Corned Beef and Cabbage - Not Just for St. Patrick's Day

4. Prepare the Meat

If you choose to buy the meat already cured, your first step will be to rinse it well with cold water. Put it into a large roasting pan with deep sides and set aside for now. Heat one quart of water on the stove before adding two tablespoons each of salt and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add one bottle of Irish beer if desired. It isn’t necessary but adds a nice flavor. Add the liquid mixture to the roasting pan containing the meat. If the liquid doesn’t cover the meat entirely, add a bit more water until it does.