Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot corned beef and sauerkraut recipe delivers a hearty, delicious dinner with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, this recipe transforms tough corned beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Forget hours of simmering on the stovetop; your Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results. This is one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 (24 ounce) jar sauerkraut, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and remove any excess seasoning from the surface if desired. Quarter the onion.
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Layer in the Instant Pot: Place the onion quarters, bay leaves, and peppercorns at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the corned beef brisket on top.
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Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour the beef broth over the brisket. If using, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the meat.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release for at least 30 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
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Add Sauerkraut: Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid. Add the drained sauerkraut to the Instant Pot, nestling it around the brisket.
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Simmer (Optional): For even more tender corned beef and to meld the flavors, you can switch to the sauté function on your Instant Pot for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauerkraut to warm through and absorb the delicious cooking liquid.
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Serve: Remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with the sauerkraut and a generous spoonful of the cooking liquid. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't skip the natural pressure release: This step is crucial for achieving tender corned beef. The slow release allows the meat to absorb the flavors fully.
- Adjust cooking time: For a thicker brisket, you might need to add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Always check for doneness with a fork; the meat should be easily shredded.
- Use a meat thermometer: For ultimate precision, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Save the cooking liquid: The flavorful cooking liquid can be used as a base for soup or gravy.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add potatoes: For a complete meal, add quartered potatoes to the Instant Pot during the pressure cooking stage.
- Use different vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like carrots, turnips, or parsnips.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your brisket and the number of servings. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving sizes. Generally speaking, this dish is a good source of protein and provides a decent amount of sodium (due to the corned beef).
This easy Instant Pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the convenience of this quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike! It's a healthy meal option that's also incredibly satisfying and a great example of homemade cooking at its finest. This is definitely one of the best recipes for corned beef and sauerkraut you'll find!