Corned beef is a popular cured and brined meat that is often eaten around St. Patrick’s Day. But when exactly is National Corned Beef Day? Here is a quick overview of this tasty holiday.
When is National Corned Beef Day?
National Corned Beef Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, the same day as St. Patrick’s Day. Corned beef has become a staple food for celebrating Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day, which is why National Corned Beef Day falls on the same date.
History of Corned Beef
While corned beef is now associated with Irish cuisine, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, it actually has its origins in Jewish culture. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Jewish immigrants came to America from Eastern Europe. They brought many traditional foods with them, including corned beef. At the time, corned beef was considered an inexpensive cut of meat. Irish immigrants, many of whom lived alongside Jewish immigrants in American cities, began adopting corned beef into their own cuisine. Over time, corned beef was associated more with Irish culture and St. Patrick’s Day recipes.
Origins of National Corned Beef Day
National Corned Beef Day started sometime in the early 2000s. While the exact origins are unclear, it is likely that the rise of social media and flooding of St. Patrick’s Day content led to the creation of National Corned Beef Day. Brands and restaurants promoted the holiday as a way to sell more corned beef dishes.
How National Corned Beef Day is Celebrated
National Corned Beef Day is celebrated in a variety of ways, usually involving eating and preparing corned beef!
- Eating corned beef and cabbage – This is the most popular way to celebrate the holiday, as the dish has become a St. Patrick’s Day staple.
- Making Reuben sandwiches – Corned beef is one of the key ingredients in a Reuben sandwich, making it a top choice for National Corned Beef Day.
- Trying creative recipes – Restaurants and brands often promote creative spins on corned beef for National Corned Beef Day, like corned beef tacos, pizza, sliders, etc.
- Attending corned beef centric events – Some Irish bars and restaurants host special events devoted to corned beef and Irish culture.
Where to Get Corned Beef on the Holiday
Here are some of the most popular places to find corned beef dishes on National Corned Beef Day:
- Irish pubs and restaurants – These establishments typically heavily promote corned beef specials on March 17th.
- Delis – Delis offer high-quality sliced corned beef that you can use to make Reuben sandwiches.
- Grocery stores – Grocery stores stock up on corned beef around St. Patrick’s Day and promote deals.
- Butcher shops – High end butcher shops sell gourmet seasoned and cured corned beef.
- Fast food – Fast food chains like Arby’s sometimes offer limited edition corned beef sandwiches.
Fun Facts About Corned Beef
Here are some fun facts about corned beef that you can share on National Corned Beef Day:
- The term “corned” refers to the large grained rock salts historically used to cure meats, called “corns.”
- Traditional Jewish corned beef is made with brisket, while Irish corned beef is usually made with rounds.
- Corned beef gets its signature pink color from the curing process, not from any added dyes.
- On average, around 40-50% of annual corned beef sales occur around St. Patrick’s Day.
- The world’s largest corned beef sandwich, weighing 40 pounds, was made in 2015 by Carson’s Ribs in Illinois.
Nutrition Facts for Corned Beef
Here is a nutritional breakdown for a typical 3 ounce serving of sliced corned beef:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 169 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 786mg |
| Protein | 16g |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Key Takeaways on Nutrition
- High in sodium due to the curing process. Those limiting sodium intake should eat corned beef in moderation.
- Good source of protein and iron.
- Also provides some B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
- Fat content is moderate and a mix of saturated and unsaturated fat.
Corned Beef Recipes
Here are some popular corned beef recipes to make on National Corned Beef Day:
Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients:
- 3 pound corned beef brisket
- 1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4-5 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place corned beef in large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
- Add cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onion, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl mix together broth, brown sugar and mustard. Pour over vegetables and simmer another 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
- 8 ounces sliced corned beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions:
- Spread one side of each slice of bread with thousand island dressing.
- Place 4 bread slices dressing side up. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on each.
- Top with remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
- Butter outside of sandwiches.
- Cook in skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Corned Beef Hash
Ingredients:
- 1 lb leftover corned beef, chopped
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add potatoes to a pot of salted water. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, potatoes and corned beef. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
How to Make Your Own Corned Beef
Want to try making your own homemade corned beef? Here is a simple corned beef recipe and process.
Ingredients
- 5 pound beef brisket
- 1 cup coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp curing salt
- 4 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Other optional spices: cloves, allspice berries, ginger, cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix together salt, brown sugar and curing salt. Rub mixture evenly all over brisket.
- Place brisket in a large resealable bag or container. Add water and spices. Refrigerate for 5-7 days, turning brisket each day.
- After curing, rinse brisket and pat dry. Place in a pot, cover with water and simmer for 2-3 hours until fork tender.
- Let brisket rest in broth until cooled. Then slice and use for corned beef dishes.
Tips
- For best flavor, cure for full 7 days.
- Add any spices you like to the curing brine.
- Simmering low and slow is key to tender corned beef.
- Letting it rest in broth keeps it moist.
- Use leftovers for hash, sandwiches, pizza and more!
Conclusion
Corned beef has become a delicious icon of Irish and American cuisine thanks to its association with St. Patrick’s Day. National Corned Beef Day on March 17th is the perfect time to enjoy this cured meat in all its glory. Make a classic corned beef and cabbage dinner, mile-high Reuben sandwiches, or creative corned beef tacos or pizza. You can even try your hand at homemade corned beef. However you choose to celebrate, enjoy the rich flavors and traditions of corned beef on National Corned Beef Day!