Corned beef hash is a favorite meal in my house because it is tasty and salty, but it can be hard to make crispy. Here are some of the best ways I know to make corned beef hash crispy and tasty!
Corned beef hash is a quick, convenient, and tasty canned meal that has long been a pantry staple. The seasoned mixture of tender corned beef, potatoes, and vegetables makes for a hearty and comforting dish. While corned beef hash is commonly pan-fried before eating, its canned pre-cooked state leaves many wondering whether it can be consumed straight out of the can.
So, can you eat corned beef hash right out of the can without cooking it first? Let’s take a closer look at what the experts say.
Is Canned Corned Beef Hash Fully Cooked?
The corned beef and potatoes used to make canned hash undergo thorough cooking during manufacturing to eliminate any potential bacteria. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, canned corned beef hash is commercially sterilized, meaning the finished product is processed long enough at high enough temperature to destroy any dangerous microorganisms.
This makes corned beef hash safe to eat straight from the can without additional cooking. The hash is sufficiently heated during canning to meet food safety standards. The contents of the can are shelf-stable and ready-to-eat.
Does Canned Hash Taste Good Uncooked?
While corned beef hash from the can is safe when uncooked, many people find the texture and flavor unappealing.
The hash has a very soft, almost mushy consistency straight out of the can that some find unappetizing. Canned hash also tends to be salty. Without pan-frying, the corned beef lacks browning and crisping that gives it more flavor. The potatoes don’t get the opportunity to caramelize and develop that signature hash taste.
Overall, the seasoning and components of canned hash just marriage together more pleasantly when cooked in a skillet rather than eaten straight out of the can. The right cooking technique gives the hash a crispy exterior and warm, melty interior that brings out its best qualities.
Best Ways to Cook Canned Corned Beef Hash
Though not required for food safety purposes, properly cooking canned corned beef hash yields far superior texture and taste. Here are some cooking tips:
-
Pan fry in butter or oil – Scoop hash from the can into a hot skillet with butter or oil. Flatten and spread the hash out evenly. Fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy on the bottom. Flip and brown the other side.
-
Make hash patties – Form the hash into small patties or cakes in your hands. Place in a skillet and cook like hamburgers, flipping once, until browned.
-
Add to a breakfast skillet – For an easy breakfast, throw hash into a hot skillet along with eggs and vegetables. Scramble everything together.
-
Bake in the oven – For a lower-fat option, spread hash out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and starting to crisp.
-
Air fry – Air frying canned hash yields a crispy exterior and tender interior. Air fry at 360°F for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally.
-
Top with eggs – For corned beef hash and eggs, pour beaten eggs over cooked hash in the skillet. Cover and cook until eggs are set.
No matter which cooking method you choose, always thoroughly heat canned hash until steaming hot throughout. This takes the flavor and texture to the next level beyond just eating it straight from the can.
Tips for Enjoying Canned Corned Beef Hash
Canned hash makes a convenient and budget-friendly meal, but it does need a little help to be at its best. Here are some tips:
-
Seek better quality canned hash with recognizable corned beef chunks rather than ground meat. Popular picks include Libby’s and Mary Kitchen.
-
Rinse the hash briefly before cooking to remove excess sodium, fat, and starchy liquid.
-
Chop and add extra vegetables like onions, peppers, or spinach to boost nutrition.
-
Season with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or other spices to amp up flavor.
-
Combine the hash with eggs, cheese, avocado, or other mix-ins to make it a hearty meal.
-
Serve with toast, biscuits, or even over a baked potato for a satisfying carb alongside.
While canned corned beef hash can be eaten directly from the can, taking the time to prepare it right pays dividends for your tastebuds. With the proper cooking technique and added flavors or ingredients, this humble pantry item transforms into a crave-worthy comfort food.
The Bottom Line
Is it safe to eat corned beef hash straight out of the can without cooking it? Yes, the commercial sterilization process makes canned hash shelf-stable and safe when uncooked.
However, most people find the taste and texture unappealing until the hash is thoroughly pan-fried, baked, or air fried to brown the exterior and meld the flavors. A few quick cooking steps makes all the difference in taking corned beef hash from the can to the table.
How to Make Corned Beef Hash Crispy
You can make corned beef hash with canned corned beef or buy it premade. It doesn’t matter what brand of corned beef hash you buy—Hormel, Libby’s, Armour, or Great Value at Walmart—they are all the same, so choose the one that is easiest for you.
Ready-made corned beef hash from a can can be cooked in three different ways to get the crispy texture you want: in an air fryer, fry pan, or oven. The whole process is quick, easy, and makes a tasty meal, no matter which way you do it.
What kind of air fryer do you have? It depends on what you want to make, but most things can be cooked in them. It’s easier to get the food as crispy as you want it to be in an air fryer because the heat and air are constantly moving around the top, bottom, and sides of the food.
That means not only does your food get crispy, but it also cooks very evenly. It’s also the healthiest choice since you don’t need to use any butter or oils to make it crispy.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the corned beef hash in the air fryer basket, making sure to spread it out evenly.
3. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Raise the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the food is as crispy as you like it. 5. Remove the corned beef hash from the air fryer and enjoy!.
Using a skillet on the stovetop is probably the most common way to cook canned corned beef hash. Be sure to keep the heat up and keep an eye on your corned beef hash. You’ll need a consistently high temperature to make it crispy.
1. Preheat a regular large skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over low-medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan and heat. Vegetable oils will be best for not changing the flavor of the hash. It also works with butter, but it burns faster than an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil.
3. Add the corned beef hash to the skillet and spread it out in an even layer.
4. Increase to medium-high heat and let the hash cook for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to brown.
5. Put a spatula down on top of the hash and flip it over. Then cook for another two to three minutes.
6. Continue flipping and pressing until the hash is crisp and browned on both sides.
7. Serve the hash hot, and enjoy!
Lastly, you can bake the crumbled canned corned beef hash if you want it to get nice and crispy. The trick here is to use a baking sheet rather than a baking dish. With the baking dish, the crispy part will mostly stay on top of the dish and not go all the way through it.
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease a baking sheet with butter or oil.
3. Place the corned beef hash in the dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the hash is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Cooking Methods That Will Make Canned Corned Beef Hash Mushy
If you don’t want your corned beef hash to get mushy, don’t use a slow cooker, a pot on the stove, or a microwave. All of these ways will keep the water in and won’t let the has spread out enough to dry out in the heat.
Big Mistakes Everyone Makes With Canned Corned Beef And Corned Beef Hash
FAQ
Is canned corned beef ready to eat?
Can you eat corned beef out of the can?
Can you eat corned beef cold?
How to make canned corned beef hash?
Canned Corned Beef Hash is one of the best and most popular canned corned beef recipes. Preheat oven to 350 °F. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add canned corned beef hash, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir fry and cook for about 2 minutes. Crack eggs on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Can you eat corned beef hash?
Hash is typically considered to be breakfast food but can be eaten at any time of day. It is trendy in the United States and is often served with eggs. Canned corned beef hash can be found in most supermarkets and is a quick and easy way to make this dish. Open the can and heat the contents in a pan on the stovetop or in the air fryer.
Can you eat canned corned beef straight out of the can?
Depending on where you are, you might find canned corned beef products that cater to regional or cultural preferences. Technically you can eat it straight out of the can — however, there are several ways to cook your canned beef to improve the taste and texture.
Does canned corned beef hash have carbs?
The answer may surprise you. While it is true that canned corned beef hash is high in fat and protein, it also contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. In fact, one serving of canned corned beef hash contains more than twice the amount of carbs as a serving of bacon.