Introduction
Who doesn’t love a mouth-watering, tender corned beef? Traditionally, corned beef takes hours to cook, but with the Instant Pot, you can make this classic dish in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making Instant Pot corned beef with all the flavor and tenderness you love. Plus, we’ll share some tips and tricks to make your corned beef even more delicious. So, let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To make Instant Pot corned beef, you’ll need:
- 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 to 5 medium-sized potatoes, quartered
- 3 to 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges
Choosing the Perfect Corned Beef
Selecting the right cut of corned beef is essential for a tender, juicy final product. Look for a corned beef brisket with a good amount of marbling (the white streaks of fat running through the meat). The fat will keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.
There are two types of corned beef cuts: the flat cut and the point cut. The flat cut is leaner and more uniform in shape, making it easier to slice. The point cut is thicker and has more fat, which can make it more flavorful and tender. Choose the cut that best suits your preferences.
Preparing the Corned Beef
Before cooking, rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove any excess salt from the brining process. This will help to balance the flavors in the finished dish.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Instant Pot
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and allow it to heat up. Add the vegetable oil to the pot.
Step 2: Sauteing the Vegetables
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Pressure Cooking the Corned Beef
Place the corned beef on top of the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 90 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes before carefully performing a quick release. This will ensure that the corned beef remains tender and juicy.
Step 4: Adding the Vegetables
After releasing the pressure, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Add the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges to the pot, arranging them around the corned beef. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for an additional 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Use caution when opening the lid, as steam will be released.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Carefully remove the corned beef and vegetables from the Instant Pot, placing them on a serving platter. Allow the corned beef to rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Instant Pot corned beef with the cooked vegetables, drizzling some of the cooking liquid over the top for added flavor. You can also serve it with a side of mustard or horseradish sauce for an extra kick. Pair the meal with a hearty slice of Irish soda bread or a crusty roll for a complete and satisfying feast.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Be sure to trim any excess fat from the corned beef before cooking to prevent it from becoming overly greasy.
- For added flavor, consider adding a bottle of dark beer or a splash of red wine to the cooking liquid.
- You can also add other herbs and spices to the cooking liquid, such as allspice, cloves, or coriander, to customize the flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Corned Beef
While corned beef is often considered a high-fat, high-sodium food, it does offer some nutritional benefits. It’s a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, which can support muscle growth and immune function. Additionally, the vegetables cooked alongside the corned beef provide valuable nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover corned beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave until heated through. You can also reheat the corned beef in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make corned beef from scratch in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make corned beef from scratch by brining a beef brisket in a saltwater solution with spices for at least a week. After brining, rinse the meat and proceed with the Instant Pot cooking instructions as described above. - Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Corned beef is traditionally made from brisket, but you can also use other cuts like bottom round or rump roast. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cut. - Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop or in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking or a slow cooker. For stovetop cooking, simmer the corned beef in a large pot with the cooking liquid and seasonings for about 3 hours or until tender. Add the vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a slow cooker, cook the corned beef on low for 8-10 hours, adding the vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that all of your ingredients, including the Worcestershire sauce and mustard, are certified gluten-free. Also, consider serving the dish with gluten-free bread or rolls. - Can I freeze leftover corned beef?
Yes, you can freeze leftover corned beef. Place the sliced corned beef in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Conclusion
Instant Pot corned beef is a delicious and time-saving way to enjoy this classic dish. With the right ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques, you can create a tender, flavorful corned beef that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs, spices, and cooking liquids to make the dish uniquely your own. Enjoy your meal!