is purefoods corned beef ready to eat

Is Purefoods Corned Beef Ready to Eat? A Guide to This Filipino Classic

Corned beef holds a special place in Filipino cuisine and culture. The iconic rectangular cans of Purefoods corned beef are a staple in many Filipino kitchens and pantries. But is it really ready to eat straight from the can? Let’s take a closer look at this meaty Filipino favorite.

What Is Purefoods Corned Beef?

Purefoods is a popular food brand in the Philippines owned by San Miguel Corporation. Their corned beef product is dubbed the “gold standard” of canned corned beef in the country. It’s made from cooked beef cured in a salty brine solution, giving it its distinctive pinkish color and seasoned flavor.

The ingredients are relatively simple – beef, salt, water, sodium nitrite, and other preservatives and flavorings. Purefoods offers several varieties including the classic original, corned beef with chunks, spicy, garlic, and hash with potatoes. For many Filipinos, the taste brings back fond childhood food memories.

Is It Ready to Eat Right Out of the Can?

The short answer is yes, Purefoods corned beef can be eaten straight from the can without any additional cooking The beef is pre-cooked during the corning and canning process which makes it shelf stable

However, some people may find the texture and flavor better after heating it up briefly. The oils and seasonings blend together more evenly when warm. It allows the texture to soften slightly and brings out the aromas.

Tips for Enjoying Purefoods Corned Beef

Here are some tips to get the most flavor and enjoyment out of your canned corned beef:

• Try pan-frying slices for 1-2 minutes per side to warm it through and brown the exterior slightly. This adds more depth of flavor.

• If you want it hot but don’t want to dirty a pan, place the opened can in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warmed through.

• For an easy corned beef hash, sauté cubes of corned beef with onions, garlic, potatoes, and seasonings.

• Mix a fork-mashed can of corned beef into steamed white rice for a quick corned beef rice bowl.

• Add diced corned beef into omelets, scrambled eggs, or fried rice for a savory breakfast.

• Use it as a filling for pandesal or sandwiches. The saltiness pairs perfectly with soft bread.

• For a tasty pasta dish, combine corned beef, pasta, and cheese to make corned beef carbonara.

• Try using it instead of ground beef in dishes like chili, tacos, shepherd’s pie, or casseroles.

• For a unique appetizer, wrap cubes of corned beef with cheese in lumpia wrappers and deep fry.

Tips for Cooking with the Corned Beef Liquid

The leftover liquid in the can, known as the broth, can add great flavor when cooking. Try these tips:

• Use it as the base for a simple corned beef soup or stew.

• Add it to rice as it cooks for extra savory flavor.

• Use it to cook veggies like cabbage to offset the saltiness.

• Add it to pan sauces, gravies, or pasta sauce for a meaty undertone.

• Mix with flour and herbs to make a hearty gravy.

• Reduce it to a glaze to brush on meat before broiling or grilling.

Storing Leftover Purefoods Corned Beef

Like any cooked meat product, it’s best to store leftovers properly to maximize freshness. Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate any opened cans within 2 hours and use within 3-5 days.

• Portion leftovers into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

• Leftover broth keeps in the fridge for up to a week in a covered container.

• For longer storage, corned beef chunks can be frozen for 2-3 months.

• The broth can also be frozen but the oils may separate when thawed.

The iconic rectangular tin of Purefoods corned beef holds a special place in Filipino culinary tradition. While certainly delicious straight from the can, taking the time to briefly heat it enhances the flavors and texture. Follow these tips and recipes to fully enjoy this ready-to-eat Filipino pantry staple. Each bite delivers a taste of nostalgia and the comforts of home.

Common Questions About Purefoods Corned Beef

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Purefoods corned beef:

Is Purefoods corned beef healthy?

Like most processed meats, Purefoods corned beef is high in sodium so it should be eaten in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. It contains a good amount of protein and iron. Choose the versions labeled lower sodium if available.

How long does unopened corned beef last?

An unopened can of Purefoods corned beef has a shelf life of 2-5 years stored in a cool, dry pantry. Look for any rust, dents, or swelling to determine if a can is still good. Older cans may start to lose flavor but are still safe to eat if sealed properly.

What’s the difference between Purefoods and other brands?

Purefoods has a stronger following among Filipino consumers compared to brands like Delimondo or Hereford. Many say it has a more tender, juicy texture and deeper savory taste. But it comes down to personal preference. Try a few to decide your favorite!

Can you substitute Purefoods corned beef for regular ground beef?

In some recipes, you can use diced or mashed Purefoods corned beef in place of raw ground beef thanks to the similar texture when cooked. Adjust seasonings because the corned beef is already quite salty. Ground beef has more versatility though.

Is Purefoods corned beef made from carabeef?

Contrary to what some may think, Purefoods corned beef is made from regular beef, not carabeef (water buffalo). Carabeef is sometimes used in cheaper canned meats but Purefoods only uses real beef for its premium branded products.

Purefoods Corned Beef Recipes

Purefoods corned beef is incredibly versatile in Filipino cooking. Here are some popular recipes:

• Sinangag – Garlic fried rice with bits of corned beef
• Fried Eggs and Corned Beef – A breakfast staple
• Lumpiang Shanghai – Ground beef and corned beef egg rolls
• Arroz Caldo – Chicken and corned beef hearty rice porridge
• Corned Beef Omelette – With onions and tomatoes
• Corned Beef Pandesal – Stuffed in soft rolls
• Corned Beef Pasta – In tomato sauce or carbonara style
• Ginisang Corned Beef – Quick sauteed cabbage and corned beef
• Tortang Corned Beef – Omelette with corned beef and vegetables
• Corned Beef Sandwiches – Classic sandwich with cheese and tomatoes
• Corned Beef Hash – With potatoes, onions, and bell peppers
• Corned Beef Soup – With cabbage and other veggies

The Filipino corned beef tradition lives on in every generation with recipes being passed down and new ones created using this tasty canned staple. Purefoods corned beef is ready to eat, but even better when thoughtfully prepared in your favorite Pinoy dishes. Each bite is a taste of home.