Instant Pot Corned Beef is a beloved dish that combines rich traditions with modern convenience. Over the years, corned beef has become synonymous with St. Patrick's Day celebrations, but it also appears as a comforting meal on many family tables year-round.
Its roots go back to Ireland, where brisket was cured in salt to preserve meat for long periods, a vital necessity before refrigeration. When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they adapted the recipe using readily available beef brisket and traditional pickling spices, popularizing what we now know as corned beef.
Today, with the invention of the Instant Pot, preparing this savory dish has become even easier and quicker, without sacrificing the hearty flavors everyone loves.
Using the Instant Pot, you can cut the traditional cooking time significantly while still achieving meat that's incredibly tender and infused with all the classic seasonings.
Whether you're planning a holiday feast or looking for a simple, filling weeknight dinner, Instant Pot Corned Beef stands out as a reliable, crowd-pleasing option.
In this recipe, we'll walk you through everything needed to prepare perfectly moist and flavorful corned beef, discuss its history, and share tips for customizing the dish to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pickling spice if no spice packet is included
Instructions
- Remove the corned beef brisket from the packaging and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the brisket in the bottom of the Instant Pot, fat side up. Sprinkle the included spice packet (or add pickling spice) over the meat.
- Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns around the brisket for extra flavor.
- Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth, ensuring the liquid covers most of the meat but does not exceed the Max line.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Cook on high pressure for 85 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges to the pot, positioning them around the beef.
- Replace the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Perform a quick release. Remove vegetables and transfer to a serving platter.
- Carefully slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Instant Pot Corned Beef is a protein-rich dish that offers a balanced blend of macronutrients and essential vitamins. A standard serving (around 6 oz of cooked corned beef with a portion of vegetables) provides approximately 350-400 calories, with protein levels reaching about 30 grams.
The brisket delivers healthy amounts of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12-crucial nutrients for energy production and immune support. Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage supply ample dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, contributing to overall health and digestion.
Depending on the brand and preparation method, sodium can be relatively high in corned beef, so rinsing the beef before cooking and opting for low-sodium broth helps reduce sodium content. Using the Instant Pot also preserves more vitamins and minerals due to the shorter cooking time and minimal water loss.
While satisfying and filling, keeping portion sizes in check and pairing your corned beef with plenty of vegetables ensures you enjoy a nutritionally balanced meal.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Instant Pot Corned Beef pairs beautifully with a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complement the savory depth of the brisket. For a more traditional touch, enjoy your meal with a cold pint of Irish stout or lager, enhancing the dish's salty and spicy notes.
If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, try an iced black tea infused with lemon, or a sparkling apple cider for a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For extra flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water, which enhances the meat's natural richness. If your brisket didn't come with a spice packet, simply combine pickling spices like coriander, mustard seeds, allspice, cloves, and bay leaves for an authentic taste.
To make your Instant Pot Corned Beef even more tender, always allow a natural pressure release before slicing-it helps lock in juices. For a crispier texture, broil the cooked corned beef for 2-3 minutes after slicing.
Experiment by adding root vegetables such as parsnips or rutabaga for additional flavor and nutrition. Leftover Instant Pot Corned Beef makes delicious sandwiches, hash, or wraps-just refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within three days.
Lastly, if you prefer a leaner cut, trim excess fat before cooking, but leave a thin layer for moisture and flavor retention.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Instant Pot Corned Beef on a large platter, surrounded by vibrant wedges of cabbage, tender carrots, and baby potatoes for a classic presentation. Slicing the corned beef against the grain ensures each piece is juicy and succulent.
Offer a side of coarse grain mustard or creamy horseradish sauce for an added flavor boost. Accompany the meal with a basket of freshly baked rye or soda bread for a complete Irish-inspired feast. This dish is versatile, making it suitable for both holiday gatherings and casual family dinners.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. For a creative twist, use leftovers to craft delicious sandwiches on toasted rye, toss into breakfast hash, or incorporate into shepherd's pie.
Whether served hot or cold, Instant Pot Corned Beef remains a hearty, satisfying star at any meal.
Health Benefits
Enjoying Instant Pot Corned Beef as part of a balanced diet provides several health benefits. Beef brisket is a high-quality source of protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The inclusion of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes increases your intake of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and keeping you full longer.
Vegetables also offer a variety of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from cabbage, which play roles in immune function and skin health. Iron and zinc from the beef contribute to healthy blood cells and metabolism.
For those watching sodium intake, rinsing the brisket and choosing low-sodium broth can make a significant difference. When prepared with minimal fat and balanced with ample vegetables, Instant Pot Corned Beef can be enjoyed as part of a wholesome meal that nourishes and satisfies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook corned beef from frozen in the Instant Pot by adding an extra 20-25 minutes to the pressure cooking time. However, be aware that seasoning may not penetrate as deeply when cooked from frozen.
Absolutely. Cook and cool the corned beef, then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth to retain moisture.
Using the spice packet is recommended, as it contains traditional pickling spices that give corned beef its signature flavor. If your brisket did not include one, substitute with store-bought or homemade pickling spices.
Definitely! Aside from carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, feel free to include turnips, rutabagas, or parsnips to customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
Slice leftover Instant Pot Corned Beef and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist.
Preparing Instant Pot Corned Beef brings together the time-honored flavors of a classic dish with the efficiency of modern cooking. With the help of the Instant Pot, you'll enjoy tender, flavorful corned beef in a fraction of the time, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. With endless customization options, the recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, family meals, or creative leftovers. Embrace this easy method and savor the satisfying flavor, hearty texture, and robust nutrition that Instant Pot Corned Beef offers.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb) corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pickling spice if no spice packet is included
Instructions
-
1Remove the corned beef brisket from the packaging and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.
-
2Place the brisket in the bottom of the Instant Pot, fat side up. Sprinkle the included spice packet (or add pickling spice) over the meat.
-
3Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns around the brisket for extra flavor.
-
4Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth, ensuring the liquid covers most of the meat but does not exceed the Max line.
-
5Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Cook on high pressure for 85 minutes.
-
6After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
-
7Open the lid, add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges to the pot, positioning them around the beef.
-
8Replace the lid, set to Sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
-
9Perform a quick release. Remove vegetables and transfer to a serving platter.
-
10Carefully slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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