Unraveling the Mystery: What is Corned Beef? š„©
Corned beef, a culinary delight that has graced tables for centuries, often evokes memories of festive St. Patrick's Day feasts or a classic Reuben sandwich. But what exactly is corned beef? š¤
Corned beef is essentially beef that has undergone a curing process using large grains of rock salt, also known as "corns" of salt. This is where the term "corned" originates, dispelling any myths that it has anything to do with the vegetable, corn. The curing process not only imparts a distinctive pinkish hue to the meat but also ensures its preservation and enhances its flavor.
While various cuts of beef can be used for making corned beef, the brisket is a popular choice. The brisket, located in the lower chest of the animal, is favored for its tenderness and marbling. Some aficionados might even be fortunate enough to get a brisket with a generous fat cap on top, ensuring the meat remains succulent during cooking.
Another intriguing aspect of corned beef is its global variations. For instance, in the UK, corned beef often refers to a type of minced beef and gelatin that comes in cans. In contrast, in the US, it's typically associated with the cured brisket cut.
The seasoning used in corned beef can vary, but traditional recipes often include ingredients like garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Some packaged corned beef might even come with a seasoning packet, making the cooking process even more straightforward.
Corned beef's rich history is intertwined with various cultures. It was a staple for soldiers during World War II due to its long shelf life. Moreover, while corned beef and cabbage is considered an Irish-American dish, it's not as commonly consumed in Ireland as many believe.
Corned beef and cabbage is by far one of my favorite meals ever, and this tutorial showing How to Cook Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is so easy, it will knock your socks off!
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When I first got my Instant Pot, I immediately knew that I wanted to make corned beef and cabbage in it. It's one of my favorite meals, and for some reason, I've never, ever tried making it at home. This past weekend, we went to Louisville for a concert, and had lunch at an Irish pub, Patrick Oshea's. As soon as I saw corned beef brisket on the menu, I had to have it! It was sooo delicious! So, yesterday, I hit the grocery store and bought the ingredients to make it in my Instant Pot. You guys!!! It turned out so perfect! Like, mouthwatering, I couldn't stop eating it, PERFECT!
I put together a quick video showing just how easy it is to make my corned beef and cabbage in the Instant Pot...I switched it up and put the cabbage in with the corned beef for this video. I have to say, I prefer the cabbage when made after the corned beef though.
How to Cook Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients
Scale
- 3-4 lb. corned beef brisket with spice pack
- 1 small head of cabbage cut into 6 pieces
- 1 small onion
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 large carrots
- 6 medium sized red potatoes
- 4 cups of beef broth
- Instant Pot or other pressure cooker
Instructions
- Place steamer basket in Instant Pot. Add 4 cups of beef broth to the IP along with the onion and garlic. Mix in spices or spice pack. Place the corned beef brisket on steamer basket. Place the lid on your IP and lock the lid. Set to cook manually for 90 minutes. Once the pressure cooker is finished cooking, let it release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the rest of the steam. Remove the lid away from your body, allowing any left over steam to escape. Remove the corned beef brisket and set aside.
- To cook the vegetables, add them to the steamer basket. Cook on the Soup setting for 10 minutes. Once the vegetables have cooked, slice the corned beef and serve them all together.
If you are interested in purchasing an Instant Pot, you can find it HERE.
Start by adding 4 cups of beef broth to your pressure cooker.
Next, add your onion and garlic.
Now, add the steamer basket. If your pressure cooker didn't come with one, you can skip this part or find one HERE. Time to add your corned beef and spice packet that comes with it! Once your corned beef is in, close and lock the lid of your pressure cooker. Press the Manual button, and set the time for 90 minutes. Be sure your vent is on Seal. Step back and let your pressure cooker do it's thing!
Once the cooking is finished, allow it to natural release (or basically just leave it alone) for 10 minutes. Once 10 minutes is up, carefully turn the steam release valve to Venting to activate the quick release. ***Do not stand above the vent while doing this, so the steam doesn't touch you. I typically wear an oven mitt for this step.***
Now, pull your cooked corned beef brisket out of the instant pot and cover it with foil.
Now, time to cook the vegetables! Add in your cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Replace the lid and lock it. Press the soup option and set the cook timer for 10 minutes. Once it finishes cooking, turn the steam release valve to Venting to quick release the steam.
Once the steam has released, pull your veggies out and place them in a dish. Slice your corned beef and place it on top. To finish it off, spoon some of the liquid from the pressure cooker over the corned beef and vegetables...it's full of flavor!
Your corned beef and cabbage is ready to serve and eat! It's so easy to make this meal, and I can't wait to serve it up to some friends in a couple of weeks on St. Patrick's Day! The great thing is that I won't have to wait until March to enjoy this tasty meal now...I can make it any time I want!
Figuring out how long to cook different foods in your air fryer can be a bit confusing since they typically cook at different temperatures and different times, You can Check out our Printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart.
Love this easy Instant Pot recipe? Be sure to print out my free Printable Pressure Cooker Times Chart and check out all of my Instant Pot recipes below!
PRINTABLE INSTANT POT COOKING TIMES CHART
Looking for a chart to help you with cook times, liquid measurements and whether you need to use natural pressure release or manual release? You can download myĀ Instant Pot Pressure Cooking Times Chart HEREā¦itās totally free, and you can print it or download it to your computer or phone to use later!
INSTANT POT RECIPES
Iāve put all of my Instant Pot recipes in one place so you can access them all easily!Ā Click HERE to see all of my easy and delicious pressure cooker recipes!
