This Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket is super tender and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time!
I love how simple it is to make; just season, set the timer, and relax while it cooks. Perfect for cozy dinners or even leftovers! You can’t go wrong with this one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef Brisket: The star of the dish! Look for a brisket that comes with a spice packet as it adds great flavor. If you can’t find corned beef, you might use a flat cut of beef brisket and season it yourself with pickling spices.
Vegetables: Baby potatoes and carrots add heartiness. If you prefer, swap the potatoes for parsnips or sweet potatoes. You can replace carrots with other root vegetables like turnips or beets for a twist!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is traditional, but you can mix it up with Napa cabbage for a milder flavor or even bok choy for a unique taste.
Broth: Beef broth enhances the flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken broth works well too. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and substitute brisket with a plant-based protein.
How Do I Ensure My Corned Beef is Tender and Juicy?
Cooking corned beef in an Instant Pot is about balancing the cooking time and the pressure release. Start by rinsing the brisket; this helps reduce excess salt. For cooking:
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes for super tenderness.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure. This method keeps the brisket juicy!
- Slicing the brisket against the grain is key. This helps achieve those tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices.
How to Make Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brisket:
- 3 to 4 pounds corned beef brisket, with spice packet
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 small onion, quartered
For The Vegetables:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, whole
- 4 to 5 medium carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 1/2 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (for slight sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus 1 hour and 37 minutes for cooking and pressure release. You’re looking at a total time of around 2 hours. Most of the time is hands-off as the Instant Pot does the work, perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brisket:
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water to wash away any excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels to make it easier to handle.
2. Set Up Your Instant Pot:
Place the brisket in the Instant Pot. Add the spice packet included with the brisket along with whole black peppercorns, smashed garlic, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and the quartered onion for flavorful cooking.
3. Add the Liquid:
Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth until the brisket is mostly submerged. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and stay moist.
4. Cooking Time:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook the brisket on high pressure for 90 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any leftover pressure.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
Remove the brisket from the pot and cover it with foil to keep warm. Now, add the baby potatoes and carrots to the broth in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Afterward, quick release the pressure.
6. Add the Cabbage:
Open the lid and place the cabbage wedges on top of the potatoes and carrots. Close the lid again and cook on high pressure for an additional 2 minutes. Quick release the pressure once more and carefully remove the vegetables.
7. Slice and Serve:
Slice the corned beef brisket against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and surround them with the cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
8. Add Flavor:
Spoon some of the delicious cooking liquid over the meat and vegetables to keep them juicy and flavorful.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Beef Broth Instead of Water?
Absolutely! Using beef broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the corned beef and vegetables. Just ensure you use low-sodium broth if you want to control the saltiness of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?
Yes! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook the corned beef in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or simmer it on the stovetop for about 3-4 hours until tender. Just make sure to add enough liquid to keep it immersed.
What Should I Serve With Corned Beef Brisket?
This corned beef brisket is perfect with hearty sides! Consider serving it with mustard for an extra kick, or pair it with Irish soda bread, colcannon, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!