Homemade Corned Beef

Make your own Homemade Corned Beef and impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish. Perfect for special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or any hearty dinner, this recipe involves brining a fresh brisket with pickling spices for 5-7 days, followed by slow cooking until it’s fork-tender. The result is a savory, tender meat that bursts with flavor, making it a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices creates a rich and unique taste that elevates the humble brisket.
• Easy to customize: Adjust the spice levels or add extra ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week in various dishes.
• Impressive presentation: Serve it sliced on a platter for gatherings, giving an impressive touch to any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Homemade Corned Beef, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having the right equipment helps ensure everything goes according to plan.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Frying pan
• Mortar and pestle (or heavy object for crushing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large container or 2-gallon freezer bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the brisket evenly, ensuring it cooks thoroughly.
• Mortar and pestle: Great for crushing spices to release their flavors fully.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving optimal flavor in your corned beef.

Ingredients

Create your own Homemade Corned Beef by brining a fresh brisket with pickling spices for 5-7 days, then slow cooking until fork tender.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
– 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds (brown or yellow)
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
– 2 teaspoons whole cloves
– 9 whole cardamom pods
– 6 large bay leaves, crumbled
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1/2 stick cinnamon
– 1 gallon (3.8 liters) water
– 300g kosher salt (2 cups Diamond Crystal OR 1 cup 3½ tablespoons Morton’s)
– 5 teaspoons pink curing salt (optional)
– 3 tablespoons pickling spices
– 1/2 cup (90g) brown sugar
– 1 (5-pound) beef brisket
– 1 tablespoon pickling spices

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Corned Beef

Step 1: Toast Your Spices

Toast the allspice berries, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom pods in a small frying pan over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and crush slightly using a mortar and pestle. Add the crushed spices to a bowl along with the crumbled bay leaves and ground ginger.

Step 2: Prepare the Brine

In a large pot, combine about 3 tablespoons of the spice mix (reserve the rest for cooking), plus the cinnamon stick with one gallon of water. Stir in kosher salt, pink salt (if using), and brown sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil before removing it from heat. Allow it to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating until well chilled.

Step 3: Brine the Brisket

Place the brisket in a large container or use a 2-gallon freezer bag placed in another container. Pour the cooled brine over the brisket until fully submerged. If needed, weigh down the meat with a plate. Refrigerate for 5-7 days while flipping daily so that all sides get brined evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Brisket

After brining, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse under cold water. Put it in a large pot that fits comfortably and cover it with at least one inch of water (more if you prefer less salty). Add one tablespoon of pickling spices into the pot as well. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a very low simmer. Cover and cook for about 3-4 hours until it’s fork-tender.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the meat onto a cutting board. First cut it in half along the grain; then slice crosswise into thin pieces against the grain before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Corned Beef!

How to Serve Homemade Corned Beef

Homemade Corned Beef is a delicious centerpiece for many meals. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoying a hearty dinner, there are numerous ways to serve this savory dish that will impress your guests.

Sandwiches

• Serve slices of corned beef on rye bread with mustard and sauerkraut for a classic Reuben sandwich experience.

Hash

• Dice leftover corned beef and fry it with potatoes and onions for a tasty breakfast hash topped with eggs.

Salads

• Thinly slice the corned beef and toss it into mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Dinner Plates

• Pair corned beef with traditional sides like cabbage or carrots to create an authentic Irish feast.

Tacos

• Use shredded corned beef as the filling in soft tacos, topped with slaw and spicy sauce for a unique twist.

Breakfast Burritos

• Wrap scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced corned beef in tortillas for a filling breakfast burrito.

How to Perfect Homemade Corned Beef

Perfecting your Homemade Corned Beef takes time and attention. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results possible.

• Choose the right brisket: Opt for a well-marbled cut of brisket for optimal flavor and tenderness.

• Don’t skip the brining: Allow the meat to soak in the brine for 5-7 days; this infuses flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly toasted spices enhance the flavor profile of your corned beef, making it even more delicious.

• Cook low and slow: Simmering your brisket at a low temperature ensures it becomes fork-tender without drying out.

• Rest before slicing: Let the meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains juicy.

• Serve hot or cold: Enjoy your corned beef warm as part of a meal or cold as leftovers in sandwiches or salads.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Corned Beef

Homemade Corned Beef pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cabbage: Steamed or sautéed cabbage seasoned with butter enhances the meal’s traditional Irish touch.

2. Potatoes: Mashed or roasted potatoes provide a comforting side that balances the savory taste of corned beef.

3. Carrots: Glazed carrots add sweetness and color to your plate while balancing the saltiness of the meat.

4. Colcannon: This Irish dish made from mashed potatoes and kale is creamy, hearty, and perfect alongside corned beef.

5. Irish Soda Bread: Serve slices of this dense bread as an accompaniment; it’s great for soaking up juices from the meat.

6. Pickles: A side of tangy pickles can cut through the richness of corned beef, adding a refreshing crunch.

7. Mustard Sauce: A simple mustard sauce can elevate each bite with its sharpness against the savory flavors of corned beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Corned Beef can be a rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Brining Time: If you don’t brine the brisket for the full 5-7 days, it won’t achieve the desired flavor and tenderness. Be patient and plan ahead.

• Not Weighing Down the Meat: When brining, if the meat floats above the brine, it won’t cure evenly. Use a plate or a heavy object to keep it submerged.

• Forgetting to Rinse After Brining: Failing to rinse the brisket after brining can result in overly salty meat. Always rinse under cold water before cooking.

• Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking time is crucial. If you overcook, the meat may dry out; if undercooked, it won’t be tender. Use a timer and check for fork tenderness.

• Using Inaccurate Measurements: Precise measurements for spices and salt are important for flavor balance. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Homemade Corned Beef in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Corned Beef

• Wrap the corned beef tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Corned Beef

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the corned beef in foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Slice the corned beef and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towels and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

• Stovetop: Slice and place pieces in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Heat over low-medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Corned Beef?

Homemade Corned Beef is a flavorful cured brisket that has been brined with pickling spices for several days before being slow-cooked until tender.

How do I know when my Homemade Corned Beef is done?

The best way to check if your corned beef is done is by testing its tenderness with a fork. It should easily fall apart when cooked properly.

Can I use different spices for my Homemade Corned Beef?

Yes! Feel free to customize your spice mix according to your taste preferences. You can add flavors like garlic or other herbs for variety.

How long can I keep Homemade Corned Beef in the fridge?

Homemade Corned Beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if kept in an airtight container.

Can I make Homemade Corned Beef without pink curing salt?

You can make corned beef without pink curing salt; however, using it helps achieve that classic color and flavor associated with traditional corned beef.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Corned Beef is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish at dinner. The process may take some time, but the end result is worth every minute. Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to make this recipe truly your own!