Braising corned beef brisket is a popular method that results in tender and flavorful meat. Here’s a recipe and instructions for braised corned beef brisket:
Ingredients:
- 1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds), with spice packet
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3-4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 bay leaf
- Whole black peppercorns (optional)
- Dijon mustard (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Rinse and Prep:
– Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Some people prefer to soak the brisket in cold water for a few hours or overnight to reduce saltiness, but this step is optional.
3. Sear the Brisket:
– Heat a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the brisket in the pot, fat side down, and sear until it develops a golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the other side. This helps develop flavor.
4. Add Aromatics and Liquid:
– Add the quartered onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic around the brisket in the pot. Pour in the beef broth (or water). Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef, a bay leaf, and a few whole black peppercorns if you like.
5. Braise in the Oven:
– Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for about 3 to 4 hours or until the brisket is fork-tender. Check occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
6. Add Cabbage:
– About 45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the cabbage wedges to the pot. They will cook in the remaining time.
7. Check for Doneness:
– Test the brisket for doneness by inserting a fork. It should go in easily. If not, continue braising and check every 30 minutes.
8. Rest and Slice:
– Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Allow the brisket to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Slice against the grain for tender pieces.
9. Serve:
– Arrange the sliced corned beef on a serving platter with the vegetables. Serve with mustard on the side if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and tender braised corned beef brisket! This dish is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day but is enjoyable any time of the year.
