Are you a fan of corned beef but also following the Whole30 diet?
You may be wondering if this beloved dish is Whole30 compliant. The good news is that it can be!
With a few tweaks to the recipe and careful ingredient selection, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying corned beef meal while staying true to your Whole30 goals.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make Whole30 compliant corned beef hash and corned beef and cabbage, as well as share some helpful tips for ingredient selection.
So let’s dive in and discover how to enjoy this classic dish while staying on track with your Whole30 journey.
Is Corned Beef Whole30 Compliant?
Corned beef is made from beef brisket that has been cured in a brine solution with various spices, including salt, sugar, and sometimes nitrites. While corned beef is a delicious and popular dish, it can be challenging to make it Whole30 compliant due to the added sugars and other non-compliant ingredients.
To make Whole30 compliant corned beef, it’s essential to carefully select your ingredients. Look for corned beef that is free of added sugars or additives that sound like sugar, such as maltodextrins. You can also make your own corned beef at home using Whole30 compliant ingredients.
When it comes to making corned beef hash, using a cast iron skillet is recommended to achieve the crispiest breakfast potatoes without roasting or air frying. A 10-inch skillet is perfect for this recipe, while a 12-inch skillet is recommended for larger crowds.
To make Whole30 compliant corned beef and cabbage, you can use a slow cooker or instant pot to cook the beef along with onions, potatoes, and cabbage. Simply leave out the sugar if you’re Whole30-ing and sauté the cabbage on the stove while prepping to serve.
Understanding The Whole30 Diet
The Whole30 diet is a 30-day eating plan that focuses on whole foods and eliminates certain food groups that are commonly problematic for some people. The diet was co-founded in 2009 by Melissa Urban and has gained popularity over the years. The program prescribes eliminating grains, dairy, legumes, alcohol, and added sugars in favor of vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, nuts, and seeds.
The Whole30 diet is designed to help individuals reset their health, habits, and relationship with food. By eliminating potentially problematic foods for 30 days, the program aims to improve cravings and habits, blood sugar regulation and hormones, digestion, immune system function, and inflammation. This program emphasizes eating whole foods and can help individuals with chronic health issues understand how their bodies react to certain foods.
During the 30-day program, individuals may experience improvements in energy, sleep, mood, focus, digestion, pain, and athletic performance. They may also have decreased incidences of conditions like eczema, migraines, asthma, and allergies.
It’s important to note that the Whole30 diet is not a long-term solution or a weight loss program. It’s designed to be a short-term reset that helps individuals identify food sensitivities and improve their relationship with food. After completing the 30-day program, individuals are encouraged to reintroduce eliminated foods slowly to see how their bodies react.
What Makes Corned Beef Non-Compliant?
Corned beef can be non-compliant on the Whole30 diet due to the added sugars and other non-compliant ingredients often found in store-bought versions. The brining process typically involves adding brown sugar to the solution, which can make it non-compliant. Additionally, some brands may use additives like maltodextrins that sound like sugar but are not allowed on the Whole30 diet.
It’s important to carefully read labels and select corned beef that is free of added sugars and additives that are not Whole30 compliant. Making your own corned beef at home with Whole30 compliant ingredients is also a great option.
When making corned beef hash, it’s essential to use Whole30 compliant corned beef and ensure that it’s free of any added sugars or non-compliant additives. Using a cast iron skillet is recommended to achieve the crispiest breakfast potatoes without roasting or air frying.
How To Make Whole30 Compliant Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef hash is a classic breakfast dish that can be made Whole30 compliant with a few simple tweaks. To make Whole30 compliant corned beef hash, you will need cooked corned beef, potatoes, onions, and oil.
Start by dicing the cooked corned beef, potatoes, and onions into small pieces. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced ingredients to the skillet and sauté them until they are crispy and browned. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your skillet and the heat of your stove.
Once the corned beef hash is crispy and browned to your liking, remove it from the heat and serve it hot. You can top it with a fried egg or any other toppings you like.
To make this recipe Whole30 compliant, be sure to use Whole30 compliant oil such as olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutrition.
How To Make Whole30 Compliant Corned Beef And Cabbage
Making Whole30 compliant corned beef and cabbage is easy with a few simple substitutions. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound corned beef brisket
– 1 head of cabbage, cut in half, remove core, cut into medium-sized wedges
– 6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into uniform 1-2 inch chunks
– 1 yellow onion, cut into quarters
– 1-2 russet potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks
– Water
Instructions:
1. Lay the onion pieces on the bottom of the slow cooker or instant pot.
2. Remove the corned beef from the packaging and pat it dry. Place it on top of the onions.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over top of the beef, omitting any packets that contain added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
4. Add the garlic and thyme.
5. Pour water on top of the beef and onions.
6. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.
7. After the first 2 hours of cooking, add in the potatoes and carrots.
8. When there is 1 hour of cooking time left, add in the cabbage.
9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage. Set aside.
10. Transfer the meat to a cutting board. Use a knife to scrape off the fatty layer on top and discard.
11. Slice the meat against the grain into 1/2 – 1 inch thick pieces.
12. Serve with Whole30 compliant mustard for dipping.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and Whole30 compliant corned beef and cabbage meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for this classic dish.
Tips For Selecting Whole30 Compliant Corned Beef
When selecting corned beef for your Whole30 meal plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure it is compliant.
Firstly, read the label carefully and look for corned beef that is free of added sugars or any other non-compliant ingredients. This includes maltodextrins or any other additives that sound like sugar.
Secondly, consider making your own corned beef at home using Whole30 compliant ingredients. This way, you have complete control over the ingredients and can ensure it is free from any non-compliant additives or excess sugars.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about the ingredients in store-bought corned beef, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher or store staff for assistance. They may be able to provide you with more information or suggest a Whole30 compliant option.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying corned beef dishes while staying on track with your Whole30 journey.