Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy is a delightful fusion of Canadian and Irish cuisines, combining crispy French fries, savory corned beef, melting cheese curds, and a rich Guinness-infused gravy. This hearty dish is perfect for celebrating occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or indulging in comfort food cravings.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Corned Beef:

2 lbs corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
4 cups water

For the Guinness Gravy:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup sweet onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (11.2 oz) bottle Guinness Draught Stout
1 cup low-sodium beef stock
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Poutine:

4 cups crispy French fries
2 cups cheese curds, at room temperature
1 cup cooked corned beef, diced

Directions

Prepare the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef brisket in a slow cooker and add enough water to cover the meat. Include the spice packet that comes with the brisket. Cook on high for 8 hours until tender. Once done, remove from the slow cooker, let it cool slightly, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Guinness Gravy: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the Guinness beer, ensuring no lumps remain. Add the beef stock, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Poutine: Cook the French fries according to package instructions until they are crispy. Place a layer of hot fries on a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle half of the cheese curds and diced corned beef over the fries. Add another layer of fries on top, followed by the remaining cheese curds and corned beef. Generously ladle the hot Guinness gravy over the assembled fries, cheese curds, and corned beef. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information Per serving:

Calories: Approximately 510 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 1058 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g

The Origins of Poutine and Its Irish Twist

Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. Traditionally, it consists of crispy French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in brown gravy. Over the years, this comfort food has gained international recognition and has been adapted with various toppings, including pulled pork, mushrooms, bacon, and even lobster. The addition of corned beef and Guinness gravy in this version brings a distinctly Irish touch to the classic dish. Corned beef has strong ties to Irish-American cuisine, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day. Although not as commonly eaten in Ireland itself, corned beef became a staple for Irish immigrants in North America. Pairing it with Guinness, the iconic Irish stout, enhances the dish with a deep, rich flavor that makes it stand out from traditional poutine.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy is more than just a fusion of Canadian and Irish flavors—it is a perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crispy fries provide a satisfying crunch, while the cheese curds add a soft and creamy contrast. The corned beef brings a salty, savory depth, and the Guinness-infused gravy ties everything together with a velvety, umami-packed finish. This dish is an excellent way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or to enjoy comfort food with a gourmet twist. It takes the simplicity of poutine and elevates it into a more robust and satisfying meal. The slow-cooked corned beef ensures tenderness, while the homemade Guinness gravy adds a layer of complexity that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate.

The Role of Guinness in the Gravy

Guinness is one of the most well-known beers in the world, and it plays a crucial role in this recipe. Its deep maltiness, slight bitterness, and hints of coffee and chocolate create a well-balanced gravy that enhances the overall dish. When combined with beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, the Guinness provides a rich, slightly sweet undertone that complements the saltiness of the corned beef and the creaminess of the cheese curds. Cooking with Guinness not only infuses the dish with authentic Irish flavor but also helps thicken and enrich the gravy, making it the perfect consistency to coat the fries without being too heavy.

Choosing the Right Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are an essential part of any poutine. They should be fresh and slightly squeaky when bitten into. The mild, milky flavor of the cheese curds balances the bold flavors of the Guinness gravy and corned beef. If you can’t find fresh cheese curds, small chunks of a mild white cheddar can be used as a substitute. However, the signature texture of cheese curds is what makes poutine truly authentic. It’s important to let the cheese curds sit at room temperature for a bit before assembling the dish. This allows them to soften slightly, ensuring they melt just enough under the warmth of the gravy without losing their shape completely.

The Perfect Fries for Poutine

Whichever method you choose, make sure the fries are golden brown before adding the toppings. Soggy fries can ruin the texture of the dish, so ensuring a crisp base is crucial. The foundation of a great poutine is crispy French fries. To achieve the best results, use thick-cut fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. There are a few different ways to prepare fries for this dish:

Deep-Fried Fries: The traditional method that yields the crispiest results. Double-frying (first at a lower temperature and then at a higher temperature) ensures they stay crunchy even after being covered in gravy.
Baked Fries: A healthier alternative that can still achieve a crispy texture if coated lightly in oil and baked at a high temperature.
Air-Fried Fries: A great middle ground between deep-frying and baking. The air fryer circulates hot air around the fries, giving them a crisp exterior without excessive oil.

Pairing Suggestions

Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy is a rich and hearty dish, making it ideal to serve with lighter accompaniments. Here are a few pairing suggestions to balance out the flavors:

A Light Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the heaviness of the dish.
Pickled Vegetables: The acidity of pickles or pickled onions adds brightness and contrast to the richness of the gravy and cheese curds.
A Pint of Guinness: Sticking with the Irish theme, a cold pint of Guinness complements the deep flavors of the gravy while enhancing the overall dining experience.
Crisp Cider: If you prefer something lighter, a dry cider provides a refreshing contrast to the salty, savory elements of the poutine.

Making It Ahead of Time

While poutine is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance to make assembly quicker:

Corned Beef: Slow-cooked corned beef can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before adding it to the fries.
Guinness Gravy: The gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
Fries: If making homemade fries, you can par-cook them ahead of time by frying or baking them until they are just golden. Store them in the fridge and finish frying or baking them when ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the gravy for some heat.
Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, try adding shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan for additional flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock in the gravy.
Loaded Poutine: Add crispy bacon, fried onions, or even a fried egg on top for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

Corned Beef Poutine with Guinness Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of Canadian and Irish cuisine. The combination of crispy fries, warm cheese curds, flavorful corned beef, and rich Guinness gravy makes for an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something hearty. Whether you’re making it for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a game night, or just a weekend indulgence, this poutine is sure to impress. With its layers of flavors and satisfying textures, it’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more.

Pin1

1 Shares