Corned beef is a popular deli meat that many people enjoy in sandwiches, on pizza, mixed into hash, and more. If you’re looking to buy sliced corned beef, you have several excellent options for finding high-quality packaged corned beef slices. This guide will provide tips on the best places to buy pre-sliced corned beef both in stores and online.
Buying Sliced Corned Beef at the Grocery Store
One of the easiest ways to get sliced corned beef is to head to your local supermarket. Many major grocery store chains will have pre-packaged sliced corned beef in the deli meat section. Here are some top grocery stores for finding packaged sliced corned beef:
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Kroger – Kroger is one of the largest grocery chains in the country and carries private labelbrands as well as name brands of sliced corned beef. Check the deli counter or packaged meat section.
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Publix – Publix is another huge grocery retailer in the Southeastern US that stocks sliced corned beef. Look for Boar’s Head and other premium brands.
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Wegmans – This Northeast grocery chain is known for its extensive deli selection. Find top brands like Boar’s Head sliced corned beef.
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HEB – Texas-based HEB offers its store brand Healthy Premium uncured corned beef slices. HEB sliced corned beef contains no artificial ingredients.
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Safeway – Safeway stores on the West Coast provide sliced corned beef under its Signature Cafe brand along with other national brands.
The benefit of buying sliced corned beef at the grocery store is you can personally inspect the product and expiration date. Just check the ingredients to make sure the corned beef contains no undesirable additives or preservatives.
Ordering Sliced Corned Beef Online
In addition to grocery stores, there are many excellent options for buying sliced corned beef online and having it shipped directly to your door. Some top online stores for sliced corned beef include:
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Katz’s Delicatessen – This famous New York deli ships its signature hand-sliced corned beef nationwide. Choose from 1/4 lb up to 5 lbs of sliced corned beef.
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Schaller & Weber – Another iconic NYC German deli offering mail order sliced corned beef in various portion sizes.
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Goldbelly – This site specializes in shipping food gifts and offers corned beef from delis like Katz’s, Carnegie, and Stage.
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Amazon – Search for sliced corned beef on Amazon to find selections from brands like King’s, Wulf’s, and Sinai 48. Prime shipping available.
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Igourmet – Specialty food site with multiple brands of corned beef slices available to order online.
The main advantage of ordering sliced corned beef online is access to high-end deli brands and the convenience of home delivery. Just be aware that shipping perishable meats can be expensive, so factor that into the total cost.
Buying Corned Beef Directly from a Deli
For truly fresh, high-quality corned beef, your best bet is to buy it sliced directly at the deli counter of a local butcher shop or specialty deli. When you can, go directly to the source! Here are some tips for buying freshly sliced corned beef from a deli:
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Ask when they receive shipments – Try to shop on days when they get deliveries of corned beef to ensure freshness.
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Inspect the meat – Look for bright pink or red color without dry edges or large fat deposits.
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Request a sample – Any good deli will let you taste a sample slice before you commit to purchasing.
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Specify slice thickness – Choose your ideal thickness or have them slice it to order. Around 1/8 inch is common.
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Start with a smaller amount – Buy a quarter or half pound to begin if you’ve never tried their corned beef before.
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Clarify pricing – Confirm whether pricing is by the pound or half pound. Get exactly the amount you want.
With this strategy, you can find the very best corned beef from small batch local producers sliced fresh at high-quality delicatessens in your area.
What to Look for When Buying Sliced Corned Beef
To ensure you get tasty and wholesome sliced corned beef, keep these quick quality checks in mind when purchasing:
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Low sodium options – Many brands offer reduced or no salt added varieties if you want to control sodium intake.
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Natural ingredients – Check labels and select brands without nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, or other additives.
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Quality meat source – Opt for brands that use high-quality beef cuts like brisket or navel.
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Proper curing – Good corned beef should be cured for 7-10 days in spices, not just injected with sodium nitrite.
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Firm yet moist texture – Slices should hold together but not be dried out or excessively fatty.
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Bright pink color – Correctly cured corned beef will have a vivid pink or red color throughout the slices.
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Good use-by date – Try to buy sliced corned beef with at least 2-3 weeks before expiration for optimal freshness.
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Proper packaging – Slices should be tightly vacuum sealed or packaged to prevent drying out.
Following these simple tips will help you select delicious and natural sliced corned beef whichever brand or source you buy from.
How to Store Sliced Corned Beef
Once you get your sliced corned beef home, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and quality. Here are some storage tips:
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Keep refrigerated – Never leave sliced corned beef out at room temperature more than 2 hours.
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Utilize entire shelf life – Sliced corned beef stays fresh for 1-2 weeks unopened when refrigerated.
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Reseal packaging – After opening, re-wrap tightly in original packaging or an airtight container.
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Watch for color changes – Discard if the pink color fades to brown or gray.
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Monitor odor – Corned beef will develop an off or sour smell when spoiled.
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Don’t freeze – For best texture, avoid freezing sliced corned beef. Use within 7 days.
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Cook within 5 days – For pre-sliced corned beef, cook within 5 days of opening for maximum freshness.
Follow these refrigeration and storage best practices, and your sliced corned beef will stay fresh and ready to enjoy in sandwiches, appetizers, and other recipes.
Popular Ways to Serve and Enjoy Sliced Corned Beef
Once you have your sliced corned beef, it’s time for the best part – eating it! Here are some of the most popular ways to serve and enjoy delicious corned beef slices:
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Corned beef sandwiches – Pile high on rye or sourdough bread with mustard, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
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Reubens – A classic Reuben sandwich combines corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread.
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Breakfast hash – Saute corned beef slices with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a hearty hash. Top with eggs.
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Corned beef pizza – Top baked pizza crust with sliced corned beef, mozzarella, sauerkraut, and mustard.
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Wraps and tacos – Stuff tortillas with sliced corned beef, cabbage slaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
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Appetizers – Serve bite-sized corned beef pieces on crackers or baguette slices topped with mustard or horseradish sauce.
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Salads – Toss sliced corned beef into hearty salads with ingredients like beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and vinaigrette.
With so many tasty ways to eat it, corned beef is a very versatile deli meat to always have on hand. Pick up quality sliced corned beef from your favorite source and start enjoying it today!