Is Argentina Corned Beef Ready to Eat? A Complete Guide

Corned beef is a popular canned meat product commonly found in many pantries and beloved by many. With its salty, beefy flavor, corned beef makes a tasty addition to various dishes and meals. While corned beef originated as an Irish dish, today much of the world’s supply comes from South America, particularly Argentina. This leads many to wonder – is Argentinian corned beef ready to eat straight from the can?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Argentinian corned beef how it’s made, and whether or not you can eat it right out of the can. We’ll also provide tips on how to best use this versatile canned meat. Let’s dive in!

What is Argentinian Corned Beef?

Corned beef gets its name from the “corns” of salt historically used to cure the meat. Today, most commercial corned beef is cured with a salt and sodium nitrite brine The term “corned beef” can refer to a few different cuts of meat, but typically it’s made from brisket

Argentina has become one of the largest exporters of corned beef in the world, Their grass-fed cattle produce high-quality brisket ideal for curing and canning The country’s beef supply and processing capabilities have allowed it to corner the global corned beef market

Brands like Hereford and La Anonima are well-known Argentinian corned beef producers. They carefully trim and cure the brisket before gently cooking and canning it. The result is tender, flavorful corned beef with the consistency of deli meat.

Is it Fully Cooked and Ready to Eat from the Can?

The short answer is yes – Argentinian corned beef is fully cooked inside the can and ready to eat right out of the packaging.

The brisket goes through a lengthy cooking process during canning, reaching temperatures high enough to kill any potential bacteria. As long as the seal on the can remains intact, the shelf-stable product inside is safe to consume.

You can quickly check your can’s seal before opening it. Look for any bulging, rust, or damage which could indicate a compromised seal. As long as the can feels firm and vacuum-sealed shut, your corned beef is good to go.

While technically safe to eat straight from the can, Argentinian corned beef will taste better warmed up. We recommend trying the recipes below to get the most flavor out of your canned corned beef.

Tips for Cooking with Canned Corned Beef

Here are some tips to make the most out of your canned Argentinian corned beef:

• Rinse before cooking – Rinsing removes excess salt and helps freshen up the flavor. Place corned beef in a colander and rinse under running water for 30 seconds. Pat dry with paper towels.

• Warm it up – Quickly pan-fry slices for 1-2 minutes per side to warm them through and add a nice sear. You can also wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

• Add moisture – Braise corned beef in tomato sauce, beef broth, or beer to keep it tender. Slow cooker recipes also help by braising the meat.

• Slice thin – Cut corned beef across the grain into thin slices. This shortens the muscle fibers for a more tender bite.

• Spice it up – Brush on a spice rub before cooking, or sprinkle with spices like garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and dry mustard.

Now let’s look at some tasty ways to serve up canned corned beef.

5 Quick and Easy Recipes Using Canned Corned Beef

Here are a few ideas for putting your canned Argentinian corned beef to delicious use:

1. Classic Reuben Sandwich

A Reuben sandwich is the most iconic way to eat corned beef. Layer thin slices with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing on rye bread. Grill until the cheese is melted.

2. Corned Beef Hash

Cook potatoes and onions until tender. Add shredded corned beef. Cook together until browned and crisp. Top with a fried egg for breakfast.

3. Cuban Sandwiches

Layer sliced corned beef with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. Press in a panini grill for a classic Cuban sandwich.

4. Corned Beef Pasta

Toss hot cooked pasta in a skillet with sliced corned beef, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. Finish with chopped parsley.

5. Corned Beef Chili

Sauté onions, peppers, and spices. Add tomatoes, beans, and diced corned beef. Simmer until thickened. Top with cheddar cheese and sour cream.

With these simple recipes, you can see how versatile canned corned beef can be. It’s inexpensive but full of bold, beefy flavor. Keep a few cans stocked in your pantry for quick sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes, and more!

Is Canned Corned Beef Healthy?

While corned beef makes a tasty meal, it’s worth looking at the nutritional value of this canned meat.

A 3.5 ounce serving of canned corned beef contains:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 910mg – 38% DV
• Iron: 2mg – 11% DV
• Potassium: 350mg – 10% DV

So while corned beef provides protein, iron, and some vitamins and minerals, it is high in sodium. It’s also a processed meat, which experts recommend limiting in your diet.

To make corned beef healthier, be mindful of portion sizes. Eat it occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet. Rinsing the canned meat and using low-sodium recipes also helps reduce the salt content.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Corned Beef

Follow these tips for storing and reheating leftover corned beef safely:

• Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days.

• Frozen corned beef will last 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

• Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Use the stovetop, oven, or microwave. Add a little broth or water to prevent drying out.

• Avoid reheating more than once, as the texture deteriorates. Use reheated corned beef in casseroles, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

With proper storage and handling, leftover canned corned beef stays tasty and safe to eat for several days. Get creative with the leftovers!

Is Argentinian Corned Beef Worth Having on Hand?

If you’re a fan of corned beef, Argentinian canned corned beef is certainly worth keeping stocked in your pantry. It provides an easy way to quickly prepare hearty sandwiches, breakfasts, or dinners with its rich, salty flavor. While high in sodium, corned beef can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Just remember to thoroughly rinse canned corned beef before cooking, and incorporate some low-sodium recipes like corned beef hash or Reuben casserole. With its long shelf life and versatile uses, quality canned corned beef like Hereford is a budget-friendly canned meat to have on hand.