Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef brisket but intimidated by the traditional long cooking time? Fear not! This Instant Pot recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful corned beef in a fraction of the time. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anyone wanting a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, promising a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea that's packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound corned beef brisket (brine-cured, usually comes with a spice packet)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps remove any excess salt from the curing process. Pat it dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the onion, carrots, and celery. This doesn't need to be precise; it's all going into the Instant Pot!
Step 2: Instant Pot Magic
Place the onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Set the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables. In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, water, brown sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds (if using). Pour this mixture over the brisket.
Step 3: Cooking the Brisket
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes for a 3-4 pound brisket. For larger briskets, add an additional 15 minutes per pound. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for at least 20 minutes before carefully quick releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Carefully remove the brisket from the Instant Pot using tongs. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful brisket. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious corned beef brisket with classic sides like boiled potatoes, cabbage, and horseradish sauce. It's equally delightful in sandwiches or as part of a hearty platter.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a few cloves of garlic to the cooking liquid.
- Spice it up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes and carrots directly to the Instant Pot with the brisket during cooking.
- Leftovers? Corned beef is even better the next day! Use leftover brisket for sandwiches, hash, or salads.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This simple Instant Pot corned beef brisket recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. It's a delicious dish that's both easy and impressive. Enjoy!