Canned corned beef hash is a popular canned meat product made from corned beef, potatoes, and spices. It has a flavor similar to homemade corned beef hash, but comes pre-cooked and ready to eat straight from the can. However, some people prefer to cook canned corned beef hash before eating it. So does canned corned beef hash really need to be cooked or is it safe to eat straight from the can?
Can you eat canned corned beef hash without cooking it?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat canned corned beef hash straight from the can without cooking it. During the canning process, the corned beef hash is fully cooked at high temperatures which kills any harmful bacteria. The canning process also vacuum seals the contents, preventing recontamination after the cooking process.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, commercially canned meat products like corned beef hash are shelf-stable and can be stored for years without refrigeration. The high heat processing gives canned meats a longer shelf life by destroying spoilage bacteria and enzymes. As long as the can remains in good condition and has not spoiled, the contents are safe to eat straight from the can.
Benefits of eating canned corned beef hash without cooking
There are several benefits to eating canned corned beef hash right out of the can without additional cooking:
- Convenience – Canned hash is ready to eat in seconds. No extra time or effort needed for cooking.
- Preserves flavor – The corned beef hash flavor is fully developed during canning. Additional cooking may change the taste and texture.
- Avoids drying out – Hash can dry out and become crumbly when cooked again after canning.
- Fewer dishes – No extra pots or pans to clean up after eating straight from the can.
- Portion control – The can contains a pre-portioned serving for quick meals.
- Shelf stability – An unopened can of hash has a very long shelf life without refrigeration.
For those reasons, many people enjoy canned corned beef hash straight from the container for quick sandwiches, breakfasts, dinners, and snacks.
Reasons to cook canned corned beef hash
While perfectly edible straight from the can, some people prefer to cook canned corned beef hash before eating it. Here are some of the main reasons for cooking canned hash after opening it:
- Change texture – Frying or baking can crispen up the outside and soften the inside.
- Enhance flavor – Cooking allows spices and seasonings to fully penetrate the hash.
- Warm it up – Cold hash straight from the can may not be as appetizing as hot.
- Combine ingredients – Cooking permits easy addition of vegetables, eggs, cheese, etc.
- Avoid monotony – Fried or baked hash has more visual appeal versus from the can.
- Food safety – Cooking provides an extra layer of protection if contamination occurred.
While not required for food safety, cooking or warming canned hash can make it more palatable by improving texture, temperature, aesthetics, and taste.
How to cook canned corned beef hash
There are endless ways to cook canned corned beef hash after opening the can. Here are some popular cooking methods:
Frying
Frying crisps up the outside of the hash while keeping the interior warm and soft. To pan-fry, empty the canned hash into a skillet greased with butter or oil. Cook over medium heat, flipping/stirring occasionally until heated through and lightly browned.
Baking
Baking canned hash gives it a crusty, casserole-like texture. Spread the hash in a baking dish, top with cheese, breadcrumbs, etc. if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Sautéing
Sauté canned hash with extra vegetables like onions, peppers, spinach for added flavor. Sauté in a hot pan with oil or butter until ingredients are cooked and tender.
Broiling
For fast cooking, canned hash can be broiled. Spread in a pan and broil for 5-10 minutes until the top browns. Flip halfway through for evenly browned hash.
Slow cooker
Canned hash can be cooked low and slow in a crockpot. Add hash and additional ingredients like beans, tomatoes, broth to a slow cooker. Cook on low 2-3 hours for tender hash.
Microwave
For a quick reheat, empty canned corned beef hash onto a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Tips for cooking canned corned beef hash
- Cook in a nonstick pan with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Season with extra spices like pepper, onion powder, paprika, etc.
- Top with a fried egg for added protein.
- Mix in vegetables like bell pepper, kale, spinach, etc.
- Add shredded cheese on top for gooey melted cheese.
- Serve topped with hot sauce or ketchup for extra flavor.
- Cook low and slow if hash seems too dry.
- Opt for baking or broiling for lower-fat cooking methods.
Conclusion
Canned corned beef hash can be safely eaten straight from the can with no additional cooking required. However, many people prefer to cook canned hash in order to improve its flavor, texture, and temperature. Frying, baking, sautéing, and broiling are all popular cooking methods for canned corned beef hash. While not necessary for food safety reasons, cooking canned hash can make it tastier and more appetizing.