Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef dinner but short on time? This Instant Pot corned beef recipe delivers unbelievably tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. Say goodbye to hours of simmering and hello to a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for healthy meals and easy recipes that don't compromise on taste.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket (brine-packed)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Remove the corned beef brisket from its packaging and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Discard the spice packet included in the packaging unless you want to add additional spices. Roughly chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Smash the garlic cloves slightly.
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Layer the Instant Pot: Place the onion quarters, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Place the corned beef brisket on top of the vegetables.
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Add Liquids and Season: Pour the beef broth and water over the brisket. If using, stir in the Dijon mustard.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes for a 3-4 lb brisket. For larger briskets, add an extra 15 minutes per pound.
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Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This allows the meat to become incredibly tender.
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Shred and Serve: Carefully remove the corned beef brisket from the Instant Pot. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks. You can then return some of the shredded beef to the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Tips for the Best Corned Beef:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked corned beef can be tough. Following the cooking times closely is essential.
- Use a meat thermometer: For extra assurance, check the internal temperature of the brisket. It should reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
- Save the cooking liquid: The flavorful cooking liquid can be used to make a delicious corned beef hash or cabbage.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier corned beef.
- Add potatoes: Include quartered potatoes along with the other vegetables for a complete one-pot meal.
- Citrus zest: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the cooking liquid for a brighter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Instant Pot corned beef recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal. The tender, flavorful meat, combined with the simplicity of the Instant Pot method, makes this recipe a true winner for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Enjoy!