What Spices Are In Pickling Spice For Corned Beef?

Corned beef is a salt-cured brisket that has been brined and seasoned with pickling spices. The pickling spice adds a signature flavor to the meat, enhancing its beefy flavor with warm, robust seasonings. But what exactly is in a traditional pickling spice blend for corned beef? Let’s take a look at the key ingredients.

Main Spices in Pickling Spice Mix

The foundation of a good pickling spice mix comes from these spices:

• Black Peppercorns – Whole black peppercorns provide spice and heat They are essential for giving that peppery bite

• Coriander Seeds – These seeds have a lemony, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.

• Mustard Seeds – Yellow or brown mustard seeds lend a tangy, zesty quality and crunch when used whole.

• Dill Seeds – Dill seeds taste similar to dill weed and add an aromatic element. They accentuate the other spices

• Allspice Berries – Allspice tastes like a blend of cinnamon cloves and nutmeg. It gives the blend warmth.

• Bay Leaves – In whole form, bay leaves infuse the pickling brine with their woodsy, herbal flavor.

Additional Pickling Spices

Beyond those main players, corned beef pickling spice mixes often also contain:

• Cinnamon Sticks – Cinnamon imparts a sweet yet spicy taste and aroma.

• Cloves – Cloves have an intensely spicy, sweet flavor that complements the other spices.

• Mace – Mace tastes like a milder version of nutmeg with floral notes.

• Cardamom Pods – Cardamom adds hints of eucalyptus, citrus, and ginger.

• Fennel Seeds – Licorice-like fennel seeds add sweetness and complexity.

• Red Pepper Flakes – These add mild heat and a pop of bright red color.

• Ginger – Ground ginger provides a little spicy kick and sweetness.

Optional Ingredients

Some additional ingredients that may be included are:

• Orange or lemon zest – Bright citrus flavors accentuate the spice blend.

• Juniper berries – Pine-like juniper berries lend woodsy notes.

• Caraway seeds – Caraway has an anise/licorice flavor.

• Celery seeds – Savory celery seeds add an earthy element.

• Garlic – Garlic offers pungent, aromatic flavor.

• Onion – Onion contributes subtle sweetness and sulfur compounds.

• Turmeric – Turmeric provides an earthy flavor, yellow color, and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Make Homemade Pickling Spice

Making your own homemade pickling spice for corned beef is easy and allows you to customize the blend to your tastes.

Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 Tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 Tbsp mustard seeds
• 2 Tbsp dill seeds
• 1 Tbsp allspice berries
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, dill seeds, and allspice berries in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the toasted spices, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and red pepper flakes to a spice grinder and pulse to a coarse texture.
3. Transfer the ground spice mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Use about 1-2 Tbsp of the homemade pickling spice per 3-5 lbs of meat when making your own corned beef. You can also add other spices like cardamom, mace, fennel seeds, or ginger. Get creative with the blend!

Storing and Using Pickling Spice

Keep your homemade or store-bought pickling spice mix in an airtight glass jar away from light and heat to maintain freshness. Over time, the spices will start to lose their potency. For best flavor, try to use pickling spice within 6 months.

When making corned beef, you first create a brine using pickling spices, salt, sugar, and curing salts. Submerge the meat in the brine to cure for 5-10 days.

You can also add pickling spices to the seasoning rub applied right before cooking the corned beef. This adds another layer of flavor.

So feel free to get creative and make your own signature blend based on your favorite spice flavors! Vary up the mix each time you make corned beef.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pickling Spice for Corned Beef

What’s the difference between pickling spice and corned beef seasoning?

There’s no major difference. Pickling spice and corned beef seasoning refer to the same blend of spices used to cure and season corned beef. The names are used interchangeably.

Do you have to use pickling spice for corned beef?

It’s highly recommended, as the spices are what give corned beef its signature flavor, but you don’t absolutely have to use it. You can make corned beef with just a salt and sugar brine. However, it likely won’t taste the same without the pickling spices.

What’s the ratio of pickling spice to corned beef?

As a general rule of thumb, use 1-2 tablespoons of pickling spice mix per 3-5 pounds of meat when making homemade corned beef. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Can I use the pickling spice packets from store-bought corned beef?

Absolutely! The packets of pickling seasoning that come with store-bought corned beef work great. You can supplement them with extra spices if you want more flavor.

What meat cut is best for corned beef?

Brisket is the traditional cut used to make corned beef. You want a well-marbled cut like brisket point or flat to end up with tender, flavored meat after brining and cooking.