Forget the Slow Cooker: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Instant Pot Corned Beef

Say goodbye to hours of simmering and hello to tender, flavorful corned beef in a fraction of the time! This Instant Pot corned beef recipe is a game-changer, delivering that classic St. Patrick’s Day (or any day!) meal with incredible ease. Get ready to impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked corned beef that’s juicy, flavorful, and practically falls apart.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Corned Beef’s Best Friend

The Instant Pot’s magic lies in its ability to create a high-pressure environment that cooks food much faster than traditional methods. This means you can achieve that melt-in-your-mouth corned beef texture in just over an hour, compared to the 4-5 hours (or more!) required on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in all those delicious flavors, resulting in a truly unforgettable corned beef experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3-4 lb corned beef brisket, with spice packet
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf

Making the Magic Happen

1. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat the olive oil. Sear the corned beef on all sides until lightly browned.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaf, and the spice packet that came with the corned beef.
4. Place the corned beef back in the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 20 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Tips for Corned Beef Perfection

Choosing Your Brisket

Look for a brisket with good marbling – the fat will render during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.

Adding Flavor

Experiment with different spices and aromatics. Try adding a few whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, or some star anise to the cooking liquid.

Slicing Like a Pro

Always slice corned beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Conclusion

With your Instant Pot, delicious, tender corned beef is within easy reach. No more all-day affairs – now you can enjoy this classic dish any time the craving strikes. So, ditch the slow cooker and embrace the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot for your next corned beef feast!