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Simple Salt Beef

Simple Salt Beef
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Simple Salt Beef is a classic comfort food featuring tender, flavorful beef brisket cured in a savory brine of salt, brown sugar, and pickling spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is versatile and perfect for sandwiches, main meals, or adding to soups and stews. Its effortless preparation and rich taste make it a family favorite and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole beef brisket (approximately 3–4 lbs)
  • 1 cup coarse salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons pickling spices (including peppercorns, coriander, bay leaves)
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, peeled
  • Water (enough to fully submerge the beef in the pot)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine: Combine coarse salt, brown sugar, and pickling spices in a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the beef. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved to create the curing brine.
  2. Cure the Beef: Place the beef brisket into the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 5 days, turning the meat once daily to promote even curing and flavor penetration.
  3. Rinse and Simmer: Remove the cured beef from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water to eliminate excess salt and spices. Transfer the beef to a fresh pot, add garlic cloves and optional additional pickling spices, then cover with fresh water. Simmer gently on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  4. Rest and Slice: Carefully remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Once rested, slice the beef thinly against the grain to retain moisture and ensure tender, flavorful servings.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-duty pot to ensure even heat distribution during simmering.
  • Keep the beef fully submerged in the brine using a plate or weight for consistent curing.
  • Do not shorten the curing time; at least 5 days is necessary for optimal flavor and tenderness.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil to avoid toughening the meat.
  • Slice the cooked beef thinly to enhance tenderness and improve texture in sandwiches or dishes.

Nutrition

Keywords: salt beef, cured beef brisket, pickled beef, comfort food, slow cooking, savory beef dish

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/simple-salt-beef/