How to Pressure Cook Corned Beef to Perfection

Cooking corned beef in a pressure cooker is a foolproof way to get incredibly tender and flavorful results every time. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have the most delicious homemade corned beef that your family and friends will love.

Benefits of Pressure Cooking Corned Beef

There are several advantages to using a pressure cooker for corned beef

• Cooks Much Faster Traditional corned beef recipes call for simmering the meat for hours to become tender With a pressure cooker, the cooking time is reduced to an hour or less

• More Tender and Juicy: The pressurized environment helps break down collagen and connective tissue so the meat turns out incredibly tender. And it retains more moisture compared to other cooking methods.

• Intensifies Flavor: Cooking under pressure concentrates flavors and allows seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat. The result is corned beef with an amazing depth of flavor.

• Minimal Shrinkage: Boiling can cause corned beef to shrink considerably. But pressure cooking keeps shrinkage to a minimum so you get beautiful slices and portions.

• Hands-Off Cooking: Once the lid is locked, the pressure cooker does all the work. You don’t have to worry about monitoring it on the stove for hours.

• Easy Clean Up: With just the inner pot to wash instead of a whole stockpot, clean up is quick and simple after pressure cooking.

Tips for Buying Corned Beef

• Look for a well-marbled brisket flat cut if you want slices, or a point cut for shredded beef. Avoid very lean corned beef as it can turn out dry.

• Plan on 0.5 to 1 pound per person. A 3-4 pound corned beef brisket serves 4-6 people comfortably.

• Choose a corned beef package with spices included. This adds great flavor to the cooking liquid.

• Opt for corned beef cured with natural ingredients if you can find it. Some store-bought varieties use preservatives like nitrites.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof pressure cooker corned beef every time.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pound corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
• 1 1⁄2 cups water or beef broth
• 1-2 teaspoons pickling spice blends (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

Directions

1. Trim excess fat from the corned beef to prevent the meat from floating during cooking. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat on top.

2. Add water and seasoning. Place corned beef in the pressure cooker pot and add water or broth, using enough to come halfway up the meat. Add contents of seasoning packet, pickling spices, garlic, and thyme sprigs.

3. Pressure cook. Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 50-70 minutes for a 3-4 pound brisket. Allow 10-15 minutes for pressure to build.

4. Natural release. Turn off heat and let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before doing a quick release for the remaining pressure.

5. Check for doneness. Meat should be fork tender but not falling apart. Cook longer if needed.

6. Rest and slice. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice across the grain into 1⁄4 inch thick slices.

Serving Tips

• Serve warm with mustard, horseradish sauce, braised cabbage, and buttery boiled potatoes.

• Chill leftover slices to use for sandwiches or slice thin for corned beef hash.

• Shred and use leftover corned beef for hearty soups, stews, omelets, tacos, and more.

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef FAQs

Get answers to some common questions about making corned beef in a pressure cooker.

Should corned beef be cooked fat side up or down?

Cook fat side up to protect the meat from drying out. The fat will render and baste the meat while cooking.

Can I stack briskets in the pressure cooker?

Stacking is not recommended, as it can impede even cooking. Cook one brisket at a time for best results.

Is it necessary to add liquid to the pressure cooker?

Yes, at least 1 1⁄2 cups of liquid is needed to create sufficient steam and prevent scorching.

Should the pressure release be quick or natural?

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking. Then do a quick release.

What meat thermometer reading indicates corned beef is done?

An internal temperature of 190-200°F indicates tender and fully cooked corned beef.

Can I cook vegetables in with the corned beef?

Yes, add them on a metal steamer rack on top of or around the meat during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

Is it better to cook corned beef from frozen or thawed?

Thaw completely in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking for the most evenly cooked result.

What are the best spices to add to the cooking liquid?

Whole pickling spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and allspice berries add great flavor.

Should I rinse corned beef before cooking?

Rinsing helps reduce excess saltiness but isn’t mandatory. Pat dry thoroughly before pressure cooking.

Recipes for Pressure Cooker Corned Beef

Here are a couple delicious pressure cooker corned beef recipes to try:

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef with Beer

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb corned beef brisket
• 12 oz bottle of beer
• 1 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1⁄2 tsp onion powder

Directions:

1. Place brisket fat side up in pressure cooker pot and pour in beer.
2. Sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder.
3. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release remaining pressure and check for doneness.

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp pickling spice

Directions:

1. Add broth, corned beef, and pickling spice to pot. Pressure cook 50 minutes.
2. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes.
3. Add potatoes and cabbage wedges on top. Lock lid and pressure cook 8 more minutes.
4. Quick release pressure and check vegetables for tenderness.

Conclusion

Cooking corned beef in a pressure cooker yields incredibly moist, tender, and succulent results in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. With a few easy tips on buying quality corned beef, adding flavorful seasonings, and following step-by-step directions, you can make restaurant-quality corned beef easily at home. Experiment with adding different liquids like beer, wine, or broth and extra spices until you create your family’s favorite recipe.