Corned beef is a classic comfort food, especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, it takes hours of slow simmering to get that tender, flavorful meat. But what if you could cut that cooking time dramatically without sacrificing taste or tenderness? Enter the Instant Pot-a pressure cooker that makes cooking corned beef quick, easy, and foolproof. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to cook corned beef in an Instant Pot, step-by-step, so you can enjoy juicy, tender corned beef with minimal effort.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Corned Beef?
Corned beef brisket is a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow cooking to break down connective tissue. The Instant Pot uses high-pressure steam to speed up this process, reducing cooking time from several hours to about 90 minutes while still producing tender, sliceable meat. Plus, you can cook the traditional veggies-potatoes, carrots, and cabbage-right in the same pot, making it a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet if included)
– 1 large onion, sliced or cut into wedges
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– 4 cups water, beef broth, or beer (Guinness or a lighter beer both work well)
– Optional vegetables: baby red potatoes, carrots, cabbage wedges
– Additional seasoning (if desired): pickling spices, black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Corned Beef in the Instant Pot
1. Prepare the Corned Beef
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt and brine. This step is optional but recommended if you want to reduce saltiness.
2. Add Aromatics and Liquid
Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the Instant Pot. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the meat from sticking. Pour in your cooking liquid-water, broth, or beer-enough to cover the bottom of the pot (about 4 cups). The liquid helps build pressure and infuses flavor into the meat.
3. Add the Corned Beef and Seasoning
Place the brisket on top of the onions, fat side up. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over the meat if your corned beef came with one. If not, feel free to add your own pickling spices or black pepper.
4. Pressure Cook the Meat
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 90 minutes for tender, sliceable corned beef. If you prefer your meat to be “fall-apart” tender, you can increase the time to 100 minutes.
5. Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the meat retain moisture and tenderness. After natural release, carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
6. Rest the Meat
Transfer the corned beef to a plate or baking dish, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier when sliced.
Cooking the Vegetables (Optional)
After removing the meat, add potatoes, carrots, and cabbage wedges to the leftover cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid again and pressure cook on high for 4-5 minutes for fork-tender veggies. Use quick release to avoid overcooking.
Serving Tips
– Slice the corned beef against the grain to keep it tender and easy to eat. The flat cut tends to hold its shape better, while the point cut might fall apart.
– Serve the meat alongside the cooked cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
– Use the flavorful cooking liquid as a sauce or gravy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef
– Don’t skip rinsing if you want to reduce saltiness.
– Use beer for richer flavor or broth/water for a milder taste.
– Add aromatics like onions and garlic for extra depth.
– Natural pressure release is key for tender results.
– Cook veggies separately after the meat to avoid mushiness.
– Rest the meat before slicing for best texture.
Cooking corned beef in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks who want a hearty, traditional meal without the wait. With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have tender, flavorful corned beef ready in under two hours. Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner, this method is sure to become your go-to recipe.
Tender, juicy, and downright delicious-your Instant Pot corned beef awaits!