Where to Buy Corned Beef Brisket Near Me

Corned beef brisket is a staple ingredient in many dishes, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Finding high-quality corned beef can elevate any recipe. This article will explore the best places to buy corned beef brisket locally and online.

What is Corned Beef Brisket?

Corned beef brisket starts as a fresh beef brisket that has been cured in a brine solution. The brine infuses the meat with flavor and preserves it. Traditional corned beef briskets are cured with salt and spices like cloves, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. This curing process tenderizes the meat and gives it a distinctive pink color and savory flavor.

Brisket comes from the cow’s front chest area. It contains a large amount of connective tissue, which breaks down into delicious gelatin when cooked slowly. Choosing a well-marbled brisket ensures moist, fork-tender meat after cooking. Look for a uniform pink color without dry or brown spots.

Benefits of Buying Corned Beef Brisket

• Convenience – The brisket is fully cooked so you can use it right away in recipes.
• Flavor – The brining process gives it a wonderfully seasoned taste.
• Tenderness – Slow cooking transforms tough brisket into fall-apart tender meat.
• Versatility – Shredded brisket works well in many dishes like sandwiches, tacos, eggs, pizza, pasta, and more.

Where to Buy Corned Beef Brisket Locally

Grocery Store Meat Counters

Many grocery stores sell high-quality corned beef in the refrigerated meat case near the fresh steak and roasts. Ask the butcher for recommendations.

Best bets: Whole Foods, Wegmans, Costco

Warehouse Clubs

Stock up on corned beef brisket in the meat department at warehouse retailers. Prices are competitive but tend to lack the prime selections of a dedicated butcher counter.

Best bets: BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

For the best quality and cut selection, head to a local butcher shop or meat market. Their skilled butchers can cut the brisket to order. Expect to pay premium prices for top Angus or Wagyu corned beef.

Best bets: Look for an award winning, family-owned local butcher.

Ethnic Grocery Stores

Markets specializing in Irish, Jewish, or Eastern European cuisine often stock excellent house-cured corned beef briskets. Shop early as their stocks tend to move quickly.

Best bets: Irish markets and delis around St. Patrick’s Day.

Big Box Stores

While selection is limited, big box retailers provide an affordable option for brisket. Call ahead as availability varies by location.

Best bets: BJ’s, Target, Walmart Neighborhood Market

Farmers Markets

Some local meat producers bring their pasture-raised corned beef to farmers markets, especially as St. Patrick’s Day nears. Try a sample slice before you buy.

Where to Buy Corned Beef Online

Can’t find high-quality corned beef nearby? Ordering online provides access to top producers across the country.

Online Butcher Shops

Specialty online butchers offer better quality than the grocery store at competitive prices. They ship fresh and frozen corned beef nationwide.

Best bets: Crowd Cow, Porter Road

Meal Kits

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and Home Chef feature corned beef entrees around St. Patrick’s Day. The portions suit 2-4 people.

Food Delivery Services

Grocery delivery services let you shop top local stores online. Browse their meat departments for corned beef brisket selections.

Best bets: Instacart, Shipt, FreshDirect

Amazon

Search Amazon for certified Angus or Wagyu corned beef briskets and pastrami with nationwide shipping. Prime members get free delivery.

What to Look for When Buying Corned Beef

Follow these tips to select the best corned beef brisket:

• Reputable seller – Buy from a trusted source with rigorous food standards.

• USDA Prime or Choice grade – This indicates higher marbling for flavor and tenderness.

• Pink color – Uniform color without brown spots indicates fresher meat.

• Moistness – Avoid leathery, dried out briskets.

• Fat cap – The fat layer protects the meat during cooking.

• Size – Choose based on the number of people eating. Allow 0.5 lb./person.

• Use by date – Make sure you have time to cook it before expiration.

• Nitrate-free (optional) – Some seek beef without nitrate/nitrite curing agents.

• Certifications (optional) – Like organic, grass-fed, Angus, etc.

How Much Corned Beef Brisket to Buy

When estimating how much corned beef to purchase, allow 1/2 pound of raw brisket per person in your group. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches. An average brisket weighs 3-5 pounds raw.

Note the brisket loses around 30% of its weight during cooking. A 3 lb. raw brisket yields around 2 lb. cooked.

Storing and Preparing Corned Beef Brisket

• Refrigerate fresh corned beef for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Place brisket fat side up in a roasting pan. Add seasoning packet, spices, and 1 cup of water.

• Cook at 350°F for 15-20 minutes per pound until fork tender. (A 3 lb. brisket takes 45-60 minutes).

• Braise on the stovetop or use a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours.

• Rest cooked brisket for 15 minutes before slicing across the grain into thin pieces.

• Use leftovers within 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Corned Beef

Beyond the classic boiled dinner, try these creative ways to use up leftover corned beef:

• Corned beef hash – Diced corned beef, potatoes, onions, peppers
• Breakfast – Eggs, corned beef, peppers, onions, cheese
• Sandwiches – Rye, swiss, corned beef, sauerkraut
• Tacos – Corned beef, cabbage, pepper jack, salsa
• Pizza – Sauce, mozzarella, corned beef, red onion
• Pasta – Toss with penne, olive oil, corned beef, spinach
• Rice bowls – Fried rice with corned beef, carrots, scallions
• Salads – Spinach, corned beef, blue cheese, vinaigrette
• Nachos – Tortilla chips, corned beef, cheese, avocado

With proper storage and preparation, you can enjoy corned beef brisket in meals all week long. Follow the guidelines above to pick the perfect size at your local market or online retailer.