Corned beef is a cured type of meat and it is cured using curing salts that help to extend its shelf life. However, once corned beef has been cooked, it has the potential of turning bad easily. Therefore, it is important to learn about how to store cooked corned beef. Below are a few methods that use can use to store leftover cooked corned beef. Carefully follow the steps in order to achieve the best results.
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Store cooked corned beef in the freezer
NB: this is the best method for storing cooked corned beef because it really extends the shelf life of the cooked corned beef for several months.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked corned beef in the freezer you need to start by ensuring that it has cooled down. This is because if you store it while hot it will cause the temperature of the freezer to change. This will in turn affect the shelf life of other foods in the freezer.
Step 2
When the cooked corned beef has cooled down you need to wrap it with plastic wrap. This will help to prevent moisture and air from getting inside. After wrapping the cooked corned beef simply place it in a freezer bag and use a vacuum sealer to wrap it. This will help to protect the cooked corned beef from freezer burn and premature spoilage.
Step 3
Label the freezer bag with the date in which you are storing cooked corned beef in the freezer. This will help you to recall when the cooked corned beef is likely to turn bad. The last stage is to finally place the cooked corned beef in the freezer and it will last for approximately 2 to 3 months.
Store cooked corned beef in the fridge
NB: this method only preserves cooked corned beef for a short period of time, which is 3 to 4 days. Therefore, it is highly advisable to use this method when you are certain that you are going to consume it in a short space of time.
Step 1
In order to store leftover cooked corned beef in the fridge you need to start by ensuring that it has cooled down.
Step 2
Take the corned beef and place it in an air tight container. Alternatively you can wrap the cooked corned beef and place it in a freezer bag.
Step 3
Place the packaged cooked corned beef in the fridge. It can last for approximately 3 to 4 days. Therefore, make sure you use it within that stipulated time frame to avoid getting sick.
Tips for storing cooked corned beef in either the fridge or freezer
- Store cooked corned beef within 2 hours after preparation. This is because if you leave it exposed to room temperature for a long time it can get affected by bacteria which can make you sick. Bacteria usually affects cooked foods that are stored between 40F to 140F.
- When storing cooked corned beef in the freezer, ensure that the temperature of the freezer is at 0 degrees. This will help to preserve the cooked corned beef for a longer period of time.
How to thaw cooked corned beef
If your cooked corned beef was stored in the freezer then you definitely need to thaw it before you can use it. In order to thaw cooked corned beef you have to transfer it from the freezer into the fridge and let it thaw overnight. It is worth noting that this method is time consuming but it is the most advisable method. This is because it does not expose the cooked corned beef to bacteria. If you are in a hurry then you can always use the microwave to thaw cooked corned beef. However, you then need to reheat it and eat immediately to reduce the chances of food poisoning.
How to use cooked corned beef
Use cooked corned beef when making soups
This is actually something that you can do with leftover cooked corned beef. You do not need to reheat the cooked corned beef when using it in a soup. This means that after thawing it you can simply toss it into your soup. It will really add a depth of flavour to your soup.
Use cooked corned beef as a topping for pizza
This is actually one of the easiest ways of using cooked corned beef. You can just shred it with a fork and knife then sprinkle it on top of the pizza. The next thing is to add all the other ingredients that you like and bake your pizza in the oven. When you serve the pizza you will really enjoy the flavour of the cooked corned beef and how it compliments well with other ingredients.
Use cooked corned beef to make a hash
You can use corned beef to make a hash at home. In order to make the hash, simply slice your corned beef and cook it with ingredients like potatoes and fried onions. You can also add a few spices just to elevate the flavours of your dish.
How to tell if cooked corned beef has turned bad
In order to tell if cooked corned beef has turned bad, you need to look at its colour. If you notice that it has an unusual colour then there is a chance that it might have turned bad. Cooked corned beef that has turned bad usually has a slimy texture. If you notice this you need to throw the cooked corned beef away as it can make you sick. The last thing to take note of is the smell. If your cooked corned beef has a bad odour then you have to discard it immediately.
Conclusion
Cooked corned beef can be stored in either the fridge or the freezer. It is worth pointing out that the freezer is the best option if you intend on storing the cooked corned beef for a long period of time. Always check the cooked corned beef before eating it just to make sure that it is still safe for human consumption.
