23 Best Sauces for Corned Beef (Sauce for Corned Beef Collection)

When it comes to inspiration for your next dinner party menu, it can be hard to come up with new and exciting ideas.

Perhaps you’re thinking about making corned beef at your next dinner party, a dish which is bound to delight and impress your friends.

Corned beef can be served hot or cold, with various accompaniments including cabbage, potatoes, rice, and pasta.

You could even add pickles to your corned beef for a new and interesting twist.

If you’re searching for some innovative and interesting ideas for your next corned beef dinner, then look no further than these sauces for corned beef.

We’ve got everything you need to know about different sauces to serve with corned beef right here.

The 23 Best Sauces For Corned Beef

1. Mustard Sauce (My Personal Favorite Corned Beef Sauce)

One of the things I love most about my holiday meals is the fact that they are never the same and are always changing.

That means I get to try out new combinations and see what works best in my kitchen. One of those dishes that I love is brisket, mashed potatoes, and mustard sauce.

Brisket is a tough cut of meat and requires a special cooking method to break down the fibers. The result is the most tender and delicious cut of beef.

It’s a cut of beef that is a favorite on many holidays, and the mustard sauce really helps to bring it to life by adding depth and zesty flavor.

You can serve this meal at a family feast or holiday party to really get everyone excited about your meal. It’s a great choice for entertaining.

You can use any kind of mustard you like, but I suggest a Dijon-style if you have it. You want to get the strong flavors of the mustard to really stand out against the corned beef.

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2. Horseradish Sauce

Corned beef is a traditional food that is enjoyed all over the world and is served in many different ways.

There is no one particular side dish that is best for it, but the key is to make sure that you pair it with something that works.

One of the most common pairs is horseradish and corned beef. The horseradish sauce is acidic and can cut through the richness of the dish.

Make sure to buy fresh horseradish root from your local supermarket, as paste or powder will not have the same impact.

The flavor of the horseradish also really helps to lift the flavor of the dish, especially when paired with the fatty meat of the corned beef.

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3. Creamy Gravy

You may not think that you would be pairing gravy with corned beef, but in a lot of countries, this is the classic dish to pair with the roast.

Gravy is a staple of any meat dish, and it is one of the most versatile sauces that you can have on hand.

A creamy gravy can go a long way with a hearty dish like corned beef. It gives a wonderful richness and body to the dish, so the addition of gravy is just a smart way to get more flavor into your food.

You can either use the gravy as a dipping sauce or you can also use it as a sauce on top of your dish.

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4. Mornay Sauce

There are so many different flavors in corned beef. From the salty, rich flavor of the beef and the sweet brine, there is just so much to love.

That is why it is a good idea to pair with another flavor or an accompaniment that can help bring out the complexity and richness of corned beef.

Mornay sauce, a creamy cheese sauce from Italy, is perfect for corned beef as it has that unique flavor profile that can really make the dish sing.

You can also use a sauce with a similar cheese flavor profile like cream cheese and sour cream or just go with plain old horseradish.

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5. Sweet and Sour Sauce

The classic sweet and sour combination can also be a great pairing with corned beef. It’s especially great in this case because it has so many options when you want to make the dish.

A sweet and sour sauce can be made from so many different ingredients, like apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, orange juice, and ketchup.

Choose a sweet and sour sauce that is not too sweet, but not too tart either.

You can also add other flavor elements like dried fruit or shredded vegetables that compliment the dish.

Try to choose a sauce that is more savory than sweet, like an Asian-inspired sweet and sour sauce.

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6. Tomato-Onion Sauce

It is no secret that most corned beef recipes call for a red or tomato-based sauce.

These sauces are often the foundation of a number of dishes and they are the go-to pairing when it comes to the famous holiday sandwich.

We have already seen in previous recipes that a classic tomato-onion sauce can be a great choice.

Corned beef itself can be pretty salty and heavy, but a tomato-based sauce can cut through the flavor and help to add a little bit of a boost of freshness.

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7. Sour Cream & Caraway Sauce

Sour cream and caraway sauce are a match made in heaven. The high-fat content of corned beef does mean that it can be fairly greasy or oily, and the tart, sour cream, and caraway combination really helps to cut through the fat perfectly.

It works great on sandwiches but also works well on top of potatoes, as a dip, or even on top of a roast.

The corned beef has that unique taste and texture that is perfect with the sour cream and caraway combination.

8. Hot Sauce

The combination of sweet and salty is the most basic and satisfying flavor combination we have in our culinary toolbox. Hot sauce goes especially well with corned beef because it provides an extra kick of heat and spiciness to cut through the richness of the meat.

A little dab of hot sauce on your fork before you dig into that first bite will send a message to your taste buds that say “hey, I’m not eating just any old beef. This is game meat!”

The combination of sweet and savory is a classic and satisfying one and there is no reason not to use it in your meals. Just make sure you don’t go overboard, as too much spice can become numbing. A couple of dashes will do just fine.

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9. Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is a must-have in every kitchen. It is always good to keep a bottle on hand and it can be used for all sorts of recipes.

It goes perfectly with corned beef, especially when it is served on top of mashed potatoes.

The sweetness of the plum sauce and the saltiness of the corned beef just make for a perfect pairing.

You can get a different look to the dish by using the fresh tomato sauce from the canned tomatoes. This works really well to cut through the richness of the corned beef without the heaviness of a traditional plum sauce.

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10. Guaiwei Sauce

Corned beef is a hearty, traditional cut of meat, but one that can be a bit intimidating to pair with.

There are so many options available for cooking and serving corned beef.

The most traditional way to serve it is to simply have a big hunk of meat on a plate, and you would have to dig in.

That is not what you want to do when you are eating a plate of food!

We want to be able to enjoy a delicious meal, and this is one of the easiest ways to make that happen.

Try a guaiwei sauce on your corned beef and then you will never go back to the old way of thinking again.

You can use the guaiwei sauce as an option for your favorite brisket recipe or even as a topping for a potato salad or pasta. It has a rich and creamy flavor that is very tasty.

11. Pipian Sauce

Pipian is a thick and spicy tomato-based sauce that is often served over rice and has been enjoyed in one form or another for centuries in much of Latin America.

Corned beef is rich and flavorful and the smoky, salty, beefy flavors really stand up to the bold and somewhat spicy flavors of pipian. It is the perfect match and can be served as a dipping sauce for your sandwich, added to your chili, or simply drizzled on your cooked corned beef as a tasty condiment.

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12. Beurre Blanc Sauce

A classic French cooking technique, Beurre Blanc sauce is a classic pairing with corned beef. It has a light, buttery flavor and works well with the richness of corned beef.

This is a classic French preparation, so you can use any kind of white sauce to make it, but a homemade version is always best.

To make it at home, combine two parts butter with one part cream. This is the most traditional beurre blanc and it should be used as a sauce for seafood, vegetables, and even chicken.

You could also use this same method and add some lemon juice to create a lemon beurre blanc sauce. This will cut through the richness of the dish perfectly and provide that extra lemon kick.

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13. Vietnamese Fish Sauce

Corned beef is one of those foods that is as easy to love or hate as it is to find in any given grocery store. If you are lucky enough to live in an area with an ethnic market or really great food shop, you should be able to find some great stuff.

One of the items I always look for is Vietnamese fermented fish sauce. It is made from anchovies and adds a huge amount of depth of flavor to any dish.

A little bit goes a long way, so use sparingly and you will be amazed at how great it enhances the flavor of your food.

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14. Apple Sauce

Corned beef is one of those items that has been around for a very long time and there are so many different versions of how to serve it.

The most common way to serve corned beef is sliced thin and served on rye bread with a pickle.

However, if you want to add another element to the plate, apple sauce is a great choice. It is sweet, tangy, and a great complement to the richness of the corned beef.

Apple sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce or as an addition to mashed potatoes. It has an interesting texture when mixed with the soft ingredients and it just provides a whole new dimension of flavor to your plate.

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15. Whisky Sauce

There is a reason why whisky sauce is served with corned beef. It helps to cut through all the richness of the meat.

It is easy to make and it is a perfect option for a crowd. The smoky, peaty flavor of the whisky really enhances the flavor of the beef and makes this a very satisfying meal.

You could make your own by simmering some whisky with flour and a little water. Or you could buy a ready-made version.

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16. Blue Cheese Sauce

There is something about a good, classic blue cheese sauce and corned beef. The strong flavor of the meat, the richness of the corned beef and the salty cheese make for a delicious combination.

The blue cheese has a strong flavor and the creaminess of the cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly compliments the strong flavors of the meat.

You can serve this on top of the corned beef, over it or on the side. It is up to you and what you would like.

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17. Peppercorn Sauce

Corned beef is a great match for a zesty, tangy condiment like Peppercorn Sauce. It cuts through the richness of the beef and also has a peppery kick to it.

Corned beef is one of those classic dishes that can be eaten cold or hot and is wonderful both ways.

Pepper sauce is great with many different meats and fish, but corned beef really shines when you put it on a hamburger or in a Reuben sandwich.

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18. Béarnaise Sauce

This is another classic combination. The richness of the sauce brings out all of the complex flavors of the corned beef, which in turn makes the flavors of the sauce pop even more.

The corned beef is fatty so a light, bright sauce is the best option. A really good béarnaise is very traditional and should always be part of your culinary toolkit. It is easy to make and takes just a few ingredients.

All you have to remember is that the base of the sauce is butter, egg yolks, tarragon, and white wine vinegar. That means you can add any kind of flavor you like. If you want to add other herbs like chives or parsley, just add those in with the egg yolks.

If you don’t have a béarnaise on hand, you can use any kind of mayonnaise or a simple lemon or orange juice mixed with Dijon mustard. It will still work, but it won’t be the same.

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19. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce, often served with steak or roasted meats. It is typically made up of herbs, garlic, and olive oil, and can be made with different types of herbs depending on the region.

It is a great way to add flavor to corned beef because it can complement the meat in so many ways.

If you are using a thick cut of meat, you can also pair it with potatoes to soak up all the delicious flavors. You can also get creative and make it as a sauce by adding more ingredients to the mix and making a homemade chimichurri sauce.

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20. Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

Corned beef is such a classic combination and it is a delicious one at that.

You might think, “What else goes with corned beef?”

Well, you can add a little garlic and onion to the mix and make your own garlic herb butter sauce.

It’s actually not hard to make and is a quick and easy way to jazz up your traditional corned beef and cabbage meal.

You can make a smaller portion and keep it in the fridge, ready to use.

Just melt a bit of butter, whisk in the garlic and herbs and you’re ready to go.

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21. Red Wine Jus Sauce

This is one of those classic combinations that is so common that we often forget that it even exists.

Red wine jus is simply a reduced red wine base that is flavoured with a ton of spices and aromatics. It has such a delicious flavor profile that you want to pair it with almost everything.

You could add the red wine jus to mashed potatoes or use it as a dipping sauce for a piece of corned beef or roast chicken.

The red wine sauce goes perfectly with the saltiness of the corned beef, and the spice flavors of the sauce will enhance the meat without overpowering it.

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22. Mushroom Sauce

Mushroom sauces are one of the best options for pairing with corned beef. They go so well together because mushrooms provide the perfect blend of umami and acidity.

When they pair well with corned beef, you get that unique flavor of mushroom without the meaty flavor.

The addition of some cream to the mushroom sauce really helps to bring out the flavors of the sauce and make it even more delicious.

This is a great sauce to serve over mashed potatoes or pasta. It is also a great accompaniment to a nice piece of roast beef.

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23. Diane Sauce

The classic pairing of Diane sauce and corned beef is really something that should be a part of your food vocabulary.

This is another item that is often served as a side dish but it is also a wonderful addition to any main course.

If you have ever had a corned beef sandwich with mustard and coleslaw, then you know how good this pairing can be.

If you have never had a sandwich with corned beef, then you are missing out on one of the most underrated items in the sandwich world.

You can make a great version of a corned beef sandwich at home by mixing Diane sauce with corned beef and cabbage, and topping with mustard and onion for an amazing flavor.

Corned beef is high in fat, but there is something about the richness and flavor of this food that makes it so craveable. It is not very hard to get a little bit of the richness, without going overboard and eating too much.

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What Else Goes Well With Corned Beef?

Ketchup

Ketchup is the perfect partner to corned beef because it has a very strong and bold flavor which really helps to cut through the meat and bring out its rich flavor.

The best part is that you can have the whole thing on a sandwich or just on top of the meat.

It is a classic pairing that goes great together.

Thousand Island

Thousand island dressing is made with mayonnaise as the base and a number of other ingredients like chili powder, paprika, and so on. It can be served on a variety of items and has been a mainstay on hamburgers and hot dogs for years.

It is a well-known fact that mayonnaise goes with just about anything, and the bold flavors of thousand island really brings out the best in corned beef.

The acidity of the pickles, the mustard, and the horseradish in the dressing all cut through the saltiness of the corned beef and really makes the dish pop.

You know, corned beef is often considered a Jewish food, but it was born in Ireland and was popularized by the Irish Americans. That means it has become a patriotic American food, and when you put it on a bun with thousand island, it just screams “American!”

Russian Dressing

If you are looking for a good option to add a little sweetness to your dinner, then you should definitely look to the classic Russian dressing as an option.

Russian dressing is very simple and can be used in so many different ways. This is a favorite on our sandwiches and it is also a great choice for a sandwich topping.

It is also a great option to have on the side of a plate.

The tangy and sharp flavors of the dressing really bring out the flavors of corned beef and make a great combination!

FAQs

What tastes good with corned beef?

Corned beef pairs well with a variety of flavors. Some classic accompaniments include mustard, horseradish, and pickles. Other tasty options include a creamy cheese sauce, sauerkraut, or a sweet and tangy chutney.

What is traditionally served with corned beef?

Traditional sides for corned beef include boiled or mashed potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions. Irish soda bread is also a popular choice.

What makes corned beef taste better?

There are a few ways to enhance the flavor of corned beef. First, you can add flavor to the cooking liquid by including spices such as peppercorns, bay leaves, and cloves. Another way to boost flavor is to glaze the corned beef with a mixture of brown sugar and mustard before baking. Finally, allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing can help to keep it juicy and flavorful.

What can I use instead of mustard on corned beef?

If you don’t like mustard, there are several other sauces and condiments that pair well with corned beef. Horseradish sauce is a classic option, and a creamy cheese sauce can add a rich and tangy flavor. You can also try a sweet and spicy chutney or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Can I use my air fryer for this meal?

Yes, you can definitely use your air fryer to cook corned beef. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the corned beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes per pound, flipping the meat halfway through.
3. Check the internal temperature of the corned beef with a meat thermometer. It should register at least 145°F (63°C) in the center of the thickest part.
4. Let the corned beef rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving with your choice of sauces and sides.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the corned beef. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the internal temperature for doneness.

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