Craving a truly satisfying and delicious meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This corned beef brisket sandwich recipe is your ticket to a flavor explosion in every bite. Forget the takeout – we're diving into the world of homemade comfort food, creating a juicy, tender, and unbelievably flavorful corned beef brisket that's perfect for piling high on crusty bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping weekend lunch. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Ingredients:
- For the Corned Beef Brisket:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket (brine-cured)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- For the Sandwich:
- 12 slices of your favorite crusty bread (sourdough or rye recommended)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (or your preferred dressing)
Instructions:
Preparing the Corned Beef Brisket:
- Place the corned beef brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, celery, beef broth, bay leaves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender. Check the tenderness by easily inserting a fork.
- Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This step is crucial for achieving maximum tenderness. Reserve the cooking liquid for gravy if desired.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Lightly toast the bread slices if preferred.
- Spread a generous amount of Thousand Island dressing on each slice of bread.
- Layer sauerkraut onto one slice of bread.
- Top with thinly sliced corned beef brisket.
- Add Swiss cheese slices.
- Cover with the remaining slice of bread.
Tips for Success:
- For an extra flavorful brisket, consider adding a few cloves of garlic to the pot while simmering.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when simmering the brisket. Ensure there's enough space for even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cooking liquid.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Corned Beef Sandwich: Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños to the sandwich for a fiery twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the corned beef with hearty roasted vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on bread and cheese choices)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe for a corned beef brisket sandwich is a perfect blend of delicious and easy. It's a fantastic meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, suitable for both casual weeknight meals and special occasions. The tender brisket, combined with the tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!