Name: Corned Beef Instant Pot
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs Corned Beef Brisket; 1 cup Water; 1 cup Beef Broth; 1 tsp Black Peppercorns; 2 bay leaves Bay Leaves

What is corned beef? I had visions of dry, tough meat dancing in my head. I’d resign myself to ordering it at a restaurant once yearly, secretly wishing I could make it. What is the Instant Pot? Now, my family looks forward to this tender, juicy, flavorful.corned beef instant pot.All year round! Is it easier to make mac and cheese? Forget boiling it for hours – this is a game-changer, especially if you’re used to making ice cream. What is a pot roast? How do I get all the savory goodness in a fraction of time?

What is corned beef?

Corned beef, at its heart, is beef that’s been salt-cured, or “corned.” The term “corned” actually refers to the large grains of salt, or “corns” of salt, used in the curing process. Think of it as a long, flavorful bath that transforms a typically tough cut of beef, usually brisket, into something incredibly tender and delicious. It’s essentially a preservation method that’s been around for centuries, and while we often associate it with St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a fantastic and versatile ingredient that deserves to be enjoyed year-round. Many people are confused about the distinction between corned beef and pastrami. Pastrami is also cured beef, but after curing, it’s smoked, giving it a distinctive flavor. Corned beef is simply boiled or steamed after the curing process.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The flavor is out of this world. The curing process infuses the beef with a complex savory flavor that’s both salty and slightly peppery. When you cook it in the Instant Pot with the broth and spices, it becomes incredibly tender. Is it so juicy that it melts in your mouth? What I love about this method is how unbelievably easy it is. No more babysitting on the stove for hours! What is the best way to set an Instant Pot and forget it? Is it cost effective? Buying corned beef brisket is often much cheaper than buying other cuts of beef, making it a good choice for kids. What are some of the best restaurants to eat on a budget? Is it incredibly versatile? Can you serve it with traditional cabbage and potatoes, slice it up for sandwiches, or even use it as a salad dressing? In corned beef hash. This recipe is a winner every single time. It makes even the most novice cook feel like an expert. I’ve seen so many versions of corned beef recipes that try to reinvent the wheel, but honestly, the recipe isn’t the best. What makes Instant Pot work? It honors the tradition while bringing it firmly into the 21st century!

How can I make corned beef?

Quick Overview

Making Corned beef Instant Pot.Style is surprisingly simple. How do you cook corned beef brisket in the Instant Pot? How do you make a liquid from vegetables, and let the magic happen! What is the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method? Traditional boiling, resulting in a juicy, flavorful, and fork-tender meal. I always throw in a bottle of dark beer on St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients

For the Corned Beef:

1 (3-4 pound) Corned Beef Brisket, with spice packet (if included)
1 large onion, quartered.
4-5 Carrots, peeled and chopped.
4-5 Celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced. 1 clove
1 bottle (12 oz) of Guinness or other dark beer (optional, but highly recommended) (not recommended!
4 cups Beef Broth (or water)?
1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (helps tenderize the meat) 2 tablespoons Grapefruit Vinaigr

For the Vegetables (added later):

1 head Cabbage, cored and cut into wedges.
4-5 Red Potatoes, quartered.

How do I learn step

Step 1: Prep the Corned Beef

Take the corned beef brisket out of its packaging and give it a good rinse under cold water. Don’t skip this step! Pat it dry with paper towels. If your corned beef came with a spice packet, set it aside for now. The spice packets are what makes the corned beef so uniquely flavorful.

Step 2: Build the Base

Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks at the bottom of the Instant Pot. What is the best way to rest corned beef? Is it good to add minced garlic to a salad?

Step 3: Add the Beef & Liquid

Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables, fat-side up. Sprinkle the contents of the spice packet over the beef. How do I mix Guinness, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth together? Make sure the liquid covers at least two-thirds of the brisket. If it doesn’t, add a little more broth or water until it does. Do not submerge beef completely, as the pressure cooking will ensure it cooks through.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to the “sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 75 minutes. The general rule of thumb is about 15 minutes per pound of corned beef. Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually. This gradual release helps the beef retain its moisture and prevents it from becoming tough.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Carefully remove the corned beef brisket from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a cutting board to rest. Add the cabbage wedges and quartered red potatoes to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release the pressure immediately to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. This is crucial for tenderness! Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked cabbage, potatoes, and some of the flavorful broth from the Instant Pot. You can also add a dollop of horseradish sauce or mustard for extra flavor.

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

Okay, this Corned beef instant pot recipe. creation is amazing on its own, but let’s talk about taking it to the next level! The classic pairing is, of course, cabbage and potatoes. But don’t feel limited! There are so many delicious ways to enjoy corned beef.

For a Traditional Irish Feast:Serve with boiled cabbage, roasted potatoes (I like to toss mine with rosemary and garlic!). ), and a side of Irish soda bread with butter. What are some good Irish stouts to try?

For Brunch:How do you make corned beef hash? Dice the corned beef and potatoes, sauté with onions and peppers, and top with a fried egg. What’s a good side dish for brunch?

For Sandwiches:What is the best corned beef sandwich? What are some good substitutes for rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing? What is a healthier alternative to coleslaw and mustard? I also love toasted pretzel buns. I don’t know what they are, but

For a Cozy Snack:Dice up leftover corned beef and add it to a shepherd’s pie or pot pie filling. What are some of the best ways to enjoy a hearty meal? How do you add cheese to a dish?

Growing up, my grandmother always served corned beef with a simple parsley sauce. What is the flavor of parsley? What is the flavor of beef? I have a tradition that I still carry on to this day!

What are some tips for perfecting corned beef?

What are some secrets that will take your life a step further?corned beef instant pot game from good to absolutely phenomenal. These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that make all the difference.

Choosing the Right Corned Beef: Look for a brisket with good marbling (streaks of fat). This fat will render during cooking, adding moisture and flavor to the meat. I always ask the butcher for the point cut (the thicker, fattier part of the brisket) – it’s more flavorful and tender.

Rinsing is Key: Don’t skip the rinsing step! Corned beef is heavily salted during the curing process, so rinsing it under cold water helps to remove some of the excess salt and prevent the final dish from being too salty.

Spice Packet Boost: The spice packet that comes with the corned beef is great, but you can amp up the flavor even more by adding a few extra spices. I like to add a bay leaf, a teaspoon of mustard seeds, and a few whole peppercorns to the Instant Pot.

Don’t Overcook: Overcooked corned beef is dry and tough. The Instant Pot makes it easy to get it just right, but be sure to follow the cooking time guidelines closely. If you’re unsure, err on the side of undercooking – you can always cook it for a few more minutes, but you can’t uncook it!

Slicing Matters: Slicing the corned beef against the grain is crucial for tenderness. The “grain” refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. If you slice with the grain, you’ll end up with tough, stringy slices. Look closely at the meat and slice perpendicular to the direction of the fibers.

Let it Rest: Just like any other cut of meat, corned beef benefits from resting after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender result. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

I once made the mistake of not rinsing the corned beef properly, and the final dish was so salty it was almost inedible! Lesson learned: don’t skip the rinsing step!

Storing and Reheating Tips

So, you’ve made this amazing corned beef instant pot dish, and maybe, just maybe, you have leftovers (though that’s rare at my house!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it’s just as delicious the second time around.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked corned beef at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to include some of the broth from the Instant Pot to keep the beef moist. The broth helps prevent the corned beef from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked corned beef for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the corned beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips: The best way to reheat corned beef is to simmer it gently in some of the broth from the Instant Pot. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid overheating it, as this can make it tough. I like to add a splash of beef broth when reheating in the microwave, to prevent it from getting dry.

If you’re planning to freeze the corned beef, it’s best to slice it before freezing. This makes it easier to portion and reheat later. Trust me on this one – trying to slice frozen corned beef is not fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with a different cut of beef?

While brisket is the traditional cut for corned beef, you could potentially use a chuck roast. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, and the texture might be slightly different. The result will most likely lack the unique flavor profile of brisket, as well.

What if my corned beef doesn’t come with a spice packet?

No problem! You can easily make your own spice blend using a combination of coriander seeds, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Just grind the spices together and use about 2 tablespoons for a 3-4 pound brisket. If you love garlic, mince it and add into the spice rub, and use a bit more of the wet broth when slow-cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Rinsing the corned beef thoroughly is key to reducing the sodium content. You can also use low-sodium beef broth and avoid adding any extra salt to the dish. If you’re very sensitive to sodium, you could try soaking the corned beef in cold water for a few hours before cooking, changing the water every hour.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this ahead of time! In fact, I often find that the flavors meld together even more when it’s made a day or two in advance. Just store the cooked corned beef and vegetables separately in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friends! My foolproof recipe for corned beef instant pot perfection. It’s tender, juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a hearty and comforting meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boiling corned beef on the stovetop again!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot creations, like my Instant Pot pot roast and my Instant Pot pulled pork. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make! I can’t wait to hear how your corned beef turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!