ShelfLife
How long does corned beef last?
Uncooked corned beef in its pouch with pickling juices keeps 5 to 7 days in the fridge from purchase, or until the date on the package. It keeps about 1 month in the freezer. Cooked corned beef keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw corned beef in a pouch with brine | 5–7 daysfrom purchase | 1 monthfrom purchase |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if corned beef has gone bad
- A sour or rotten smell beyond the normal spiced brine smell.
- A slimy or sticky surface once rinsed.
- Gray or green patches, or mold. Corned beef stays pink after cooking because of the curing salts: that's normal.
How to store corned beef
- Keep the sealed pouch on the bottom shelf of the fridge, on a plate.
- Refrigerate cooked corned beef within 2 hours, in its cooking liquid or tightly wrapped, to keep it moist.
- Slice cooked corned beef just before serving; whole pieces stay juicier.
Can you freeze corned beef?
Yes. Raw corned beef keeps about 1 month in the freezer: drain the brine, wrap it tightly, and freeze it. Cooked corned beef freezes for 2 to 3 months, ideally with a little cooking liquid.
Questions
What temperature should corned beef be cooked to?
At least 63 °C (145 °F) with a 3-minute rest, but it's usually cooked much longer, until fork-tender.
How long does cooked corned beef last?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, and 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
How long does canned corned beef last?
Unopened canned corned beef keeps for years in the pantry, like other low-acid canned meat; once opened, 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.