Should corned beef fall apart?
            Chef's answer
            
                
                    
                        
                
            
        
    
                            How Long to Cook Corned Beef in the CrockPot. Cook in the slow cooker on high for closer to 6 hours. Most recipes recommend you cook the brisket for 4 to 4 1/2 hours on high in the slow cooker. In doing so you'll have nicely cut portions that while tender, simply don't fall apart when stuck with a fork.. 
                    
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                                   How do you know when corned beef is done in the slow cooker? The meat is ready when it is "fork-tender". This is a good indication that is properly cooked, tender, and ready for serving. In addition, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 
                                
                            
                        
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                            Choose the flat cut, more often than not the tip cut will end up tougher. Next, while some recipes instruct you to trim all the fat from the brisket, I prefer to trim the fat off after it is finished cooking. That way when the fat renders during the cooking process the flavor will get infused into the meat. 
                        
                    
                        
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                            When buying a brisket for corned beef, plan on about 3/4 pounds per person, or up to one pound per person if you want to make sure there are leftovers for things like sandwiches and hash. 
                        
                    
                        
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                            Depending on the pickling solution used for the meat, you may be in for a saltier meal than you bargained for if you cook the meat without rinsing it. And don't worry: Rinsing won't make the beef taste bland! The flavor is infused deep into the beef during the curing process. 
                        
                    
                        
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                            Ale: Red ales (something like Smithwicks. 
                        
                    
                        
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                            Gray corned beef is said to have a better taste than red. The gray meet is softer and sweeter. Gray corned beef is also less salty than red corned beef.. 
                        
                    
                        
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                            Corned beef is made from brisket, which comes from the lower chest of the cow. 
                        
                    
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