The Sausage Maker - Insta Cure (Prague Powder) #1, 1 lb. Curing Salt for Curing Meats

Q: What is the difference between Instacure #1 and #2?

There is a critical difference. #1 is nitrite. #2 is nitrate. Use #2 only for long, dry curing. #1 is fine for other things that call for a cure, such as for hours of low-temperature smoking. #2 over time in meats, such as in dry-during, turns into nitrite. Be sure you know what you are doing. And, always use a gram scale. Very little of either #1 or #2 is used in any home cured meat.

Q: Can I use this to turn a packers brisket into a corned beef brisket?

Yep, sure can. Gotta make sure it wet cures long enough. Usually several days depending on the thickness/weight of the piece.

Q: How mutch water for 5lb. Meat 1tes.of cure

It all depends on your personal taste and how much fat you have in the mixture. If you like a drier sausage don't add any. If you like a moist sausage, add up to one cup of ice water per 5 pounds of meat. Make a 5 pound batch with no water, place in refrigerator overnight. Make a party and fry it to check. If it seems dry to your taste, add 1/2 cup water, mix good and fry another party the next morning. If still dry add 1/2 cup more. Adding a little water will help blend the seasoning into the meat. Adding water will also make the meat more sticky and harder to work with so you just have to try it gradually.