Corned beef brisket is a delectable dish, perfect for special occasions or a hearty family meal. Cooking it in the oven is a simple way to achieve a tender and flavorful result. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your corned beef brisket turns out perfectly every time.
What is Corned Beef Brisket?
Corned beef brisket is a cut of beef that has been cured or pickled in a brine. This process gives the meat its distinctive flavor and tender texture. Often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, corned beef is delicious year-round when cooked properly.
Why Cook Corned Beef Brisket in the Oven?
Cooking corned beef in the oven offers several advantages:
- Even Cooking: The oven provides consistent heat, ensuring the brisket cooks evenly.
- Tender Result: Slow cooking in the oven helps break down the tough fibers in the brisket, resulting in a tender and juicy meat.
- Hands-Off Method: Once the brisket is in the oven, it requires minimal attention, freeing you up to prepare side dishes or relax.
- Flavor Enhancement: Baking allows you to add various flavors through rubs and braising liquids, enriching the overall taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook corned beef brisket in the oven, gather the following ingredients:
- Corned Beef Brisket: A 2-4 lb uncooked corned beef brisket is ideal.
- Dijon Mustard: 3-4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard to create a flavorful crust.
- Brown Sugar: 3-4 tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
- Spices: The spice packet that comes with the brisket, or your own blend of pickling spices.
- Water or Broth: About 1/2 cup of liquid to keep the brisket moist during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to cook your corned beef brisket in the oven:
- Pre-Boil the Brisket:
- Prepare the Brisket:
- Add Flavor:
- Wrap and Bake:
- Caramelize the Top:
- Rest and Slice:
- Place the brisket in a large pot and cover it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then remove the brisket from the pot. This step helps to remove excess salt from the meat.
- Discard the seasoning packet that comes with the brisket.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take a large sheet of aluminum foil big enough to fully wrap the brisket.
- Place the brisket, fat layer up, in the middle of the aluminum foil.
- Rub Dijon mustard generously over the entire brisket.
- Evenly sprinkle brown sugar over the top and sides, gently patting it onto the meat.
- Bring the aluminum foil together and close it loosely, leaving some space between the brisket and the foil to create a “pocket”.
- Place the wrapped brisket into a rimmed roasting pan.
- Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes per pound. For a 2-lb brisket, bake for about 2 hours.
- Open the foil and turn on the broiler to a low setting.
- Let the top caramelize for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. If you don’t have a low setting, move the brisket to a lower rack.
- Take the corned beef brisket out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes on a cutting board before slicing.
- Slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness. The grain is usually easy to see in corned beef brisket.
Tips for the Perfect Corned Beef Brisket
- Choose the Right Brisket: Look for a brisket that is uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 180°F to 195°F.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for Grey Poupon Dijon mustard for the best flavor.
- Basting: Add 1/2 inch of water to the pan. If necessary, add additional water during cooking.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the brisket to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
Serving Suggestions
Corned beef brisket is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- Classic Dinner: Serve with boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots for a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal.
- Reuben Sandwiches: Thinly slice the corned beef and use it to make Reuben sandwiches with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
- Corned Beef Hash: Dice the leftover corned beef and mix it with potatoes and onions for a hearty breakfast hash.
- Salads: Add sliced corned beef to salads for a protein-packed meal.
Conclusion
Cooking corned beef brisket in the oven is a straightforward method that delivers delicious results. By following these steps and tips, you can create a tender, flavorful, and memorable dish. Enjoy your homemade corned beef brisket!