Use Canned Corned Beef To Create A Flavorful Jamaican Classic

Traditional Irish foods like corned beef hash might come to mind when you think of that can of corned beef in the back of your pantry, but the shelf-stable ingredient is also integral to an easy version of a classic Jamaican dish. We're talking about Jamaican bully beef, which typically hinges on canned meat, mostly for its affordability and convenience. 

For those who don't know, Jamaican bully beef is essentially the country's version of corned beef, which apparently became popular during wartime because it was affordable. These days, the dish is still an easy meal to put on the table for a busy weeknight. In addition to the beef in discussion, the dish usually incorporates spring onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers (a popular ingredient in Jamaican cuisine), thyme, tomatoes, and various spices. Jamaican bully beef is often served alongside white rice, Johnny cakes, or plantains to turn it into a complete meal. Leftovers can also be turned into sandwiches for an easy lunch the next day.

You only need one can of corned beef to make about five servings of Jamaican bully beef. According to many recipes, you'll saute the onions, garlic, and peppers in oil before the canned corn beef comes into play. When the aromatics and vegetables are sauteed, you'll add that aforementioned corned beef, herbs, and spices. Canned corned beef is already cooked, so it should only take a few minutes to brown the ingredient to avoid drying it out or overcooking the meat. The tomatoes and other scallions are typically added towards the end of the cooking process. Now, it's time to serve.

There are other ways to spruce up your Jamaican bully beef. Some versions of the recipe add cabbage, which is an easy way to add flavor and more vegetables to the dish. Other vegetables like carrots or corn can easily be added to your Jamaican bully beef. A squirt of ketchup will also offer another dose of tomatoes and some mild sweetness. Scotch bonnet peppers are hot, so you can use more if you really like spicy food or opt for a milder pepper if you have a lower spice tolerance. And to try your hand at another popular dish from the country's cuisine, here's our baked Jamaican beef patty recipe, which uses ground beef instead of corned beef.