Corned Beef Brisket: Instant Pot Perfection

how to cook corn beef brisket in inst pot

Corned beef is a popular dish that can be made in an Instapot or pressure cooker. The Instapot cuts down on cooking time and guarantees tender, juicy, and delicious results. The recipe calls for a few simple ingredients and can be served with traditional fixings like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. The cook time varies depending on the size of the brisket, but it generally takes around 70-90 minutes for a three-pound brisket. The Instapot is a convenient and efficient way to prepare corned beef, making it a perfect option for a hearty and tasty meal.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Water, beer, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, mustard, horseradish sauce
Brisket weight 3-4.8 pounds
Brisket type Point cut, flat cut
Pressure setting High
Pressure duration 70-90 minutes
Natural pressure release duration 20 minutes
Resting duration 15 minutes
Side dishes Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage), roasted potatoes, fried cabbage, other vegetables

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Pressure cooking time

The pressure cooking time for corned beef brisket in an Instant Pot varies depending on the weight and thickness of the meat. A good rule of thumb is to cook the brisket on high pressure for about 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound brisket should be cooked on high pressure for around 60 minutes, while a 4.8-pound brisket may take up to 90 minutes.

It's worth noting that the pressure inside the Instant Pot takes about 10-15 minutes to build up before the cooking time starts. After the cooking cycle is complete, it's important to allow the cooker to rest undisturbed for natural pressure release (NPR). This can take around 20 minutes. Once the float valve drops, it's safe to release any remaining steam and open the lid.

The beauty of using an Instant Pot is that it significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. A corned beef brisket that would typically take 2.5-3 hours to boil can be prepared in under 2 hours using an Instant Pot, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Some recipes suggest a slightly longer cooking time of 70-90 minutes for a 3-pound brisket, with a 20-minute natural pressure release, which can result in fork-tender meat. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness and the specific model of the Instant Pot.

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Trimming and seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some people like to use the traditional spice packet that often comes with the brisket. You can also create your own corned beef seasoning blend or use a combination of spices like garlic, onion, and mustard to flavour the dish. It is recommended to place the brisket in the Instapot fat-side up and top it with sliced onions and garlic cloves. You can then pour a bottle of beer, such as Guinness, over the brisket and add additional spices if desired.

For a more aromatic dish, you can experiment with different spice combinations. Some people suggest using beef broth or stock instead of water for a more flavourful and juicy brisket. You can also try adding carrots, potatoes, and cabbage to the Instapot for a full corned beef and cabbage meal. These vegetables can be cooked in the same pot as the brisket, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your brisket. A general rule of thumb is to cook the brisket on high pressure for about 20 minutes per pound, with a natural pressure release. By following these trimming and seasoning tips, you can create a delicious and tender corned beef brisket in your Instapot.

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Natural pressure release

After the pressure cooking cycle completes, you can opt for a natural pressure release (NPR) for your corned beef brisket. This involves allowing the cooker to rest undisturbed for a natural release of pressure. This usually takes around 20 minutes. During this time, the pressure will slowly decrease as the cooker cools down.

The natural pressure release method is a hands-off approach that lets the pressure drop without any manual intervention. It is a safe and slow process that ensures the pressure is released in a controlled manner. This is particularly useful if you want to step away from the cooker and don't want to worry about monitoring the pressure release.

After the natural pressure release, you can carefully turn the sealing knob to release any remaining steam. Wait for the float valve to drop, indicating that the pressure has equalized and it is safe to open the lid.

The natural pressure release is a convenient option that ensures your corned beef brisket cooks thoroughly and retains its tenderness. It is a good choice when you want to ensure the meat is cooked properly without the need for constant monitoring.

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Broiling

To broil the corned beef brisket, first remove it from the instant pot and place it on a baking sheet or plate. You can then score the fat and brush the meat with a layer of spicy or gourmet mustard, avoiding the use of yellow mustard. The mustard will help to create a caramelized crust during the broiling process.

Next, set your oven to broil and place the baking sheet with the corned beef brisket on the top rack, leaving enough space between the meat and the heating element to avoid excessive smoking or burning. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the meat to ensure it doesn't burn.

Once the desired level of caramelization is achieved, remove the corned beef brisket from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.

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Serving suggestions

Corned beef brisket cooked in an instant pot can be served in a variety of ways. The most popular side dish seems to be a combination of potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. You can cook these vegetables in the same pot as the beef, adding them in for the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or you can cook them separately and serve them alongside the beef. If you want to cook them in the same pot, you don't need to fully submerge the beef in liquid; one cup of liquid is enough. You can also serve the beef with colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes and cabbage), roasted potatoes, or fried cabbage.

If you want to serve the beef in a sandwich, slice it thinly against the grain. Corned beef sandwiches, sliders, and Reuben sandwiches and sliders are all good options. You can also use the beef in tacos, or serve it with stone-ground mustard and horseradish sauce on the side for dipping.

Leftover corned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions

The cooking time depends on the size of your brisket. A three-pound brisket will take around 80-90 minutes to cook. If your brisket is thicker, you may need to cook it for up to 20 minutes per pound.

You will need corned beef, water or beef stock, beer, and garlic. You can also add onions, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

You can serve corned beef brisket with traditional fixings such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. You can also use the corned beef to make sandwiches or tacos. It is recommended to slice the corned beef against the grain to achieve your desired thickness.

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