Quick Answer
Many brands of corned beef hash are gluten free, as corned beef hash is naturally gluten free. Some top gluten free brands include Hormel, Mary Kitchen, Wilson, and Armour. When checking labels, look for hashes that are certified gluten free or contain only corned beef, potatoes, and seasonings without wheat ingredients.
What is Corned Beef Hash?
Corned beef hash is a dish made from cooked corned beef, diced potatoes, and spices mixed together and formed into a patty or loaf shape. Traditional corned beef hash recipes call for chopped corned beef, diced potatoes, onions, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices cooked together until browned.
The main ingredients in corned beef hash are:
– Corned beef: Beef that has been cured and brined in a seasoned salt mixture. This gives the beef its signature pink color and distinct flavor.
– Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are commonly used in hash. The potatoes are diced into small cubes before being combined with the other ingredients.
– Onions: Onions provide aromatic flavor. They are typically chopped or diced.
– Spices and seasonings: Ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce season the hash and enhance the flavors.
Is Corned Beef Hash Naturally Gluten Free?
Yes, corned beef hash made from just corned beef, potatoes, onions, and spices is naturally gluten free. None of the core ingredients in traditional corned beef hash contain gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a binding agent and helps food maintain its shape. Corned beef hash is typically made without grains or wheat-based ingredients.
However, some commercial brands may add fillers or thickeners that do contain gluten, such as wheat flour or breadcrumbs. Checking the label is important if you need to avoid gluten.
What Brands of Corned Beef Hash are Gluten Free?
Here are some of the top brands that offer gluten free corned beef hash options:
Hormel
– Hormel Corned Beef Hash: Hormel’s classic corned beef hash contains just corned beef, potatoes, and seasonings. It is certified gluten free.
– Hormel Turkey Hash: Made with turkey instead of corned beef but is also certified gluten free.
Mary Kitchen
– Mary Kitchen Roast Beef Hash: Contains only corn beef, potatoes, onions, and spices. Gluten free.
– Mary Kitchen Corned Beef Hash: Another gluten free variety from Mary Kitchen with simple, clean ingredients.
Armour
– Armour Corned Beef Hash: Made without wheat or wheat derivatives. Labeled gluten free.
– Armour Chopped Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Hash: A gluten free flavor twist on traditional hash.
Wilson
– Wilson Certified Gluten Free Corned Beef Hash: Made in a gluten free facility and tested to have less than 10ppm of gluten.
– Wilson Turkey Hash and Wilson Roast Beef Hash: Other gluten free flavors from Wilson.
Other Brands
There are many other corned beef hash brands that offer gluten free options too:
– Look for hashes specifically labeled “gluten free” on the packaging.
– Check ingredient lists for possible wheat-based ingredients like wheat flour or bread crumbs.
– Call or email manufacturers to inquire about gluten free status if uncertain.
– Purchase brands made in dedicated gluten free facilities to reduce cross-contamination risks.
What to Look for When Buying Gluten Free Corned Beef Hash
Follow these tips when shopping for gluten free corned beef hash:
– **Look for a “Gluten Free” label:** This is the most reliable indicator that the product does not contain gluten. Brands like Hormel and Wilson advertise their gluten free status.
– **Avoid wheat or wheat derivatives in ingredients:** Ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs, wheat starch indicate the hash contains gluten.
– **Don’t rely only on “No MSG” labels:** MSG or monosodium glutamate is gluten free. So a “No MSG” label does not guarantee the hash is gluten free.
– **Beware of “Natural Flavors”:** The term “Natural Flavors” is vague. These can potentially contain gluten even if wheat is not specifically listed.
– **Carefully check seasoned varieties:** Seasoned corned beef hash with ingredients like soy sauce may contain gluten from the added flavors. Plain is simplest.
– **Look for certification symbols:** The GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) symbol means the product has been certified gluten free through testing.
How to Verify Corned Beef Hash is Gluten Free
If you’re uncertain about the gluten free status of a particular corned beef hash brand, here are some ways to verify:
– **Contact the manufacturer:** Call or email companies to inquire if their product is gluten free. Many list contact information for consumer questions.
– **Check the company website:** Brand websites may provide more details on manufacturing practices and how they ensure gluten free status.
– **Look for independent certification:** Certifications like GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) indicate the brand has been tested.
– **Learn about the production facility:** Hashes made in dedicated gluten free facilities have lower cross-contamination risks.
– **Research the brand’s reputation:** Check gluten free consumer blogs and forums for user experiences with the brand.
– **Ask your doctor for input:** Especially important for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
Being an informed buyer and double checking questionable brands provides peace of mind. Contact the manufacturer directly if you need definitive confirmation their hash is gluten free.
5 Tips for Cooking Gluten Free Corned Beef Hash
Here are some helpful tips for preparing delicious gluten free corned beef hash at home:
1. Select High-Quality Corned Beef
Splurge on high-quality cured corned beef, preferably with minimal added ingredients. This will ensure a flavorful hash base free of unwanted additives.
2. Use Starchier Potato Types
Choose potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds which get fluffy and hold together better than waxy potatoes. This gives the hash a better texture.
3. Sauté the Potatoes First
Sautéing the potatoes separately before adding corned beef allows you to brown them properly for a crispy hash.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cook the hash over medium-low heat, stirring infrequently. The slower cooking helps the potatoes brown evenly for crispy bits.
5. Finish with a Fried Egg
Top the corned beef hash with a fried egg for a protein boost and delicious runny yolk sauce. A gluten free perfection.
5 Gluten Free Brands of Corned Beef Hash
| Brand | Gluten Free Certification | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Hormel | Certified Gluten Free | Corned beef, potatoes, water, salt, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite |
| Mary Kitchen Roast Beef Hash | Not certified but gluten free | Roast beef, potatoes, onion, salt, spices |
| Armour | Labeled Gluten Free | Corned beef, potatoes, water, salt, sodium phosphate |
| Wilson Certified Gluten Free | Certified Gluten Free | Corned beef, potatoes, water, less than 2% of: salt, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrate, extractives of spices |
| Look for Life Gluten Free | Certified Gluten Free | Corned beef (corned beef, water, salt, sodium nitrite), potatoes, onion, water, contains less than 2% of: sea salt, evaporated cane syrup, spices, garlic powder, natural flavors, orange juice concentrate, olive oil, citric acid |
Common Questions about Gluten Free Corned Beef Hash
Is corned beef hash gluten free?
Traditional corned beef hash made from just corned beef, potatoes, onions, and spices is naturally gluten free. However, some brands may add questionable ingredients, so checking labels is important if avoiding gluten.
What ingredients make corned beef hash not gluten free?
Potential sources of gluten to watch for include wheat flour, breadcrumbs, thickeners like wheat starch, soy sauce, and ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors.” Plain hashes tend to be safest.
Should you rinse corned beef before making hash?
Yes, it’s advisable to rinse corned beef briefly before making hash to remove some excess saltiness. But don’t soak it extensively or the corned beef may lose too much flavor.
Can I use leftover corned beef to make hash?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked corned beef makes delightful gluten free hash. Simply dice or chop corned beef into small pieces when mixing with potatoes and spices.
What is the best potato to use for corned beef hash?
Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold work best, as they get fluffy and hold together better than waxy potatoes. Dice into 1/2″ pieces before sautéing for hash.
Conclusion
With some careful label reading, people who eat gluten free can definitely still enjoy delicious corned beef hash. There are many reputable brands offering gluten free options made with simple whole food ingredients. Hormel, Mary Kitchen, Armour, and Wilson are some of the top brands to look for that make non-gluten hashes. When preparing corned beef hash at home, start with high quality corned beef and stick to core ingredients like potatoes, spices, and onions to stay gluten free. With so many options, people avoiding gluten don’t have to miss out on this classic comfort food.