!
Recipe Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corned beef brisket | 3-4 pounds |
| Water | Enough to almost cover the brisket |
| Spices | Usually included in the corned beef package |
| Additional seasonings | As desired |
FAQ
What is a crock pot?
A crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is a kitchen appliance that is used to cook food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Can I cook corned beef in a crock pot?
Yes, you can cook corned beef in a crock pot. It is a popular method of cooking corned beef as it allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook corned beef in a crock pot?
The cooking time for corned beef in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the meat and the temperature setting of the crock pot. Generally, it takes about 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat.