Irresistibly Crispy Corned Beef Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy corned beef enhances ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences that dance with robust flavors and irresistible textures.

Rich and succulent, this classic protein delivers a mouthwatering sensation that transcends traditional dinner preparations.

My preferred technique ensures a golden-brown exterior with tender, juicy meat that melts on your tongue.

The magic happens when carefully selected seasonings mingle with high-heat cooking methods, creating delectable caramelization and depth.

Remarkable versatility allows this dish to shine across multiple dining scenarios, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinner plates.

Regional cooking traditions have long celebrated this protein’s ability to comfort and excite taste buds simultaneously.

Get ready to elevate your cooking game with a method that guarantees deliciousness.

Fun Variations of Crispy Corned Beef

• Spicy Corned Beef Kick: Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a fiery flavor boost that'll warm up your taste buds.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Replace some spices with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create an aromatic herb-infused coating that adds depth to the meat.
• Smoky BBQ Style: Mix in smoked paprika and a touch of barbecue sauce with the mustard coating to give the corned beef a rich, smoky southwestern profile.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Swap Dijon mustard for soy sauce and add ginger, five-spice powder, and a drizzle of honey to create an exciting east-meets-west flavor combination.

Crispy Corned Beef That’s Full of Flavor

• Unlock Incredible Flavor Fusion: The mustard and brown sugar coating creates a mouthwatering blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that transform ordinary corned beef into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Master Effortless Cooking Techniques: This recipe offers flexible cooking methods – slow cooker or oven – allowing home cooks of all skill levels to achieve perfectly tender and crispy corned beef with minimal complicated steps.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Possibilities: Beyond a classic main dish, the cooked corned beef can be easily repurposed into delicious hash, sandwiches, or hearty breakfast meals, making it a smart choice for meal planning and reducing food waste.
• Achieve Restaurant-Quality Crispiness: The final broiling step creates an irresistible caramelized exterior that elevates the meat's texture, delivering a professional-level golden-brown crust that makes every bite absolutely delectable.

Must-Have Ingredients for Crispy Corned Beef

• Corned Beef: Classic cut of cured beef with rich flavor, best when high-quality and well-marbled.

• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that helps spices adhere to meat and creates delicious crust.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding depth and pungent flavor to the meat.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet element that helps caramelize the meats exterior during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice providing subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
• Fennel Seed: Slightly sweet, anise-like spice that complements the meats richness.

• Apple Juice or Apple Cider: Gentle, sweet liquid that tenderizes meat and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Acidic component that helps break down meat fibers and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cabbage: Traditional side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that complements the meats robust flavor.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Corned Beef

Step 1: Prepare The Seasoning

• Minced garlic
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Fennel seed

Coat meat thoroughly with spice mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cooker Method

• Apple juice or apple cider
• Apple cider vinegar

Place seasoned corned beef fat side up. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Step 3: Create Crispy Exterior

Transfer meat to foil-lined sheet pan. Broil 5-6 minutes until caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Oven Cooking Alternative

• Apple juice or cider
• Vinegar

Into roasting pan bottom. Place seasoned corned beef fat side up.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover roasting pan with lid or aluminum foil. Bake 50 minutes per pound. Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 6: Final Browning

Remove pan cover. Place under broiler for additional minutes to create crispy exterior.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

• Cabbage
• Potatoes

Optional: Dice or shred leftovers for hash dishes.

Top Tips for Crispy Corned Beef Every Time

• Moisture Mastery: Pat the meat completely dry before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere perfectly and create a delicious crust.
• Spice Symphony: Mix your dry spices thoroughly before sprinkling to guarantee an even, balanced flavor across the entire cut of meat.
• Fat-Side-Up Strategy: Always position the fatty side facing upward during cooking to help the meat stay tender and self-baste during the slow cooking process.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145°F to ensure safe and perfectly cooked corned beef.
• Broiling Brilliance: Watch carefully during the final broiling stage, as caramelization can quickly turn to burning – rotate the pan if needed for even browning.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Corned Beef

• Refrigeration: Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated corned beef stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze sliced or shredded meat in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Properly sealed corned beef can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated corned beef in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of apple juice or broth to keep meat tender. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture. Always heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Best Pairings for Crispy Corned Beef

• Boost Flavor with Irish Beer Pairing: Complement the rich, savory corned beef with a robust Guinness stout or Smithwick's red ale, which perfectly balance the meat's intense flavors and cut through its fatty texture.
• Fresh Vegetable Side Kick: Pair the crispy corned beef with a bright, tangy coleslaw or fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the meat's deep, meaty profile.
• Wine Lover's Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, which offer enough acidity and fruity notes to enhance the corned beef's spicy and caramelized exterior without overwhelming its delicate taste.
• Potato Paradise Accompaniment: Create a classic Irish-inspired side dish with roasted or mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, which harmonize beautifully with the corned beef's mustard and spice coating.

Crispy Corned Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Corned beef emerges as a hearty Irish-American classic with golden-brown edges and tender, succulent meat. Savory herbs and slow-cooking techniques create a mouthwatering dish that will make dinner guests crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 pounds corned beef with spice packet
• 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
• ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds

Protein and Seasoning Packet:

• 1 spice packet (included with corned beef)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the corned beef after removing it from the packaging, discarding the accompanying brine. Generously spread of Dijon mustard across the fatty surface of the meat.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining finely minced garlic, granulated brown sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed fennel seeds. Evenly sprinkle this aromatic mixture over the mustard-coated meat.
3. For slow cooker technique, pour of apple juice or apple cider and of apple cider vinegar into the cooking vessel. Carefully place the seasoned corned beef with the fat side facing upward.
4. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the meat to simmer gently for 6-7 hours, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
5. When cooking duration completes, carefully transfer the corned beef onto a foil-lined baking sheet, positioning the rack near the broiler element.
6. Broil the meat for 4-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning while developing a caramelized, crispy exterior. The surface should transform into a rich, golden-brown color.
7. Alternatively, for oven preparation, preheat to 325°F (165°C). Combine apple juice and vinegar in a roasting pan, positioning the seasoned corned beef fat-side up.
8. Cover the roasting pan securely with a lid or aluminum foil, then bake approximately 50 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
9. Once cooked, remove the covering and briefly place under the broiler to enhance the meat’s exterior crispness.
10. Slice the corned beef and serve alongside traditional accompaniments like roasted cabbage and herb-infused potatoes, or transform leftovers into a hearty hash for subsequent meals.

Notes

• Last-minute broiling creates irresistible caramelized exterior with deep golden-brown crispy edges.
• Careful seasoning blend of Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, and fennel seed transforms ordinary corned beef into a flavor-packed centerpiece.
• Apple juice and apple cider vinegar combination tenderizes meat while infusing subtle sweet-tangy undertones during slow cooking.
• Temperature monitoring ensures perfectly cooked meat, targeting minimum 145°F internal temperature for safe and succulent results.
• Versatile serving options range from classic sliced presentations to creative leftover hash variations, maximizing meal potential.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg