Baked corned beef is a tender and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its flavorful spices and juicy meat, it brings comfort food to the next level!
You can’t help but smile when you pull this from the oven. The smell alone is heavenly! I like to serve it with some veggies or on a sandwich for a fun twist.
Making this dish is super easy—just bake it and relax! It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of our dish. Look for a brisket weighing between 3 to 4 pounds. If you can’t find corned beef, consider using a brisket without the brine and creating your own seasoning mix. Using a cut like chuck can also work if you want a different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor here. If you don’t have fresh on hand, garlic powder can be a substitute, using about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. Just mix it into your spice paste.
Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer olive oil for its heart-friendly benefits while butter adds a lovely richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, stick with olive oil or choose a vegan butter alternative.
Spice Packet: If your corned beef comes with a spice packet, definitely use it. However, if it’s missing, you can mimic its flavor using a mix of black pepper, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds.
Brown Sugar: Optional, but this adds a lovely glaze. If you want a healthier alternative, try honey or maple syrup, but use sparingly to retain the balance of flavors.
How Do You Ensure the Corned Beef Is Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking corned beef right is key to achieving that tender texture. The secret lies in the slow and steady baking process. Here are the important steps:
- Start by rinsing the corned beef to remove excess salt, which can result in a milder flavor.
- Create a paste using garlic, oil or butter, and your spices. Rub it all over the brisket for maximum flavor.
- Baking it covered for most of the time ensures that it stays moist, while uncovering it toward the end allows that lovely crust to form.
- Do not skip resting your beef after baking; this helps redistribute the juices, making each slice tender and juicy.
How to Make Baked Corned Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corned Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket (with spice packet if available)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a slight glaze)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked corned beef recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 2.5 to 3 hours to cook. Including resting time, you’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in about 3 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the perfect temperature for slow-cooking that tender brisket!
2. Prepare the Corned Beef:
Take the corned beef brisket and rinse it under cold water to help remove excess brine. This will reduce the saltiness. Once rinsed, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it’s not too wet.
3. Make the Spice Paste:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil or melted butter, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, mustard powder, and brown sugar (if you’re using it). Stir until it forms a nice paste.
4. Rub the Brisket:
Place the corned beef in a roasting pan or baking dish. Take your spice paste and rub it all over the surface of the brisket. Make sure to cover it evenly for the best flavor!
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the meat moist as it cooks.
6. Baking Time:
Put the covered corned beef in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 2 ½ to 3 hours. It should become very tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
7. Brown the Surface:
In the last 20-30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil. This will allow the top to brown beautifully and create a lovely crust.
8. Rest the Meat:
Once the corned beef is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy!
9. Slice the Corned Beef:
After resting, slice the corned beef thinly against the grain. This will keep the meat tender and easier to chew.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve your baked corned beef warm and enjoy!
This method gives you a delicious, tender baked corned beef covered in a flavorful garlic-herb crust, perfect for any meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While corned beef brisket is traditional, you can use other cuts like a chuck roast. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking times for optimal tenderness.
Can I Prepare This Meal in Advance?
Absolutely! You can season the corned beef and store it in the fridge up to a day ahead of time. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice as needed and warm gently in the microwave or oven to retain moisture.
What Can I Serve with Baked Corned Beef?
Baked corned beef pairs wonderfully with sides like colcannon, roasted vegetables, or cabbage. You can also serve it with mustard or a horseradish sauce for an extra kick!
