The Perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe for Tender Meals

Crafting a mouthwatering instant pot corned beef brings comfort to your dinner table like a warm culinary hug.

Tender beef brisket transforms into a succulent masterpiece with minimal effort.

Salt and spices mingle perfectly in this pressure cooker magic.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

Your kitchen will fill with rich, savory aromas that promise deliciousness.

Irish-inspired dishes rarely come together so effortlessly and quickly.

Easy Corned Beef (Instant Pot Magic)

• Slash Cooking Time: Instant Pot dramatically reduces traditional slow-cooking hours, delivering tender corned beef in a fraction of the usual preparation time.
• Zero Hassle Cooking: Simple one-pot method means minimal cleanup, with just a few ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master, even kitchen novices.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Impressive main dish that's ideal for St. Patrick's Day, family dinners, or casual weekend meals, guaranteed to satisfy hearty appetites with minimal effort.
• Foolproof Flavor Infusion: Beer and built-in spice packet ensure rich, deep flavors penetrate the meat, creating a succulent and aromatic dish without complex seasoning techniques.

Instant Pot Corned Beef Ingredients

• Corned Beef Brisket: A classic cut of beef that is salt-cured and perfect for creating a tender and flavorful main dish.

• Water, Beer: These liquids help create steam and add depth of flavor to the cooking process.

• Garlic, Spice Packet: Garlic provides a robust aromatic base, while the spice packet contributes traditional corned beef seasoning and complexity to the overall taste.

Making Corned Beef Fast & Flavorful

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot Vessel

Position the corned beef brisket inside the Instant Pot, laying it flat and centered for even cooking.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Cold water
• Beer (preferably a dark ale or stout)
• Minced garlic cloves
• Included spice packet from corned beef package

Step 3: Seal and Pressurize

Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position.

Program the device to high pressure cooking mode for 90 minutes.

The intense pressure will break down tough meat fibers, creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release

After the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

This gentle depressurization helps the meat retain its moisture and continue tenderizing.

Step 5: Quick Vent and Rest

Carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.

Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the corned beef against the grain into thin, uniform pieces.

The meat should appear tender and have a rich, deep color.

Serve immediately with traditional sides like roasted cabbage or boiled potatoes.

Pressure Cooking Tips for Corned Beef

• Use dark stout beer instead of light beer to enhance the rich, savory taste of the corned beef.
• Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and ensure tender, moist slices.
• Rinse the corned beef brisket before cooking to remove excess salt and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Cut visible fat cap to about 1/4 inch thickness for better texture and healthier final dish.
• Replace beer with beef broth or additional water for those with gluten sensitivities.

Corned Beef Add-Ins and Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Replace Instant Pot with a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-9 hours until tender, perfect for hands-off preparation.
• Oven Braised Alternative: Transfer corned beef to a Dutch oven, cover with liquid, bake at 325°F for 3-4 hours for traditional cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free beer or replace with beef broth, ensuring spice packet is gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Lean Protein Swap: Choose flat-cut brisket instead of point-cut for a leaner, healthier version with less fat content.

Serving Up Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Classic Sandwich Delight: Pile tender slices of corned beef on rye bread with tangy mustard and crisp pickles for a mouthwatering lunch that celebrates traditional deli flavors.
• St. Patrick's Day Feast: Serve alongside roasted cabbage, boiled potatoes, and carrots for an authentic Irish-inspired meal that brings family and friends together around the table.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining corned beef into hearty hash by chopping meat and sautéing with diced potatoes and onions, then top with a perfectly fried egg for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
• Flavor Enhancer Plate: Create a stunning presentation by drizzling reduced cooking liquid over sliced meat and garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for added color and zesty taste.

Storing Corned Beef the Smart Way

• Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring meat stays moist by covering with its cooking liquid.
• Wrap sliced corned beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place sliced meat on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water or broth. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

• What is corned beef?

A salt-cured beef brisket traditionally prepared with large grains of rock salt or “corns” of salt, typically associated with Irish cuisine and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

• Why use an Instant Pot for corned beef?

The Instant Pot cooks the meat faster and more evenly than traditional methods, ensuring tender, flavorful meat in a fraction of the cooking time compared to stovetop or oven methods.

• Do I need to rinse the corned beef before cooking?

Yes, rinsing helps remove excess salt from the brisket and prevents the dish from becoming too salty, ensuring a more balanced flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe without beer?

Absolutely! You can substitute beer with beef broth, water, or apple juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t have beer on hand.

Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish Corned Beef elevates home cooking with tender, flavorful meat slow-cooked to perfection in an instant pot. Robust spices and simple techniques ensure a classic dish that brings comfort and tradition straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer

Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Nestle the corned beef brisket into the Instant Pot, ensuring it fits comfortably without overcrowding.
2. Pour water and beer around the meat, then sprinkle minced garlic and evenly distribute the spice packet contents over the surface.
3. Secure the lid, verifying the valve is set to sealing position, and program the Instant Pot to high pressure for 90 minutes at 15 pounds of pressure.
4. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to dissipate naturally for 10 minutes, which helps tenderize the meat further.
5. Carefully perform a quick release to eliminate any remaining steam, then gently transfer the corned beef to a cutting board.
6. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and make slicing easier.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the corned beef against the grain into thin, uniform slices to maximize tenderness and presentation.
8. Serve immediately while warm, optionally accompanied by traditional sides like roasted vegetables or cabbage.

Notes

• Trim excess fat from the brisket before cooking to reduce greasiness and enhance flavor absorption.
• Choose a dark stout or ale for deeper, richer taste when adding beer to the cooking liquid.
• Allow the meat to rest after cooking to help redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and tender.
• For a low-carb or gluten-free version, replace beer with beef broth or water and omit the seasoning packet.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 361 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg