Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

Tangy Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe: A Savory Sensation

Have you ever dreamed about creating mouthwatering instant pot corned beef that melts in your mouth?

Salt-rubbed brisket becomes incredibly tender when pressure cooked with precision.

Weeknight dinner magic happens with minimal kitchen effort.

Irish-inspired comfort emerges from this simple cooking technique.

Each slice promises rich, robust flavor that surprises and delights.

Hearty protein meets convenient preparation in one remarkable dish.

You won’t believe how quickly this meal comes together with such incredible results.

Instant Pot Corned Beef That’s Quick And Tender

  • Speedster Meal Prep: This Instant Pot corned beef recipe slashes traditional cooking times, delivering a tender, flavorful meal in just 90 minutes of pressure cooking.
  • Quick and Foolproof Technique: Even novice cooks can master this straightforward recipe with minimal steps and foolproof Instant Pot instructions that guarantee perfectly cooked meat every time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The classic combination of beer, garlic, and traditional spice packet creates a mouthwatering dish that appeals to family members of all ages, making it ideal for gatherings and holiday meals.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: With one-pot cooking and simple ingredients, this recipe reduces kitchen mess and simplifies the entire cooking process, allowing more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones.

What’s Required For Instant Pot Corned Beef

Main Protein:
  • Corned Beef Brisket: A classic cut of beef that's salt-cured and packed with flavor, perfect for creating a tender and delicious main dish. Choose a well-marbled brisket with the included spice packet for maximum taste.
Liquid Base:
  • Water, Beer: Combination provides moisture and depth of flavor for cooking the meat. The beer adds richness and helps tenderize the beef. Use a light or amber beer for best results.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the salty corned beef. Fresh garlic cloves will provide the most intense taste compared to pre-minced options.
  • Spice Packet: Typically includes a blend of peppercorns, bay leaves, and other spices that come with the corned beef, enhancing the overall seasoning of the dish.

How To Cook Instant Pot Corned Beef

Step 1: Prepare Liquid Base

Add water and beer into your Instant Pot, creating a flavorful cooking environment that will infuse the corned beef with rich, complex tastes.

Step 2: Layer Aromatic Ingredients

Sprinkle finely chopped garlic across the bottom of the pot, then gently place the corned beef brisket on top of the garlic, ensuring it sits comfortably in the liquid.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Generously distribute the included spice packet over the entire surface of the brisket, ensuring every inch is covered with the seasoning blend for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4: Secure and Pressurize

Lock the Instant Pot lid firmly in place, setting the device to high pressure mode for 90 minutes, which will transform the tough meat into tender, mouthwatering perfection.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release

After the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, helping the meat retain its juiciness and tenderness.

Step 6: Quick Release and Final Touch

Perform a quick release for any remaining pressure, then carefully remove the brisket from the pot, allowing it to rest briefly before slicing against the grain for the most delectable serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the beautifully cooked corned beef to a serving platter, slice into succulent pieces, and present to eager diners who will be delighted by the melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust flavors.

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Corned Beef

  • Use a mix of water and beer for extra flavor and moisture, helping break down tough meat fibers and create a more succulent corned beef.
  • Sprinkle the entire spice packet evenly over the brisket to ensure maximum seasoning and authentic corned beef taste throughout the meat.
  • Cook for 90 minutes on high pressure to guarantee a perfectly tender brisket, allowing enough time for the tough cut to become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick-releasing, which helps the meat retain its juiciness and prevents it from becoming dry.
  • When serving, cut the corned beef perpendicular to the meat's muscle lines to ensure each slice is tender and easy to chew.

Instant Pot Corned Beef Can Be Stored This Way

  • Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap sliced corned beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where it can safely stay for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F, place corned beef in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Arrange slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent drying out.

Side Matches for Instant Pot Corned Beef

  • Elevate Flavor Pairing: Serve with robust Guinness stout to complement the rich, salty corned beef and enhance the beer-braised cooking method.
  • Texture-Focused Side: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy sauerkraut to balance the meat's dense texture and provide contrasting mouthfeel.
  • Bright Acidic Companion: Add a crisp green salad with mustard vinaigrette to cut through the beef's richness and refresh the palate with zesty notes.
  • Wine Selection Strategy: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to match the meat's intense flavor without overwhelming the dish's delicate seasoning.

Instant Pot Corned Beef Spins

  • Low-Sodium Swap: Replace beer with low-sodium beef broth and omit the included spice packet, using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for seasoning.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the spice packet is gluten-free or create a custom spice blend using ground mustard, black pepper, and paprika to maintain flavor without gluten ingredients.
  • Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute beer with non-alcoholic beer or additional beef broth to keep the liquid volume consistent and maintain moisture during cooking.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Choose a high-quality, low-sugar corned beef brisket and serve with roasted low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini instead of traditional starchy sides.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of adding beer to the Instant Pot?

Beer helps tenderize the meat and adds a rich, depth of flavor to the corned beef, making it more moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

  • Can I use water instead of beer?

Yes, you can substitute beer with water or beef broth if you prefer. The liquid is essential for creating steam and helping the meat cook evenly in the Instant Pot.

  • How do I know the corned beef is properly cooked?

The corned beef is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and becomes tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. The 90-minute cooking time in the Instant Pot ensures the meat is perfectly cooked.

  • Why is a spice packet important for this recipe?

The spice packet contains a blend of seasonings like peppercorns, bay leaves, and other spices that infuse the corned beef with traditional flavor and help enhance the overall taste of the dish.

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Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Instant Pot Corned Beef delivers Irish-inspired comfort straight to kitchen tables with remarkable tenderness. Rich, savory flavors meld perfectly, promising a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 (3 pound / 1.36 kilogram) corned beef brisket with spice packet

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
  • 1 (12 fluid ounces / 355 milliliters) can or bottle of beer

Aromatics:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Pour ale and water into the Instant Pot’s inner vessel, creating a flavorful braising liquid.
  2. Crush and distribute aromatic garlic cloves across the base of the pot.
  3. Carefully position the robust corned beef brisket atop the garlic, ensuring it sits comfortably in the liquid.
  4. Generously dust the entire cut with the accompanying spice blend, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  5. Securely fasten the lid, engaging the pressure cooking mechanism and programming the device to intense heat for 90 minutes.
  6. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the appliance to decompress organically for 10 minutes, permitting internal steam to gradually dissipate.
  7. Execute a swift pressure release to eliminate any residual internal pressure.
  8. Extract the tender brisket from the cooking chamber, transferring it to a cutting surface.
  9. Using a sharp carving knife, slice the meat against the grain into elegant, uniform portions.
  10. Transfer the succulent slices to a serving platter, ready to be enjoyed with accompanying side dishes.

Notes

  • Opt for a fatty brisket cut to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor when pressure cooking.
  • Rinse the corned beef before cooking to reduce excess saltiness and remove surface brine.
  • Consider adding root vegetables like carrots and potatoes during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
  • For a leaner option, trim visible fat before cooking and choose a flat-cut brisket instead of point-cut.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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