Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this glazed corned beef recipe! This dish elevates the classic corned beef and cabbage to a whole new level, boasting a sweet and savory glaze that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket (brine-cured)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the Corned Beef:
- Place the corned beef in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery around the brisket.
Create the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, cloves, and black pepper. This homemade glaze is what truly elevates this delicious dish.
Cook the Corned Beef:
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Pour the beef broth into the roasting pan, ensuring the corned beef is partially submerged.
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Cover the roasting pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
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Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Glaze and Finish:
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Remove the corned beef from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush the corned beef generously with the glaze.
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Return the uncovered corned beef to the oven and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the beef is beautifully browned. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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Remove the corned beef from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your glazed corned beef with classic sides like boiled cabbage, mashed potatoes, or roasted root vegetables. The rich, savory flavor of the corned beef pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze, making this a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Glazed Corned Beef:
- For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf or two to the roasting pan along with the vegetables.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the glaze! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or substitute maple syrup for honey.
- If you prefer a less intense glaze, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Ensure you let the corned beef rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. This is a key tip for homemade cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Glazed Corned Beef: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Glazed Corned Beef: Replace the Dijon mustard with honey garlic sauce for a sweeter and more savory glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the brisket and serving size. It is best to use a nutrition calculator to determine the exact nutritional content based on your specific ingredients and portion size. However, expect this recipe to be relatively high in protein and sodium due to the nature of corned beef.
This recipe for glazed corned beef is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s both impressive and easy to make, proving that healthy meals can be both satisfying and simple. Enjoy!