Corned beef, a quintessential St. Patrick's Day staple, can be intimidating to cook. But fear not! With the help of your Instant Pot, achieving perfectly tender, flavorful corned beef is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth result every time.
Preparing Your Ingredients: What You'll Need
Before you dive in, gather these essential ingredients:
- 3-4 lb Corned Beef Brisket: Choose a good quality brisket for the best results. Look for one with a nice layer of fat.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds a rich depth of flavor.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Contributes to a flavorful cooking liquid.
- 1 large Onion, quartered: Provides sweetness and savory depth.
- 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 4 cloves Garlic, smashed: Infuses the meat with delicious garlic flavor.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle herbal complexity.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Enhances the savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice: This is key for that classic corned beef flavor. (Optional: You can also use 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds if you want a different spice profile.)
- Optional additions: For extra flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe
This method provides a foolproof way to achieve perfectly tender corned beef.
Step 1: Sear the Corned Beef (Optional but Recommended):
While not strictly necessary, searing the corned beef before pressure cooking adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Sear the brisket on all sides in a little oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or on the "sauté" setting of your Instant Pot. This step creates a delicious crust that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Instant Pot:
Place the seared (or unseared) corned beef in the Instant Pot. Arrange the onion quarters, carrots, garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and pickling spice around the brisket. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef:
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, depending on the thickness of your brisket. Larger briskets may require the longer cooking time for optimal tenderness. For a 3-4 pound brisket, 75 minutes is a good benchmark.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release:
Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 20 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This slow release helps the meat retain its moisture and tenderness.
Step 5: Shred and Serve:
Carefully remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or shredding. The cooking liquid can be strained and used as a delicious base for gravy or cabbage. Serve your perfectly cooked corned beef with your favorite sides, such as boiled cabbage, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Corned Beef
- Don't overcook: Overcooking can result in dry, tough corned beef. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer: For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can always add more salt, pepper, or other spices after cooking.
This Instant Pot method makes cooking corned beef incredibly simple and efficient. Enjoy your delicious, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef! Happy cooking!
