Canned Corned Beef Hash

Having canned corned beef hash for breakfast feels so awesome, though there’s a little sprinkle of guilt.

It goes well with pretty much any eggs you prefer.

However, nothing beats topping it with two soft-poached eggs and mashing the liquid egg yolk into the beautifully crusted hash.

So, how do you cook corned beef hash can?

Place the corn beef hash can in a metal baking pan and bake at 325 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

However, if you desire a crispy corned beef hash, it can take approximately ten more minutes over medium-high heat, uncovered and undisturbed, until the bottom is crisp.

This article will explain what corned beef hash in a can (it has nothing to do with corn) is.

It will also provide you with different ways you can cook hash and a delicious recipe to try when you want a simple quick-fix breakfast.

What is corned beef hash in a can?

Corned beef hash is a dish that usually includes finely chopped meat (generally cured beef brisket), potatoes, onions, and sometimes bell peppers.

Although the name might be a bit confusing, it contains no corn.

Instead, the name corned refers to the large chunks of rock salt used to preserve the beef. 

There are many variations to hash food can, but those ingredients are the heart of this meal.

Corned beef hash can was initially made as a way to use up leftovers and has since gained popularity as a breakfast delicacy. 

Although canned corned beef was historically associated with impoverishment, this nostalgic delight has taken over the world undoubtedly.

What is the best canned corned beef hash?

While canned corned beef hash may not be one of the healthiest according to dietitians, you should only have it as an occasional treat, not a mainstay diet.

However, canned corned beef hash can be great if you take the time to crisp it until it gets golden outside while still tender inside. 

One skillet corned beef hash recipe

Corned beef, taters, onions, pepper, and vinegar make this a hearty, quick-fix skillet meal.

It’s perfect with spinach on the side and splendid with fried eggs.

Ingredients

• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Two onions, chopped
• Four potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Two (12 ounces) cans of corned beef
• One tablespoon of ground black pepper
• Five tablespoons of cider vinegar

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Saute onions and potatoes until slightly browned, then stir in corned beef.

Season with pepper and add vinegar one tablespoon at a time, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes in between each addition. 

Partially cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, occasionally stirring, for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Different ways of cooking canned beef hash from a can

There are several ways you can cook corned beef hash from a can.

Some of them include:

How to cook canned corned beef hash in an air fryer

Start by lining your air fryer basket with foil and spraying it with cooking spray.

Break up a 14-ounce can of corned beef hash and place it in the foil-lined basket.

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes.

Then flip and stir the hash and air fry at 400 degrees F for seven more minutes.

Carefully turn and stir the corned beef hash around once more.

Air fry for 5-7 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until you reach your preferred level of crispiness.

However, it’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer brands and thus may need adjustments.

How to cook corned beef hash from a can in a skillet

Making canned corned beef hash in a skillet does not require oil as it’s high in fats and cooks pretty well without added oil.

Place a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over high heat on the stovetop and let it get hot, then put your hash in.

Once the frying is underway, reduce heat to medium-low and check periodically to see if browning is starting. 

The corned beef hash tends to stick initially but will become less as it crisps.

Continue stirring the hash while flipping and flattening it for maximum contact with the skillet until it’s nice and golden.

If you like your hash crispy, it will take 15-20 minutes to get done and 20-25 minutes if you start with an unheated skillet.

How to cook canned corned beef hash in an oven

For baking, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In a metal baking pan, place the crumbled canned corned beef hash.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or longer, till you get crispy corned beef hash or until it’s hot and bubbly.

How to cook canned corned beef hash in a microwave

You can microwave (use a microwave-safe bowl) your canned corned beef hash for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

However, it’s important to note that microwaving canned corned beef hash will not give you a crispy outcome.

How do you keep corned beef hash from sticking to the pan?

Although canned hash tends to stick to even well-seasoned skillets, you can add some oil, fat, or butter to the pan while reducing the heat to medium-low.

Ensure you put lard or butter in the pan first on high and allow it to get hot before putting your hash in. 

However, the best way to keep canned corn beef hash from sticking to the pan is by air frying it instead.  

Storage tips for canned corned beef hash

You can store cooked corned beef hash and open cans of hash in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Keep it in a covered food-safe container.

Unopened cans of hash are a non-perishable item you can keep in the pantry.

However, ensure the cans are in good condition and are stored in a dry, cool area to guarantee safety before consumption.

For the best quality, use canned corned beef within 2-5 years.

Is corned beef hash from a can healthy?

While canned corned beef hash is a convenient food item when you’re short on time, it’s not the best choice for a mainstay diet.

Although potatoes, beef, and veggies provide you with nutrients such as protein, iron, and fiber, you also consume a food rich in sodium, saturated fats, and sugar. 

The high nitrites content in hash food implies that this food product is highly processed, which can lead to serious health issues like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Too much sodium content in canned food products like canned corned beef hash can raise blood pressure which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Similarly, the excess amounts of saturated fat can also be detrimental to your health as it can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. 

For a slightly healthier option, try making a lean steak such as sirloin with potatoes, as it’s far much lower in fat and sodium and probably even more superior in taste.

FAQs

Is corned beef hash in a can already cooked? 

Yes, canned corned beef hash is almost always already cooked for you to eat right away.

However, it would taste better if you cooked it in a pan with onions until it’s crisp with a golden outside while still tender on the inside.

Is canned corned beef hash good?

Canned corned beef hash is an excellent source of protein, and some vitamins and minerals, including iron and potassium.

However, it’s also a highly processed food that is rich in sodium and saturated fat, making it a less nutritious option.

Does canned corned beef need to be cooked? 

Canned corned beef, like other canned meats, is already cooked, so you will mostly be heating it when preparing these meals.

Canned corned beef can also be eaten cold or straight out of the can.

This makes it easy to use and quick to prepare.

What does corned beef hash taste like? 

It is a mixture of ground corned beef, soft onions, bell peppers, and minced potato.

The dish has a meaty flavor but can be somewhat bland otherwise, so you can serve it with something spicy or acidic to balance the flavor.

Can I use milk or cream when cooking corned beef hash from a can? 

Yes.

You can use milk or cream to emulsify the ingredients as the dairy caseins can contribute to a splendid crust.

It also gives a much richer outcome while also intensifying the flavor. 

In conclusion

Corned beef hash can is a cheap yet filling food with the capacity to taste great as long as it’s made right.

Prepare it on a griddle pan to develop a nice crunchy skin, serve it with two soft-poached eggs, and no better breakfast exists.

To make this delightful dish, you can use whatever combination of butter, lard, canola oil, bacon grease, or pan drippings.

However, remember that it doesn’t make for a well-rounded diet as it’s a highly processed food that can wreak havoc on your health, hence why you should have it occasionally.

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