How Many Carbs Are in Corned Beef Hash?

Corned beef hash is a hearty and delicious dish made from corned beef, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s a popular breakfast meal, but is it keto-friendly? The carb count in corned beef hash can vary quite a bit depending on the recipe, so let’s take a closer look.

What is Corned Beef Hash?

Corned beef hash is made from corned beef, potatoes, and usually onions or bell peppers. Here are the basic ingredients:

• Corned beef – The star of the dish! Corned beef is beef that has been cured with salt and spices. This gives it a distinct pink color and seasoned flavor.

• Potatoes – Russet or yellow potatoes are typically used. They provide starch and bind the ingredients together when mashed.

• Onions – Onions add flavor, moisture, and sweetness. Other aromatics like garlic or shallots may also be used.

• Bell peppers – Green, red, or yellow bell peppers enhance flavor and texture.

• Spices – Corned beef hash often contains warm spices like black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, and coriander.

The potatoes and corned beef are diced or shredded and then cooked together in a skillet until browned and crispy. The end result is a delicious hash that works for any meal of the day.

Carb Count in Corned Beef Hash

The carb content in corned beef hash depends on the specific recipe, ingredients, and portion size. Here are some general carb counts:

• Homemade corned beef hash (1 cup) – 23.6g total carbs, 21g net carbs

• Canned corned beef hash (1 cup) – 16-22g net carbs

• Restaurant corned beef hash – 15-30g net carbs

As you can see, carb counts can vary significantly based on the source. In general, homemade versions with plenty of potatoes tend to be higher in carbs than commercial canned hash. Restaurant hashes fall somewhere in between.

Below are the nutrition facts for two common versions:

Homemade Corned Beef Hash

• Total carbs: 23.6g
• Net carbs: 21g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Fat: 32.8g
• Protein: 17.7g
• Calories: 460

(Nutrition data per 1 cup serving)

Canned Corned Beef Hash

• Total carbs: 22g
• Net carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 26g
• Protein: 21g
• Calories: 400

(Nutrition data per 1 cup serving)

As you can see, the homemade version contains slightly more carbs due to a higher potato content.

Tips for Low-Carb Corned Beef Hash

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you may need to modify traditional corned beef hash recipes. Here are some tips:

• Use lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes. Replace up to half the potato content.

• Increase the ratio of corned beef to potatoes/veggies for a meatier hash.

• Add cheese like cheddar or Monterey jack for extra fat and flavor.

• Use thicker cut corned beef and chop it rather than shredding for more texture.

• Cook the hash in butter, bacon grease, or other healthy fats.

• Flavor with spices like cumin, chili powder, curry powder, etc.

• Top with a fried egg, avocado slices, or sour cream for a delicious low-carb addition.

With some simple substitutions, you can definitely make a keto-friendly corned beef hash!

What About the Carbs in Corned Beef Brisket?

When people think of corned beef, brisket often comes to mind. So what about the carb content in corned beef brisket?

A 3-ounce serving of cooked corned beef brisket contains:

• Total carbs: 1g
• Net carbs: 1g
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 5g

As you can see, corned beef itself is very low in carbs, with just 1g per serving. All the carbs in a corned beef hash come from the potatoes and vegetables mixed in.

So feel free to enjoy delicious and tender corned beef brisket even if you’re limiting carbs. Just be mindful of the sides and sauces you pair it with.

Low-Carb Ideas for Corned Beef

If you’re a corned beef fan, here are some low-carb ways to prepare and enjoy it on a keto diet:

• Make a Reuben sandwich on low-carb bread or lettuce wraps.

• Cook it in the instant pot with cabbage instead of potatoes.

• Ditch the hash and fry up the corned beef with eggs for breakfast.

• Slice thin and serve on a salad or wrap in collard green leaves.

• Make “loaded” corned beef bites stuffed with cream cheese and shredded cheese.

With a bit of creativity, you can definitely still enjoy delicious corned beef while reducing the carbs. Monitoring your portions is key too.

Health Benefits of Corned Beef

In addition to its stellar flavor, corned beef offers some excellent nutrition:

• High in protein – Excellent source of protein and muscle-building amino acids. Much higher than most other cuts of beef.

• Rich in iron – Provides substantial amounts of iron, an important mineral for energy and hemoglobin production.

• Source of B-vitamins – Particularly high in B12, niacin, and vitamin B6. Supports nerve health and energy levels.

• Loaded with zinc – Zinc strengthens the immune system and facilitates wound healing.

So corned beef delivers ample protein and key micronutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. When consumed as part of a healthy low-carb or keto diet, it can be an excellent addition.

Making the Best Low-Carb Corned Beef Hash

If you love corned beef hash, you don’t have to give it up entirely on a low-carb or keto diet. With some simple ingredient swaps and additions, you can make a delicious keto-friendly version at home.

Here’s a blueprint for stellar low-carb corned beef hash:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked corned beef, chopped
• 2 cups riced cauliflower
• 1⁄2 cup diced onion
• 1⁄4 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup butter or bacon grease
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2 tsp each paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat butter or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes until soft.

3. Add corned beef and continue cooking 5 minutes.

4. Stir in cauliflower rice and seasonings. Cook until cauliflower is tender, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add heavy cream and cook 2-3 minutes until moist and creamy.

6. Top with a fried egg, avocado, and hot sauce if desired.

This recipe cuts the carbs by using cauliflower instead of potatoes, while keeping all the savory corned beef flavor. Feel free to tweak herbs and spices to your taste. Enjoy this low-carb comfort food any time of day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is corned beef hash keto-friendly?

Traditional corned beef hash is fairly high in carbs due to the potatoes. But modified recipes made with low-carb veggies can definitely be keto-friendly. The corned beef itself has minimal carbs.

What about sweet/Irish potato hash?

Hash made with sweet or Irish potatoes will have a higher carb count than russet potato hash. Limit portions or replace some potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.

Can I make corned beef hash in my Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot is great for quick, hands-off cooking. Just add all ingredients to the pot, pressure cook for 5-8 minutes, then stir and brown the hash in sauté mode.

Is canned corned beef hash very processed?

Yes, commercial canned hash tends to be highly processed and contains preservatives. Check the label for unwanted ingredients. Making your own allows control over quality.

What meat instead of corned beef?

You can substitute brisket, roast beef, pastrami, ham, or turkey for the corned beef. Chili or taco-seasoned ground beef also works well.

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