Salt beef hash is a hearty, comforting dish that works at any time of day. If you are looking for something good to do with salt beef, this is a very solid place to start. Straightforward to make and deeply satisfying to eat, it is also a great way to use up any leftover pieces you might have to hand.
A piece of salt beef can go a long way, and this recipe makes the most of every last bit. Simply flake it up and fry it hard with potatoes and whatever else takes your fancy. Here, I have gone with leeks, pickled red onions and chillies. A fried egg on top feels essential, along with a little chilli sauce for brightness. Something fruity or acidic works best. Add a couple of eggs and you have the perfect weekend brunch.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
Method
To Cook the Salt Beef
- Remove the salt beef from its packaging and place it in a pan of cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer very gently for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the meat feels tender when pierced with a small sharp knife.
- Remove from the heat and let it rest for 20-minutes.
- Cut the salt beef in half, reserving one half for another use; only half is needed for this recipe.
- Keep the cooking liquid, as it makes an excellent broth,
To Make the Hash
- Place the red onion in a bowl, season with sea salt, and leave for 10-minutes. Then add 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
- Set a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Flake the salt beef into smaller chunks and pieces.
- Once the oil begins to smoke, carefully add the salt beef and crushed potatoes. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2-minutes – resist the temptation to shake the pan.
- After 2-minutes, add the leeks and a pinch of sea salt, then toss everything together. Leave to cook for another 2-minutes.
- Toss once more and cook for an additional 5-minutes, tossing regularly.
- Add the chives, chilli, and prepared red onion, and toss again. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed.
- In a separate pan, fry the eggs in a little oil and serve on top of the hash.















