Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish with a touch of sophistication, Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef recipe is a perfect choice-offering the ideal balance of savory, tender meat with a unique, mouthwatering twist that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef

Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef is a rich, flavorful take on a classic Jewish deli staple, made by brining beef brisket in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, then slowly simmering it until the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with deep, savory flavors. This dish can be served in a variety of ways: as a sandwich, as part of a traditional pastrami platter, or simply on its own with accompaniments like mustard, pickles, and rye bread. Oliver adds his personal twist by infusing it with bold herbs and spices, which creates a unique and memorable taste profile that takes this beloved dish to new heights.

Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this flavorful salt beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Beef Brisket (around 1.5 kg): This is the key ingredient and should be a good cut of beef with a nice layer of fat for tenderness.
• Sea Salt (100g): This helps in the brining process and draws out moisture to tenderize the meat.
• Brown Sugar (50g): This helps to balance the salt and creates a slight sweetness.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor.
• Black Peppercorns (1 tsp): These add a subtle heat and a peppery kick.
• Coriander Seeds (1 tsp): These seeds offer an earthy, citrusy flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
• Mustard Seeds (1 tsp): Mustard seeds add a bit of a sharp, tangy bite.
• Bay Leaves (3-4): These provide an aromatic backdrop to the brine.
• Cinnamon Stick (1): Adds a warming, slightly sweet depth of flavor.
• Water (2 liters): Used to create the brining liquid.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Some variations of the recipe include fresh rosemary or thyme for added aromatic flavor.

Equipment Needed

To prepare this dish successfully, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large Pot: For simmering the brisket and making the brine.
• Sharp Knife: To trim any excess fat from the brisket.
• Large Bowl: For mixing the brining ingredients and submerging the beef.
• Heavy-duty Foil or Baking Paper: To cover the meat while it cooks and keep it moist.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the brisket reaches the desired internal temperature.
• Strainer: To strain out the spices from the brine before simmering the meat.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef?

1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the water, sea salt, sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Brine the Beef: Place the brisket in a large bowl or container. Pour the cooled brine over the beef, making sure the meat is fully submerged. If necessary, place a weight on top to keep it under the brine. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 days, allowing the beef to cure in the brine and absorb all the flavors.
3. Simmer the Beef: After the brining period, remove the beef from the brine and discard the liquid and spices. Place the brisket in a large pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the beef cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4. Serve: Once the salt beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it thinly and serve with mustard, pickles, and your favorite bread, or simply enjoy it on its own for a simple, satisfying meal.

Expert Tips

• Brining Time: The longer you brine the beef, the more intense the flavor. While a minimum of 3 days is recommended, brining for up to a week will give the beef an even deeper, more complex flavor.
• Slow Cooking: The key to tender salt beef is a slow simmer. Don’t rush the cooking process; allow the beef to cook gently to ensure it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices in the brine, such as cloves or allspice, to add your own unique twist to the dish.
• Leftovers: Salt beef makes for great leftovers. It can be used in sandwiches, as a topping for salads, or even added to stews and soups.

Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef is a standout recipe that blends rich, aromatic flavors with tender, juicy meat. The slow cooking process and brining technique create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a hearty meal.

With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can recreate this beloved deli classic right in your own kitchen. So, if you’re seeking a bold and flavorful dish that’s both simple to make and satisfying to eat, Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef is definitely worth trying!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef

Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef recipe is a beautifully simple and flavorful dish that offers a lot of room for variation and customization. Whether you’re looking to modify the recipe based on personal preferences or experiment with new flavor profiles, here are a few easy variations that can add a twist to this traditional dish:

1. Add Aromatic Vegetables: In the classic recipe, the salt beef is typically simmered with just a few basic seasonings. To elevate the flavor, try adding some aromatic vegetables like carrots, onions, leeks, and garlic to the pot. These vegetables will release their natural sweetness during the long cooking process, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
2. Herb Infusion: For a more herbal flavor, toss in a handful of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. These herbs will infuse the meat as it cooks, giving the dish an earthy and aromatic note that complements the richness of the beef. Fresh parsley or dill also works well when serving the salt beef, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the richness of the meat.
3. Spicy Kick with Mustard Seeds or Chilli Flakes: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding mustard seeds or red chili flakes to the pot. These ingredients will lend a gentle heat that balances the saltiness of the beef and can bring an exciting twist to the recipe.
4. Pickling Twist: Salt beef is often associated with pickled flavors, so why not introduce some tang by adding a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to the cooking liquid? Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar adds a lovely acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the beef.
5. Cider or Beer Braised Salt Beef: For a more robust flavor, try replacing the water with a bottle of cider or beer for braising the salt beef. The sweetness of cider or the bitterness of beer complements the savory flavors of the beef and makes the dish even more savory.
6. Slow Cooker Method: If you’re looking to make the recipe even more hands-off, consider using a slow cooker. By cooking the salt beef on low for 6-8 hours, you’ll achieve a wonderfully tender and flavorful meat that falls apart easily. This method works especially well when you want to infuse the meat with rich flavors from the broth without constantly monitoring it.
7. Vegetarian Alternative: For a vegetarian version, try using seitan (a wheat-based protein) or a hearty mushroom mix, like portobello and shiitake, as a substitute for the beef. While this will offer a different texture, the right seasoning can deliver a surprisingly close flavor experience to the original dish.

With these variations, you can make Jamie Oliver’s salt beef recipe your own, playing with flavors and techniques to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Salt beef, like many slow-cooked dishes, can make excellent leftovers, but proper storage is key to ensuring the beef retains its flavor and texture for future meals. Here are some best practices for storing salt beef leftovers:

1. Cool Before Storing: After cooking, allow the salt beef to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which can lead to soggy beef. Once cooled, transfer the beef into an airtight container.
2. Refrigeration: Store leftover salt beef in the fridge if you plan to consume it within a few days. The beef should be placed in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
3. Freezing Leftovers: If you don’t think you’ll eat the leftover salt beef within a few days, freezing is a great option. Slice the beef into portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it into a freezer bag or airtight container. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the beef tasting fresh. Frozen salt beef can last for up to 2-3 months.
4. Store with Cooking Liquid: To help retain the moisture and tenderness of the beef, store it with some of the cooking liquid. This is especially useful if you plan to reheat the beef later, as the liquid will keep it from drying out during the reheating process.
5. Reheating Tips: To reheat your leftover salt beef, the best method is to gently warm it on the stove with a bit of its cooking liquid, or you can place it in a preheated oven wrapped in foil. Avoid reheating it at high temperatures to prevent the beef from becoming tough or overly dry.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your leftover salt beef, ensuring it stays as delicious as the day it was made.

What Goes Well With Salt Beef?

Salt beef is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to create the perfect meal when serving salt beef:

1. Classic Sides

   • Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and buttery mash is a timeless pairing with salt beef, providing a smooth contrast to the richness of the beef. For extra flavor, consider mixing in some horseradish or chives into the mash.
   • Pickles: The saltiness of the beef is beautifully complemented by the tang of pickles. Dill pickles, pickled cucumbers, or even pickled onions add a refreshing and acidic note that balances the richness.
   • Cabbage: Cabbage, particularly when sautéed or braised, is an excellent accompaniment to salt beef. Its natural sweetness and crisp texture contrast nicely with the tender beef.

2. Bread And Rolls

   • Rye Bread: Rye bread is a classic choice to serve alongside salt beef, especially if you’re making sandwiches. The slightly sour flavor of rye complements the salty, savory taste of the beef perfectly.
   • Soft Dinner Rolls: If you want something lighter, a soft, pillowy dinner roll is great for mopping up any juices or sauces left on your plate.

3. Vegetables

   • Roasted Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted with olive oil and herbs add a hearty and slightly sweet component to the dish.
   • Green Beans or Asparagus: For a lighter and fresher side, green beans or asparagus sautéed with garlic and butter pair perfectly with the rich salt beef.

4. Mustard Or Horseradish Sauce

   • A sharp mustard or spicy horseradish sauce adds a wonderful zing that cuts through the salty richness of the beef. You can serve these condiments on the side or drizzle them directly over the beef.

5. Gravy

   • If you have leftover cooking liquid from the salt beef, you can turn it into a savory gravy to pour over mashed potatoes or serve on the side for extra flavor.

The beauty of salt beef is that it can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef is a deliciously comforting dish that can be easily adapted to suit a variety of tastes. Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe with new seasonings or want to explore creative pairings with side dishes, there’s plenty of room to make this dish your own.

Storing leftovers properly ensures that you can enjoy this flavorful meal again, and with the right accompaniments, you’ll have a truly satisfying meal. Whether served with classic mashed potatoes, tangy pickles, or a dollop of mustard, salt beef brings an irresistible savory experience to the table every time.

FAQs

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s salt beef recipe involves brining beef brisket in a seasoned salt mixture, followed by slow-cooking it in a stock of vegetables and spices for several hours. The beef becomes tender and flavorful, making it perfect for sandwiches or as part of a hearty meal.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef?

The cooking time for Jamie Oliver’s salt beef is approximately 3 to 4 hours for the beef to become tender. However, the brining process takes a minimum of 12 to 24 hours, so the total time to prepare the dish can take a couple of days.

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Recipe?

The main ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s salt beef recipe include beef brisket, kosher salt, sugar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, and cloves. For the cooking liquid, you will also need onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and spices like allspice and coriander seeds.

Can I Use A Different Cut Of Beef For Salt Beef?

While brisket is the traditional cut for salt beef, you could experiment with other cuts like silverside or top round. However, these cuts may result in a slightly different texture and flavor profile, with brisket being preferred for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.

Do I Need To Soak The Beef After Brining In Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?

Yes, after brining the beef for 12 to 24 hours, Jamie Oliver recommends soaking the beef in cold water for about an hour. This helps to remove excess salt and balance the flavor before the slow-cooking process.

What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef?

Jamie Oliver’s salt beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, pickles, sauerkraut, or a fresh salad. It is also commonly served in sandwiches with mustard or horseradish.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver’s salt beef in a slow cooker. After brining and soaking, place the beef and cooking liquid in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Recipe Suitable For Meal Prep?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s salt beef is excellent for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be used in sandwiches, salads, or served with other meals throughout the week.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef?

Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver’s salt beef. Once cooked and cooled, slice the beef or leave it whole, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan with some of the cooking liquid.

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Salt Beef Different From Corned Beef?

The primary difference between Jamie Oliver’s salt beef and traditional corned beef is the brining process. While both are cured in a salt solution, Jamie Oliver’s recipe involves a more flavorful brine with additional herbs and spices, creating a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, Jamie Oliver’s recipe typically involves a longer cooking time, making the beef more tender.