What to Eat with Corned Beef? A Guide to Pairing Corned Beef with the Right Foods
Corned beef is a popular ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic sandwiches to hearty stews and casseroles. But what to eat with corned beef? This article will provide you with some delicious and creative pairing ideas to take your corned beef dishes to the next level.
Traditional Pairings
Before we dive into some unconventional pairing ideas, let’s start with some classic combinations that have stood the test of time.
- Corned Beef Sandwiches: A classic combo that’s hard to beat. Thinly sliced corned beef, served on a soft bun with mustard and pickles, is a match made in heaven.
- Boiled Dinner: Boil sliced corned beef with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for a hearty and comforting one-pot meal.
- Hash Browns and Scrambled Eggs: Diced corned beef mixed with hash browns and scrambled eggs makes for a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
International Inspirations
Corned beef can be used in a wide range of international dishes, from Asian-inspired stir-fries to Latin American-inspired tacos.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Stir-fry sliced corned beef with noodles, vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and easy Asian-inspired meal.
- Tacos: Use diced corned beef as a filling in tacos, along with sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
- Rice Bowls: Serve sliced corned beef over a bed of rice, topped with pickled ginger, wasabi, and sesame seeds for a Japanese-inspired bowl.
Unconventional Pairings
But why stick to traditional pairing ideas when you can experiment with something new? Here are some unconventional pairing ideas that might just become your new favorite way to enjoy corned beef.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast sliced corned beef with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots for a sweet and savory side dish.
- Grilled Cheese and Corned Beef: Pair sliced corned beef with melted cheddar cheese on sourdough bread for a gooey and satisfying sandwich.
- Creamy Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with diced corned beef, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese for a rich and indulgent pasta dish.
Brunch and Breakfast Ideas
Corned beef can be used in a variety of brunch and breakfast dishes, from omelets to quiches and frittatas.
- Corned Beef Omelet: Whip up an omelet with sliced corned beef, cheddar cheese, and scallions for a filling breakfast.
- Quiche Lorraine: Mix diced corned beef with eggs, cream, and grated cheese, then pour into a pie crust and bake until set.
- Frittata: Toss diced corned beef with eggs, bell peppers, and onions, then pour into a greased skillet and cook until set.
Table-Ready Options
Here are some table-ready options that are perfect for serving corned beef with a variety of sides:
| Side Dish | Pairing Ideas |
|---|---|
| Boiled Potatoes | Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes |
| Green Beans | Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Green Beans |
| Carrots | Roasted Carrots or Glazed Carrots |
| Cabbage | Braised Cabbage or Coleslaw |
Conclusion
As you can see, there are countless ways to enjoy corned beef. Whether you stick to traditional pairings or experiment with new and unconventional ideas, this versatile ingredient is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic sandwiches to international inspirations and unconventional pairings, corned beef is a staple ingredient that deserves to be celebrated.