When it comes to corned beef, there is one drink that reigns supreme: beer! But not just any old beer will do. You need a brew that can stand up to the flavor of this hearty dish. In this blog post, we will list 10 of the best beers for corned beef. Whether you are looking for something light and refreshing or something dark and malty, we have you covered!
- Guinness Draught
- Harp Lager
- Belhaven Scottish Ale
- Smithwick’s Ale
- Hornsby’s Hard Cider
- Caffrey’s Irish Cream Ale
- Murphy’s Irish Stout
- O’Hara’s Celtic Stout
- Beamish Irish Stout
- Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
What Is Corn Beef?
Corned beef is a type of beef that has been preserved in a seasoned brine. This gives the beef a unique flavor and texture that is perfect for dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
What Makes Beer Corned Beef So Good?
There are many reasons why beer corned beef is such a popular dish. For one, it is incredibly flavorful and moist. The beef is first slow-cooked in a mixture of beer and spices, which infuses it with a rich, deep flavor.
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Then, it is simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This combination of flavors makes for a truly delicious meal that is sure to please any appetite.
In addition to its great taste, beer corned beef is also very easy to make. It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in just a few steps. Best of all, it can be easily adapted to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Why Do You Need Beer For Corned Beef
Beer is often used as an ingredient in the brine, as it helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. While you can use any type of beer for this purpose, many people prefer to use a stout or porter, as these styles of beer tend to have more robust flavors that complement the corned beef well.
If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your corned beef dish, consider using a beer that has been aged in oak barrels. This will give the dish a deeper flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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Best Beer For Corned Beef
The best beer for corned beef is Guinness. This Irish stout has a strong flavor that can stand up to the rich, salty taste of corned beef. It’s also thick and creamy, which helps to coat the palate and make the meal more enjoyable.
1. Guinness Draught
The rich, roasted flavor of Guinness pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of corned beef. If you want to keep things traditional, stick with Guinness.
2. Harp Lager
This light and crisp beer help to cut through the richness of corned beef and brings out its natural flavor.
3. Belhaven Scottish Ale
This amber ale has a toasty flavor that goes well with corned beef. The moderate carbonation helps to cleanse your palate between bites.
4. Smithwick’s Ale
This amber ale has a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with the salty taste of corned beef. The caramel notes in the beer also complement the sweetness of carrots and other root vegetables often served alongside corned beef.
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5. Hornsby’s Hard Cider
This crisp, dry cider is a good alternative for those who don’t like beer. The sweetness of the cider pairs well with the salty taste of corned beef.
6. Caffrey’s Irish Cream Ale
This creamy ale has a sweetness that pairs well with carrots and other root vegetables often served alongside corned beef. The low carbonation makes it a good choice for those who don’t like their beer too fizzy.
7. Murphy’s Irish Stout
Like Guinness, Murphy’s is another classic Irish stout that pairs well with corned beef. The chocolate and coffee flavors in the beer help to offset the saltiness of the meat.
8. O’Hara’s Celtic Stout
This dry stout has a roasted malt flavor that pairs well with the salty taste of corned beef. The bitterness of the hops also helps to cut through the fat in the meat.
9. Beamish Irish Stout
This creamy stout has a slightly sweet flavor that makes it a good choice for drinking with corned beef. The chocolate and coffee flavors in the beer also help to balance out the richness of the meat.
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10. Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
This smooth, creamy ale has a sweetness that goes well with carrots and other root vegetables often served alongside corned beef. The ale also has a low bitterness that won’t overwhelm the delicate flavors of the meat.
Beers To Stay Away From When Making Corned Beef
Corned beef is a great way to add some flavor to your meal, but there are certain types of beer that you should avoid when cooking it. These include:
- Beers that are too hoppy or bitter – These types of beers can make the corned beef and cabbage taste bitter.
- Beers that are too sweet – Sweet beers can make the corned beef and cabbage taste too sweet.
- Beers that are low in alcohol – Low-alcohol beers will not add enough flavor to the dish.
- Beers that are high in carbonation – High-carbonation beers can make the corned beef and cabbage taste fizzy.
- Beers that are dark in color – Dark beers can make the corned beef and cabbage look muddy.
When in doubt, stick with a simple, light-colored beer like a pilsner or lager. These will allow the flavors of the corned beef to shine through without overwhelming them.
Frequently Asked Question
Does Beer Aid In Corned Beef’s Tenderization?
Beer includes tannins and acids that tenderize and disintegrate meat. Using citrus, wine, or vinegar in a marinade is similar to this concept. In this instance, Chapple uses two bottles of pale ale, together with garlic, onion, bay leaves, and 12 cups of water, to braise the beef.
How Long Does Corned Beef Need To Cook?
Fork-tender corned beef requires a total cooking time of 45 to 50 minutes per pound.
