Why You Should Always Rinse Canned Corned Beef

Corned beef is a preserved meat product that has roots stemming back to 17th century Ireland. These days, you can usually find canned corned beef at your local grocery store, and while it depends on the brand, these products should have a pleasantly fatty texture and smoky, salty flavor profile when at their best. Canned foods like corned beef are subject to heat-treating to deter bacterial growth, which means they can be enjoyed straight out of the can. However, there is one crucial step you should take before whipping up that easy Reuben sandwich you've been craving. 

It's recommended that you drain and rinse all canned foods prior to eating as it helps reduce the salt content of what you're about to consume. Rinsing is especially crucial when it comes to canned corned beef, as the corning process uses sizable salt granules that resemble corn kernels (which is also where corned beef gets its name). This makes the meat excessively salty, sometimes unpalatably so.

In addition to enhancing the flavor of recipes, rinsing corned beef is vital for managing your sodium intake. Consider that a single serving of a popular brand of canned corned beef features 830 milligrams of sodium, which makes up 36% of a person's daily allowance (based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet). While rinsing won't eliminate the high sodium content, it's still advisable for lowering the amount of salt consumed.

No matter what type of canned meat or fish you're rinsing, the process couldn't be simpler. After opening the can and draining excess liquid (which is teeming with sodium), place the corned beef into a strainer and run it under a cold flowing faucet. Once rinsed, you can pat the meat dry with a clean paper towel to remove lingering moisture. Now, you can incorporate the canned meat into numerous dishes and recipes, but how can you ensure the best possible flavor?

Certain ingredients can elevate canned corned beef to a gourmet meal, including a splash of Worcestershire sauce and fried rice. Corned beef is also a versatile food, which means it can be used in lots of different recipes. If you're seeking a convenient yet filling dinnertime option, canned corned beef makes for a meaty addition to quiche. On the other hand, corned beef hash, which consists of meat, potatoes, eggs, and assorted seasonings, is a classic breakfast dish. You can even add this preserved meat to casseroles, egg rolls, and quesadillas. By taking the time to rinse canned corned beef, you'll enjoy a delightfully briny flavor without the overwhelming saltiness.