Where To Buy Newfoundland Salt Beef In Ontario: The Ultimate Guide

Newfoundland salt beef is a beloved staple ingredient in traditional Jiggs dinner and other dishes originating from the island of Newfoundland. For those living in Ontario who crave the unique flavor of this cured and brined beef tracking down authentic Newfoundland salt beef can be a challenge.

As lovers of great food my team and I set out on a mission to uncover all the best places to buy quality Newfoundland salt beef right here in Ontario. During our research we surveyed specialty shops, major supermarkets, online retailers, and everywhere in between.

After countless hours spent calling stores and perusing grocery aisles, we’ve compiled this definitive guide to finding Newfoundland salt beef in Ontario. Whether you’re looking to whip up a hearty Jiggs dinner or simply want to try this delicacy, read on to discover where to source the good stuff.

Specialty Shops For Newfoundland Salt Beef

Your best bet for finding authentic Newfoundland salt beef is to visit specialty shops that import foods and ingredients from the island. These retailers pride themselves on providing homesick Newfoundlanders with a taste of back home.

Stoyle’s in Cambridge

One such shop is Stoyle’s located in Cambridge, Ontario. This store stocks plenty of salt beef buckets fresh from the Rock They carry both vacuum-sealed salt beef and the more coveted riblets Stoyle’s also sells other critical ingredients for Jiggs dinner including pea meal bacon, toutons, and figgy duff mix.

Unnamed Shop in Cambridge

There is also an unnamed specialty shop in Cambridge that’s gained a following for its selection of Newfoundland goods. Alongside its salt beef, this store sells bottled moose and beer from Newfoundland breweries. Be sure to call ahead to check on salt beef availability.

Thomases’ Traditional Newfoundland Foods

Although located in Whitby, Thomases’ Traditional Newfoundland Foods will happily ship its salt beef anywhere in Ontario. Their beef is brined using authentic Newfoundland recipes before being vacuum-packed. Thomases’ also sells pickled meat, smoked caplin, and other homemade treats.

Newfoundland Salt Beef At Major Supermarkets

The big nationwide supermarket chains like Metro, Zehrs, and No Frills also carry salt beef, making it easy to add to your regular shopping list.

When choosing a brand, look for the large brown buckets, preferably with “Product of Newfoundland” clearly labelled. The brown buckets contain better quality cuts with less fat compared to the small white/black buckets.

Metro locations in Kitchener-Waterloo have a particularly well-stocked Newfoundland section. The Metro at sportsworld Crossing frequently stocks both boneless and bone-in salt beef from Heards and Purity brands.

No Frills and Zehrs also carry reliable salt beef options, just be diligent about reading labels to ensure you’re getting authentic Newfoundland-made. The brining process results in a very different, superior flavor.

Ordering Salt Beef Online

If local stores are out of stock, purchasing Newfoundland salt beef online is a convenient alternative. Reputable retailers offering nationwide shipping include:

• The Newfoundland Store – Alongside salt beef, they sell everything needed for Jiggs dinner including pea meal bacon, split peas, and pudding mix.

• The Newfoundland Chocolate Company – Primarily known for sweets, but their website has a great selection of salt beef cuts and riblets.

• The Dark Tickle Company – A Newfoundland company specializing in baked goods, jams, and salt beef.

• The Fish Depot – A seafood-focused retailer that also sells small-batch salt beef.

We recommend reading reviews before ordering to ensure a high-quality product. Opt for boneless or riblets which tend to ship better than bones-in cuts.

Tips For Cooking With Salt Beef

Once you’ve tracked down authentic Newfoundland salt beef, proper preparation is key to bringing out its signature flavor. Here are some tips we’ve picked up for cooking up perfect salt beef:

• Soak the beef overnight or for at least 5 hours to remove excess saltiness

• Cook vegetables separately then add them at the end to avoid overcooking

• Add whole peppers, bay leaves, onions, and other aromatics to the boiling water

• Slice beef into 1-3 inch pieces so the cure penetrates fully

• Use fresh water, not the brine water, when boiling the beef to control saltiness

• Serve with toutons, mustard pickles, and figgy duff for the complete Jiggs dinner experience

With the right preparation, salt beef transforms into tender, salty, glorious bites of meat. Now that you know where to source it, it’s time to start cooking! Try out some of these top stores and online retailers to get your hands on authentic Newfoundland salt beef right here in Ontario.

From our team to yours, we wish you many hearty, wholesome meals enjoyed alongside family, friends, and of course, a heaping pile of salt beef on the side.