Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and impressive? Look no further! This brown sugar and mustard glazed corned beef recipe is a game-changer. It elevates the classic corned beef to a whole new level of flavor, transforming a simple boiled beef into a show-stopping centerpiece. Forget bland boiled beef; this recipe delivers a tender, juicy, and intensely flavorful corned beef that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, a weekend feast, or any time you crave a truly satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, even for beginner cooks!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket, flat cut
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water or beef broth
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess salt.
Preparing the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This creates the delicious glaze that will coat the corned beef.
Cooking the Corned Beef:
- Place the corned beef in a large oven-safe roasting pan.
- Pour the brown sugar and mustard glaze evenly over the brisket, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Pour the water or beef broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps keep the beef moist during cooking.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Baking and Glazing:
- Roast the corned beef in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until it's fork-tender.
- Remove the foil and baste the corned beef with the pan juices.
- Continue roasting, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky. This step gives the corned beef a beautiful crust.
Serving:
- Remove the corned beef from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful brisket.
- Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Classic pairings include boiled cabbage, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Corned Beef:
- Don't skip the resting period: Allowing the corned beef to rest is crucial for a tender and juicy result.
- Adjust the glaze to your taste: Feel free to add more or less brown sugar or mustard, depending on your preference.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of the corned beef will be enhanced by using good quality ingredients.
Variations:
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a kick.
- Honey Glaze: Substitute honey for half of the brown sugar for a slightly sweeter glaze.
- Herb-infused Glaze: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and sides) Protein: High Fat: Moderate Carbohydrates: Moderate
This delicious and easy recipe provides a healthy and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!