Kosher Corned Beef Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 14, 2025

If you’re looking to bring a classic deli favorite right into your kosher kitchen, this kosher corned beef recipe is exactly what you need. Corned beef has long been a beloved dish, especially around festive occasions like St.

Patrick’s Day, but preparing it in a kosher-friendly way ensures everyone can savor its rich, savory flavors. This recipe combines traditional brining techniques with kosher dietary laws, transforming a simple brisket cut into a tender, flavorful masterpiece.

Perfect for sandwiches, dinners, or even as a centerpiece for your holiday table, kosher corned beef brings hearty satisfaction without compromising your culinary standards. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, making it easy and enjoyable.

Get ready to create a dish that’s both authentic and respectful of kosher practices, filling your home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This kosher corned beef recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional deli staple while adhering to kosher dietary laws. You’ll love it because:

  • Flavorful and Tender: The slow brine and simmer method ensures the beef is juicy and packed with spice-infused flavor.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses accessible kosher ingredients and spices you likely have on hand.
  • Flexible Serving Options: Perfect for sandwiches, platters, or with classic sides like cabbage and potatoes.
  • Homemade Satisfaction: Nothing beats corned beef made from scratch — no preservatives, just pure deliciousness.
  • Adaptable: Easily customize your spice blend or cooking method to suit your taste and schedule.

Ingredients

  • 4-5 lb kosher beef brisket (ensure it’s certified kosher)
  • 1 gallon water
  • 3/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
  • 2 tbsp pickling spice (ensure kosher-certified; see notes below)
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp pink curing salt (Prague powder #1, optional but traditional for color and preservation)
  • Vegetables for cooking (optional): 4 carrots, 4 medium potatoes, 1 small cabbage, quartered

Equipment

  • Large non-reactive pot or food-grade container for brining
  • Large stockpot or slow cooker for cooking the brisket
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
  • Large bowl or platter for resting the cooked beef

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, sugar, pickling spice, black peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and pink curing salt (if using). Heat gently while stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
  2. Brine the Brisket: Place the kosher beef brisket in a large non-reactive container or pot. Pour the cooled brine over the brisket, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days, turning the brisket every day to ensure even brining.
  3. Rinse and Prepare for Cooking: After brining, remove the brisket and rinse it well under cold water to remove excess salt. Discard the brine. Pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
  4. Cook the Brisket: Place the brisket in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Cover with fresh water and add 2 tablespoons of pickling spice or any leftover spices from the brine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Add Vegetables (Optional): About 1 hour before the brisket is done, add quartered cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Continue cooking until vegetables are tender.
  6. Rest and Slice: Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
  7. Serve: Serve the corned beef hot with cooked vegetables or chilled for sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

“For kosher pickling spice, check your local kosher market or prepare your own blend using coriander seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, peppercorns, and crushed red pepper flakes.”

  • Spice it Up: Add crushed juniper berries or allspice to your brine for a unique flavor twist.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Cook the brisket on low for 8-10 hours for a hands-off approach, perfect for busy days.
  • Oven Roasting: After boiling, place the brisket in a covered roasting pan at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour to develop a crust.
  • Use Kosher-Certified Ingredients: Always double-check that your salt, pickling spices, and meat are kosher certified to maintain dietary standards.
  • Make Corned Beef Hash: Use leftovers to create a delicious hash with potatoes and onions for breakfast or brunch.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 3 oz serving
Calories 210
Protein 22g
Fat 13g
Saturated Fat 5g
Sodium 700mg*
Carbohydrates 1g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0.5g

*Sodium content varies depending on brining time and rinsing.

Serving Suggestions

Kosher corned beef is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

  • Classic Deli Sandwich: Layer thin slices on rye bread with mustard, pickles, and Swiss cheese for an authentic taste.
  • With Boiled Vegetables: Serve alongside cabbage, carrots, and potatoes for a traditional meal.
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage Platter: Make it the centerpiece of a holiday feast.
  • Hash and Eggs: Chop leftovers and sauté with onions and potatoes for a breakfast treat.
  • Stuffed in Pastries or Knishes: Mix with potatoes and seasonings for a delicious filling.

For more delicious meal ideas, try our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas, or for hearty comfort recipes check out the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food. Craving something with a global twist?

The Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide offers vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Conclusion

Making kosher corned beef at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that combines tradition with mindful dietary practice. This recipe offers a straightforward, flavorful approach that respects kosher laws without sacrificing the iconic taste and texture that make corned beef so beloved.

Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or a comforting family meal, this recipe ensures tender, juicy results every time.

Don’t be intimidated by the brining process — it’s a simple step that transforms an ordinary brisket into a mouthwatering dish full of rich, spiced flavor. Plus, the leftovers open up a world of possibilities from sandwiches to hashes.

With a little patience and love, your homemade kosher corned beef will become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

📖 Recipe Card: Kosher Corned Beef Recipe

Description: A flavorful and tender kosher corned beef perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish. This recipe uses traditional spices and slow cooking to achieve the best taste.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT4H30M
Total Time: PT4H50M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs kosher beef brisket
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pickling spice
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pickling spices in a large pot.
  2. Add garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer until salt and sugar dissolve. Cool brine completely.
  4. Place brisket in a large container and cover with cooled brine.
  5. Refrigerate and brine for 5-7 days, turning daily.
  6. Remove brisket from brine, rinse, and place in a pot with fresh water.
  7. Simmer gently for 4-4.5 hours until tender.
  8. Remove corned beef, let rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 35g | Fat: 20g | Carbs: 2g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Kosher Corned Beef Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and tender kosher corned beef perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish. This recipe uses traditional spices and slow cooking to achieve the best taste.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT4H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT4H50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 lbs kosher beef brisket”, “4 cups water”, “1/2 cup kosher salt”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “2 tablespoons pickling spice”, “4 garlic cloves, smashed”, “2 bay leaves”, “1 tablespoon black peppercorns”, “1 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1 teaspoon coriander seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and pickling spices in a large pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then simmer until salt and sugar dissolve. Cool brine completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place brisket in a large container and cover with cooled brine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Refrigerate and brine for 5-7 days, turning daily.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove brisket from brine, rinse, and place in a pot with fresh water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer gently for 4-4.5 hours until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove corned beef, let rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320”, “proteinContent”: “35g”, “fatContent”: “20g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X