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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the meat to simmer gently for 6-7 hours, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
- When cooking duration completes, carefully transfer the corned beef onto a foil-lined baking sheet, positioning the rack near the broiler element.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Once cooked, remove the covering and briefly place under the broiler to enhance the meat’s exterior crispness.
- 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