Eating corned beef right out of the can is generally safe, but there are a few things to consider first. In this article, we’ll look at the safety concerns, nutrition, taste and texture, and tips for preparing canned corned beef.
Is it safe to eat corned beef from the can?
Yes, it is safe to eat corned beef directly from the can, as long as you follow safe food handling guidelines:
- Check the expiration or “best by” date on the can to make sure it is still good
- Inspect the can for damage like dents, bulges, cracks, or corrosion
- Wash the top of the can before opening to prevent contamination
- Use a clean can opener to open the can
- Discard the corned beef if you notice any unpleasant odors, mushy texture, or sliminess
- Refrigerate any leftover corned beef within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days
As long as the can is undamaged and unexpired, the corned beef inside has been safely heat processed to destroy any dangerous bacteria. The canning process allows it to be shelf-stable without refrigeration.
Nutrition of canned corned beef
Here is the nutrition information for a typical 3 oz serving of canned corned beef:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 630mg |
| Protein | 13g |
| Iron | 1.6mg |
As you can see, canned corned beef is high in protein and provides a significant amount of iron. However, it is also very high in sodium. A 3 oz serving contains over 25% of the recommended daily sodium intake.
Taste and texture of canned corned beef
Straight out of the can, corned beef will have a very salty, briny flavor. The texture is quite firm and dense relative to other canned meats. Some people enjoy this salty seasoned flavor of canned corned beef, while others find it to be overly salty.
Without further cooking, the beef will be cold and the fat may be congealed. It is often better to heat it before eating to improve the texture.
Tips for preparing canned corned beef
Here are some tips for making canned corned beef more palatable:
- Rinse the corned beef in cold water before eating to remove some excess saltiness
- Slice the corned beef thin rather than eating big chunks
- Heat the corned beef gently in a pan, broth, or by steaming to warm through and soften the texture
- Incorporate it into another dish like breakfast hash, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles
- Pair with strong flavors like mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, or horseradish to balance the saltiness
Ways to use canned corned beef
Here are some popular ways to use canned corned beef:
- Sandwiches – Combine with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing on rye bread for a Reuben sandwich
- Hash – Fry with potatoes, peppers, onions for corned beef hash
- Eggs – Add to scrambled eggs or make corned beef hash with eggs
- Pizza – Top pizza with shredded corned beef
- Salads – Toss chopped corned beef into pasta or potato salads
- Tacos – Use in place of ground beef as taco filling
Buying and storing canned corned beef
When purchasing canned corned beef, here are some tips:
- Look for major brands like Libby’s, Armour, or Hormel
- Check the expiration date and pick the latest date
- Avoid cans with dents, bulges, cracks, or corrosion
- For storage, keep unopened cans in a cool, dry place
- Once opened, refrigerate leftovers and use within 3-5 days
Unopened canned corned beef lasts 2-5 years past the “best by” date. Properly stored cans are safe indefinitely, but the quality slowly declines over time.
Conclusion
Canned corned beef can be eaten straight from the can, but it may have a very salty taste. For best results, try rinsing, heating, and incorporating it into other dishes to balance the flavors. With proper handling, canned corned beef is a shelf-stable product that provides protein and nutrients like iron. It can be an easy addition to meals in a variety of ways.