Best Corned Beef Recipe: Juicy, Tender Perfection!

Best corned beef recipe? You’ve found it! Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this is the only corned beef recipe you’ll ever need. Every St. Patrick’s Day, my family gathers around the table to enjoy this classic dish, and honestly, it’s become a tradition I cherish deeply. The aroma alone evokes memories of laughter, love, and the warmth of togetherness. 

My great grandmother passed down this family recipe, with her secret being in the slow cooking method and the vibrant spices. From our table to yours, let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day unforgettable with the best corned beef recipe!

Why You Will Love This best corned beef recipe Recipe

This isn’t just any corned beef; it’s a taste of home and heritage. What makes this recipe special? For starters, you get to choose! Whether you prefer the low and slow method of the crockpot or the precisely controlled heat of the oven, you’ll end up with incredibly tender, juicy corned beef.

The blend of spices elevates the flavor to something truly exceptional. Forget tough, bland corned beef; this is fallapart delicious. It requires minimal hands on time, perfect for a heartwarming and easy family meal.

Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic in Reubens, corned beef hash, or even a simple sandwich. Trust me; it truly is the best corned beef recipe.

Are you ready to dive in and learn the secrets to amazing corned beef? I promise you’ll be making this recipe again and again. You may also enjoy my recipe for Best Corned Beef Recipe 3.

Ingredients Needed for This best corned beef recipe Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this sensational juicy corned beef meal. Let’s gather everything to make sure we won’t have to stop midway!

• Corned Beef Brisket: 3 pounds, with the spice packet
• Water: Enough to cover the brisket
• Bay Leaves: 2
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, quartered
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Carrots: 3 large, peeled and chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Potatoes: 1.5 pounds, quartered (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
• Cabbage: 1 medium head, cored and cut into wedges
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Ground Black pepper: 1 teaspoon

How to Make This best corned beef recipe Recipe

Here’s the best part: cooking! I’ve included instructions for both your crockpot or oven corned beef.

Crockpot Instructions:

1. 1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water. Place it into your crockpot (6 quart or larger).

1. 2. Add the spice packet that came with the brisket, along with the onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to completely cover the meat. Sprinkle brown sugar and vinegar.

1. 3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 5 hours. The corned beef should be very tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

1. 4. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the crockpot. Cook for an additional 1.5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.

1. 5. Add the cabbage wedges during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

1. 6. Remove the corned beef from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the cooked vegetables and some of the cooking liquid.

Oven Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water.

1. 2. Place the corned beef in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add the spice packet, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to cover the meat. Sprinkle brown sugar and vinegar.

1. 3. Cover the Dutch oven or roasting pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 3 hours.

1. 4. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot and bake for another hour.

1. 5. Add the cabbage wedges during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

1. 6. Once the corned beef is tender, remove the brisket, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve and enjoy!

I also have The Best Baked Corned Beef Recipe, if you are short on time!

How to Serve This best corned beef recipe Recipe

Serving corned beef is all about creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Arrange slices of the cooked corned beef on a large platter, surrounded by the cooked carrots, celery, potatoes, and cabbage.

A dollop of horseradish sauce or a drizzle of mustard can add a zesty kick. For an extra touch, serve with soda bread or Irish brown bread. Don’t forget to spoon some of the flavorful cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables.

You can also top it with fresh parsley, thyme, fresh dill or chives.

How to Store This best corned beef recipe Recipe

Proper storage ensures your delicious corned beef and vegetables last. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.

• Refrigeration: Store the corned beef and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the corned beef slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. Freeze the vegetables separately. Corned beef can be frozen for up to 2 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the corned beef in a saucepan with a little bit of the cooking liquid over low heat, or in the microwave. Reheat the vegetables separately.

Tips to Make This best corned beef recipe Recipe

Here are some pro tips to ensure your homemade corned beef turns out perfectly every time.

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute. For more flavor, you can switch out water for beef broth, ale or guiness.

• Success Tips: Don’t skip the resting period! Letting the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the corned beef can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 190 200°F (88 93°C).

• Pro Tips for Best Results: Slicing can be another tricky move. Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Helpful Notes for This best corned beef recipe Recipe

A few extra details can really elevate your corned beef.

• Spice Packet: The spice packet that comes with the corned beef usually contains a blend of coriander, mustard seed, peppercorns, and other spices. You can also make your own spice blend using these ingredients if you prefer.
• Brisket Cut: There are two main cuts of corned beef brisket: 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 fattier and more flavorful, but it can be more challenging to slice.
• Equipment Recommendations: A good quality Dutch oven or roasting pan is essential for achieving tender and flavorful corned beef in the oven. A crockpot offers a convenient and hands off cooking method.

Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes and cooking inspiration! For even more variety, check out The Best Baked Corned Beef Recipe 2.

Variation of This best corned beef recipe Recipe

There are several ways to personalize your best corned beef recipe to suit your preferences.

• Seasonal Twists: Add parsnips and turnips along with the carrots and potatoes for a more seasonal winter vegetable medley.

• Optional Versions: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cooking liquid. You can also add a bottle of Guinness for some extra hearty goodness.

• Creative Modifications: Glaze the corned beef with a mixture of mustard, brown sugar, and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.

Conclusion

So, there you have it the best corned beef recipe that’s not only delicious but also filled with memories and love. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own.

I would love to see how you decide to personalize and cook this best corned beef recipe! If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the comments section below.

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