Make Your Own Corned Beef: A 5-Star Recipe That Beats Store-Bought (and Saves You Money Off-Season!)

Make Your Own Corned Beef: A 5-Star Recipe That Beats Store-Bought (and Saves You Money Off-Season!)

At Bacon-n-Bourbon, our Classic Reuben with a Twist has earned quite the following — we’ve had customers straight-up call it “the best sandwich I’ve ever had.” It’s not hard to see why: we stack high-quality corned beef with melty Swiss, tangy kraut, and our signature thousand island dressing (a classic base amped up with fresh herbs and just the right touch of horseradish), all on perfectly grilled rye.

Demand has been so strong, we’ve started offering the Reuben as a special even during the off-season — just to keep the crowd happy. And that got us thinking: what if you could make your own delicious corned beef at home, any time of year?

Spoiler alert: you absolutely can. Not only is it surprisingly easy, but it might just save you some cash, too — especially once the St. Paddy’s Day deals disappear. Read on for the go-to 5-star recipe, how to freeze and reheat it, and what to do with leftovers (hint: it involves crispy hash).

🥩 What Is Corned Beef, Anyway?

Corned beef is beef brisket that's been cured in a brine made of salt, sugar, pickling spices, and curing salt (aka Prague Powder #1). The “corned” part refers to the large grains ("corns") of salt used in the process. The result is a rich, tender, salty-sour cut that’s usually simmered low and slow for fall-apart perfection.

⭐ The 5-Star Corned Beef Recipe That Home Cooks Swear By

After combing through reviews and culinary fan forums, the standout favorite is Alton Brown’s Corned Beef Brisket — a reliable, flavor-packed classic with over a thousand 5-star reviews. Here's a simplified version, plus a few pro tips we love:

Homemade Corned Beef Brine Recipe (Alton Brown Inspired)

Ingredients:

• 1 (4 to 5-lb) beef brisket, trimmed

• 1 gallon water

• 1½ cups kosher salt

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1)

• 1 tbsp black peppercorns

• 1 tbsp mustard seeds

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes

• 1 tbsp allspice berries

• 1 tbsp whole cloves

• 4 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 5 cloves garlic, crushed

Instructions:

1. Combine all brine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.

2. Cool to room temp, then refrigerate until completely chilled.

3. Place brisket in a food-safe container or 2-gallon zip-top bag and submerge in brine. Use a plate to weigh it down if needed.

4. Refrigerate for 5–7 days, flipping daily to cure evenly.

5. When ready, rinse the brisket under cold water and discard the brine.

6. Simmer in water with fresh pickling spices (minus the curing salt) for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender.

Optional: Add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage in the last hour of cooking for the full Irish treatment.

💵 Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Corned Beef

ItemStore-Bought (per lb)Homemade (per lb)Brisket (off-season price)$7.99/lb$7.99/lbCuring ingredients (amortized)N/A~$1.00/lbTotal~$8.00/lb~$8.99/lb (first batch)

Once you’ve stocked up on curing salt and spices, your cost for future batches drops to around $8/lb or less — especially if you catch a brisket sale. Meanwhile, store-bought off-season corned beef can hit $10–$12/lb and often includes unnecessary additives and preservatives.

Homemade gives you:

• Better control over flavor and salt

• Customizable spice blends

• No added junk

❄️ Freezing & Leftovers: Make It Last (and Taste Even Better)

Freezing:

• Let the cooked brisket cool completely.

• Slice or portion it and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then into a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Add a bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Thaw in the fridge overnight.

• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, or gently steam to revive that tender texture.

🥘 Leftover Magic: Homemade Corned Beef Hash

Corned beef hash is the breakfast of champions — crispy, savory, and satisfying.

Simple Corned Beef Hash

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped corned beef

• 2–3 cooked potatoes, diced

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 tbsp butter or oil

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: Top with eggs

Directions:

1. Sauté onions in butter until soft.

2. Add potatoes and cook until golden and crisp.

3. Stir in chopped corned beef, press down in the pan, and let it brown. Flip and brown the other side.

4. Season to taste and serve hot — eggs are a welcome bonus!

✨ Final Thoughts

Making your own corned beef isn’t just a fun kitchen experiment — it’s a flavorful way to enjoy a beloved favorite all year long. From hearty sandwiches like our Classic Reuben with a Twist, to cozy hash and freezer-friendly leftovers, the payoff is huge.

So go ahead — grab a brisket, get brining, and give yourself permission to enjoy corned beef any time the craving hits.