Corned Beef Hash Recipe

Corned Beef Hash is easily one of my most favorite breakfast and brunch items out there. Quite honestly, I don’t care if it comes from a can or is homemade like this corned beef hash recipe.

Either way I love it!

However, homemade hash is significantly different in its texture and flavor profile. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t even bother.

But bother I do! In fact, I make corned beef brisket specifically to make this corned beef hash.

With that being said, this recipe works fantastic if you have leftover Corned beef and cabbage as well. Even better, if you want to, you can add some chopped cabbage to the slow cooker in the last two hours of the cooking time and have both available.

Alright, now that we have that out of the way…In true Chicken Fried Kitchen fashion, let’s take a look at the history of this dish, where it originated, and what exactly it is.

Where did Corned Beef Hash Originate?

Hash it itself is any kind of chopped meat mixed with potatoes and fried onions. I’ve personally made Smoked Turkey, Pork Rib, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Italian Sausage, and of course, Corned Beef Hash.

Yes, I love hash THAT MUCH!

Based on what I was reading in wikipedia, it appears that the first account of hash was in the UK during the 14th century and was made of Rabbit.

Now, the classic American Corned Beef Hash was created in the New England region of the United states. In the 1800’s there were ‘hash houses’ named for this signature dish.

Today, it’s certainly not hard to come by.

Specialty high end breakfast restaurants and classic diners alike will serve their version of corned beef hash. Some may even offer other types of meat hash.

My absolute favorite place to order Corned Beef Hash is at Cindi’s Deli in Richardson, Tx. If you live near or are passing through, stop by. It’s a true NY style Delicatessen with amazing breakfast and lunch items.

What IS Corned Beef?

SO, if hash is simply chopped meat with potatoes and onions, then what is it about ‘Corned’ beef that makes it so delicious. It has a very distinct flavor unlike anything else. HOW?

Corned Beef is made of the same Brisket that we slowly smoke and take such pride in here in Texas. But this brisket is cured in a salt bath which is what gives it that pink color and amazing flavor. The brine is similar to that of a pickling liquid.

Basically making it pickled beef and its incredible!

Why do people eat Corned Beef Hash on St. Patrick’s Day?

A pretty simple explanation actually. Per Irish Central, beef wasn’t readily available in Ireland. However, when they came to America corned beef was the cheapest beef there was and so thats what was eaten on St. Patricks Day.

Today it’s quite different. Corned Beef Brisket at the store is not a cheap purchase, however they normally have some pretty good deals around St Patty’s Day. Either way though, with this amazing and SUPER EASY Corned Beef Hash Recipe, it’ll be well worth every penny spent!

LET’S GET TO COOKIN’!

First things first, open up that Corned Beef Brisket and rinse it under cold water then pat it dry. This rinses any extra salt and what not that was in the package. Be sure to keep the little peppercorn packet, you’re going to need it.

Next, place the brisket, fat side up in your slow cooker. This allows some of that fat to render through the meat while cooking but also makes for easy removal of the fat at the end.

Quarter two onions and place them around the brisket. Then pour the Guinness Extra Stout Draught over the Corned Beef and onions.

Lastly, dump the peppercorn packet, garlic, and bay leaves evenly across the top of the brisket.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. In the mean time take a look at the crispy air fryer potato recipe.

Once the corned beef is done in the slow cooker, I like to take it out, discard any extra fat, cube it, and toss it in a hot cast Iron skillet with the cooked onions. This crisps it up a bit before topping the potatoes.

Another option is too add the Air fryer potatoes to the skillet but I must warn you, you WILL lose all crispy outside texture by doing so. Both ways are very good, its just a matter of personal preference.

Assemble by serving a flat layer of air fryer potatoes, topped with corned beef and onions, then two fried eggs and a slice of toast.

YUMM! ENJOY MY FRIENDS! You’re in for a real treat!

In Conclusion

I always think it’s important to understand where food originated so we have an appreciation for the heritage.

What was once the cheapest meat our Irish American Immigrants could find has now become one of the highest price cuts in our local grocery stores.

But once you taste this corned beef hash recipe, you wont mind swiping that card at least once a year for this delicious meal!

For an easy alternative, try making the corned beef and placing it over these Amazing Potato Cakes!

Enjoy and Happy Cooking!

-Jeremy