Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe

Looking for a delicious and rewarding cooking project? Dive into the world of homemade corned beef with this easy-corned-beef recipe! Transforming a simple brisket into a flavorful delicacy is easier than you think, and the results are well worth the effort.

Brining is where the magic truly happens, turning ordinary beef into a tender and delectable treat that will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Say goodbye to store-bought versions and savor the satisfaction of creating your own mouth-watering corned beef from scratch.

I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a special dish for a weekend dinner party, and it quickly became a favorite among my guests. The secret blend of spices and the art of brining make all the difference, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and tenderness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with this unforgettable homemade easy-corned-beef masterpiece.

Quick Benefits

• Enhances flavor and texture of basic beef brisket
• Increases quality compared to store-bought options
• Preserves meat for longer shelf life
• Allows for personalization with different spice additions

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe Recipe

• Elevated Homemade Corned Beef: Transform a basic brisket into a mouth-watering treat that outshines store-bought options by leaps and bounds.
• Quality Ingredients for Superior Flavor: The blend of whole spices, curing salt, and brown sugar infuses the beef with a depth of flavor that is unmatched.
• Enhanced Taste: The curing process not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a unique taste that is both rich and savory, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
• Versatile Meal Option: Whether it’s Reuben sandwiches, breakfast hash, or tacos, the corned beef pairs well with a variety of dishes, offering endless possibilities for meal creation.
• Personalized Spice Blend: Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, orange peel, or juniper berries to tailor the flavor profile to your liking and create a signature taste.
• Time-Honored Curing Technique: The age-old method of curing meat not only enhances flavor but also ensures a longer shelf life, perfect for meal planning or saving leftovers.
• Cooking Tips for Perfect Results: From adjusting salt levels to allowing sufficient curing time, follow the provided tips to achieve tender, flavorful corned beef every time.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste: By incorporating chicken or mushroom powder, replicate the essence of takeout dishes at home, elevating the overall dining experience.
• Make-Ahead Spice Mix: Prepare the spice blend in advance and store it for months, allowing for easy access to ready-to-use seasoning for future corned beef or other recipes.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe

Pickling Spice Mix

• 1 tbsp mustard seeds (yellow or brown)
• 1/2 stick of cinnamon
• 6 big bay leaves, crushed
• 2 tsp powdered ginger
• 1 tbsp allspice berries, whole
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tsp clove buds, whole
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns, whole
• 9 cardamom pods, whole
• 1 tbsp red chili flakes

Brine Mixture

• 3 tbsp of the prepared spice mix
• 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water
• 5 tsp pink curing salt (optional)
• 300g kosher salt (2 cups Diamond Crystal OR 1 cup + 3 1/2 tbsp Morton)
• 1/2 cup (90g) packed brown sugar

Beef Preparation

• 1 beef brisket (5 lbs)
• 1 tbsp prepared spice mix

Pro Tips for Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best results, be patient with the curing process. Make sure to allow the brisket to soak for the full recommended time to ensure it’s tender, flavorful, and properly cured.

Pro Tip 2: Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, orange peel, juniper berries, or mace to customize your spice mix and add unique flavors to your corned beef.

Pro Tip 3: If your meat turns out too salty, soak it in cold water before cooking to reduce the saltiness. And remember, without pink curing salt, your meat may not have the traditional pink color but will still taste delicious.

How to Make Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe

Step 1: Mix pickling spices together

Toast cardamom, allspice, cloves, coriander, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat, crush lightly with a mortar and pestle. Transfer crushed spices to a bowl, mix in ground ginger and crushed bay leaves.

Step 2: Create the brine

In a large pot, mix together water, brown sugar, kosher salt, optional pink salt, cinnamon stick, and 3 tablespoons of the spice mix. Boil, then cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge.

Step 3: Soak brisket in brine

Completely immerse the beef brisket in the cold brine in a large container or 2-gallon freezer bag. If the meat floats, use a heavy plate to keep it submerged. Flip the brisket daily and refrigerate for 5 to 7 days for even seasoning.

Step 4: Simmer the corned beef

After rinsing the brisket, place it in a large pot and cover it with at least an inch of cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved spice mix, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Slice and plate

Transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board and slice it in half along the grain. Carve thin slices against the grain to serve.

Storage Tips

After making the corned beef, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. Properly stored, corned beef can last in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. If you have leftover corned beef, consider slicing it and freezing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen corned beef can last for several months and be easily reheated for later use in dishes like sandwiches or hash.

To reheat the corned beef, you can slice it thinly and warm it in a skillet with a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions by placing them in a baking dish with a little liquid (such as broth or beer) and covering it with foil before warming it in the oven at a low temperature. Remember to allow the corned beef to rest before slicing and serving to retain its juiciness. Enjoy the flavorful and tender meat in various dishes and experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this corned beef recipe, consider using different types of whole spices based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, you could swap out some of the spices like mustard seeds, allspice berries, or coriander seeds with alternatives like fennel seeds, cumin seeds, or even star anise for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with different spices can give your corned beef a personalized touch while still maintaining its essence.

If you don’t have pink curing salt on hand or prefer to omit it, you can still make delicious corned beef without it. Just be aware that your meat may not have the same vibrant pink color typically associated with corned beef, but it will still taste great. Additionally, if you find your corned beef to be too salty after curing, you can reduce the amount of kosher salt used in the brine mixture or soak the cured brisket in cold water before cooking to help balance the saltiness. Adjusting the salt content to suit your preferences can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your corned beef.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try incorporating the homemade corned beef into a delicious Reuben sandwich. Layer slices of the tender, flavorful meat on rye bread with tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing. Grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is gooey for a mouthwatering twist on a classic deli favorite.

Another creative idea is to use the corned beef in a hearty breakfast hash. Dice the cured brisket and sauté it with crispy potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until golden brown. Serve the hash topped with a runny fried egg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a satisfying and flavorful morning meal that will impress any brunch crowd.

FAQs for Quick and Easy Corned Beef Recipe

Why is the curing time important in making corned beef?

Curing time is crucial in allowing the salt and spices to penetrate the brisket, resulting in a flavorful and tender end product. Without sufficient curing time, the meat may turn out tough and lack the desired flavor.

What role does pink curing salt play in the corned beef recipe?

Pink curing salt, containing sodium nitrite, helps preserve the meat, gives it that signature pink color, enhances the flavor, and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. However, it is optional and can be omitted if desired.

Can I customize the spice mix for corned beef?

Absolutely! You can add various spices like cinnamon, orange peel, juniper berries, or mace to create a personalized spice mix for your corned beef. Experiment with different flavors to tailor the taste of the meat to your liking.

What should I do if my corned beef turns out too salty?

If your corned beef ends up too salty, you can soak the cured brisket in cold water before cooking to help remove some of the excess salt. Additionally, cooking the meat for a longer period can help soften any tough areas caused by the saltiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of making easy-corned-beef at home is truly a rewarding experience. The process of transforming a simple brisket into a flavorful and tender dish through brining is a delightful journey that culminates in a delicious outcome. Don’t rush the curing process; give your meat the time it needs to absorb all the wonderful flavors and become irresistibly tender.

Experiment with different spices and flavor additions to customize your easy-corned-beef to your liking. Whether you enjoy it in classic dishes like Reuben sandwiches or explore creative combinations in tacos and breakfast recipes, the versatility of this dish is endless. Remember, a little extra time and care in the preparation will elevate your easy-corned-beef to new heights of flavor and tenderness. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and savor every bite of your homemade easy-corned-beef creation.