The cooking method of any dish plays a crucial role in deciding the final taste and consistency of the dish. The same rule is applicable to the delicious dish that everybody loves- corned beef. This salty, spicy, and meaty delicacy is one of the favorite options during gatherings and parties.
But sometimes, people forget the main rule of cooking it, which is placing the beef fat side up. Such a technique can provide the necessary flavor and juiciness to corned beef.
If you do not believe that it is worth the effort, we suggest going through the following article as we have discussed the pros and cons of cooking corned beef side up. So read on to learn more!
Cooking Beef Fat Side Up
When you cook beef fat side up, the fat renders out and bastes the meat as it cooks. This results in a juicier, more flavorful corned beef. It also helps retain the moisture in the meat.
However, there are a few downsides to cooking corned beef fat side up. First, it can be messy. The rendered fat can drip down onto your stovetop or oven, which can be challenging to clean up. Second, it can be hard to tell when the beef is fully cooked since the fat can make it hard to see the meat.
So should you cook corned beef fat side up? It’s up to you! If you want a juicier, more flavorful beef, go for it. But if you’re worried about the mess or don’t want to take the chance of overcooking the meat, then you might want to cook it fat side down.
Cooking Beef Fat Side DownÂ
Cooking corned beef fat side down has a few advantages. First, it’s easier to tell when the beef is fully cooked since you can see the meat. Second, it’s less messy since the rendered fat doesn’t drip onto your stovetop or oven.
However, there are a few downsides to cooking corned beef fat side down. First, the beef won’t be as juicy or flavorful since the fat won’t render out and bastes the meat as it cooks. Second, the beef is more likely to dry out since the fat isn’t there to help protect it.
So it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an easier cooking experience and don’t mind sacrificing some flavor, go for it.
How To Cook Beef Fat Side Up Properly
Here’s how to cook corned beef fat side up if you’ve decided to go that route:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to aid in the fat rendering process.
- Place the beef fat side up in a roasting pan. To make cleanup easier, line the pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Roast the beef until it’s thoroughly cooked through, roughly 2-3 hours, depending on the amount of the steak.
- Let the beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the liquids to redistribute, making the corned beef juicier.
- Enjoy!
Other Tips To Cook Corned Beef
Here are a few other tips to help you cook the perfect corned beef:
- Allow the meat to soak in water overnight: This will help to eliminate any extra salt.
- Add aromatics: Adding aromatics like garlic, onions, and peppercorns can help enhance the beef’s flavor.
- Use a slow cooker: Cooking the beef in a slow cooker can help to tenderize it and make it more flavorful.
- Braise the beef: Braising the beef in a mixture of stock and Guinness beer can give it a unique flavor.
- Roast the beef: Roasting the beef in a hot oven will help to render out the fat and make it more flavorful.
FAQs
Should fat be removed from corned beef before cooking?
Some people say that you should remove the fat from corned beef before cooking it, but we disagree. Leaving the fat on the beef will help keep it moist and flavorful. Plus, it’s easy enough to trim off the fat after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
Do you cook corned beef covered or uncovered?
We recommend cooking corned beef uncovered so that the fat can render out and baste the meat as it cooks. However, if you’re worried about the mess, you can cover the pan with foil or parchment paper.
Do you bake corned beef with the fat side up?
You must bake corned beef with the fat side up for better taste and texture. Place the beef on the oven-safe rack on a baking sheet to ace the taste and consistency.
Conclusion
Whether you cook corned beef fat side up or down is up to you! If you want a juicier, more flavorful beef, cook it fat side up. But if you’re worried about the mess or don’t want to take the chance of overcooking the meat, cook it fat side down. Whichever way you choose, just follow the tips above to cook the perfect corned beef.
