How to Cook Salt Beef

Salt beef is a delicious, brined meat that is tender, salty, and perfect for sandwiches or as part of a traditional dish. Here’s a concise guide to cooking it:

INGREDIENTS

1 kg cured beef brisket
2 large onions, quartered
2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 celery sticks, cut into large chunks
1 leek, cleaned and cut into large chunks
2 bay leaves
10 black peppercorns
6 cloves garlic, crushed
Water, to cover

METHOD

Prepare the Beef:
- Rinse the cured beef brisket under cold running water to remove any excess salt from the surface.
Cook the Beef:
- Place the brisket in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery, leek, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic.
- Cover the beef and vegetables with cold water, ensuring the brisket is fully submerged.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
Rest and Slice:
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 20-30 minutes.
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices for serving.

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Salt Beef – Brisket – 1kg

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Side Dishes:

Boiled Potatoes: Simple and classic, boiled potatoes with a bit of butter and parsley complement the salt beef beautifully.
Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli provide a light and healthy contrast to the rich beef.
Cabbage: Steamed or sautéed cabbage works well, especially with a bit of butter or bacon for added flavour.
Pickled Vegetables: Gherkins, pickled onions, or sauerkraut add a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the beef.

Condiments:

Mustard: A good quality Dijon or whole grain mustard adds a sharp, piquant flavour.
Horseradish Sauce: Creamy horseradish sauce offers a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the salt beef.
Pickle Relish: Tangy and slightly sweet, pickle relish adds a delightful crunch and flavour contrast.

Bread:

Rye Bread: Hearty rye bread is a traditional pairing, especially if you’re making salt beef sandwiches.
Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavour of sourdough complements the saltiness of the beef.

Other Matches:

Cheese: A sharp cheddar or a creamy brie can be a delightful addition, especially in a sandwich.
Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch and contrasts well with the beef.

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 3-4 hours

Hot Tips

Allow the beef to rest after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Pairings

Dark Beer: A stout or porter, with their rich and robust flavours, complement the salty and savoury notes of salt beef.
Red Wine: A medium to full-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or Malbec, pairs well with the depth of salt beef.
Whisky: A smooth, slightly smoky whisky can enhance the flavour of the salt beef.
Non-Alcoholic: A rich, malty ginger beer or a classic root beer are excellent non-alcoholic choices.

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