How to Make Corned Beef in an Instant Pot – A Step-by-Step Guide

Corned beef is a salt-cured brisket that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. While traditionally a long process corned beef can now be made easily and quickly in an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot. This handy kitchen appliance reduces corned beef cooking time from hours to under 90 minutes!

If you’ve never made corned beef at home, using an Instant Pot takes the guesswork out and delivers fork-tender meat and vegetables every time. Read on for a complete step-by-step guide to making perfect corned beef in an Instant Pot.

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Corned Beef

There are several advantages to using a multi-cooker like the Instant Pot for corned beef rather than conventional boiling or oven braising

• Significantly reduced cooking time – Pressure cooking cuts several hours off traditional corned beef prep.

• Juicy and tender meat – The Instant Pot’s pressurized environment gently forces moisture into the meat.

• Improved flavor – Spices and seasonings deeply penetrate the meat.

• One-pot meal – Vegetables like potatoes, carrots and cabbage can cook right in the corned beef broth.

• Hands-off cooking – Just set the time and let the Instant Pot do the work with no monitoring needed.

• Safety – The sealed pot contains spatter and odors.

With an understanding of the benefits, let’s look at how to make this classic dish in an Instant Pot.

Ingredients Needed

Corned beef brisket (2-4 lbs)
Beef broth (1-2 cups)
Beer, apple cider vinegar or water (1-2 cups)
Aromatics like onions, garlic, thyme
Potatoes, carrots, cabbage wedges

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe

Follow these simple steps for tender corned beef every time:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot

Remove the corned beef from packaging and rinse briefly to remove excess salt if needed. Trim off any hardened fat.

Place aromatics like onions, garlic and thyme in the Instant Pot insert. Add 1-2 cups beef broth and beer or other liquid.

Insert a steamer tray or trivet and place corned beef on top. Sprinkle with pickling spice packet if it came with your meat.

2. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set valve to sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 50-90 minutes depending on size of brisket. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.

3. Release Pressure

Allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Then manually release remaining pressure.

4. Remove Corned Beef and Add Vegetables

Use oven mitts to remove lid. Transfer corned beef to a plate and tent with foil.

Add potatoes, carrots and cabbage to pot insert. Pour in 1 cup broth. Secure lid once more.

5. Pressure Cook Vegetables

Pressure cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are fork tender. Manually release pressure.

6. Rest, Slice and Serve

Allow corned beef to rest 10-15 minutes before thinly slicing across the grain.

Serve immediately with cooked vegetables and mustard on the side. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Instant Pot Corned Beef

• Look for a flat-cut brisket for more even cooking. Choose a 2-4 lb cut to fit in your Instant Pot.

• Add garlic, bay leaves, cloves, 1 tsp vinegar or other seasonings to the cooking liquid for extra flavor.

• Pour beer, cider, broth or water around the corned beef instead of over it so the pickling spices remain.

• Cook cabbage wedges about 5 minutes separately so they don’t overcook.

• Let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• Allow corned beef to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat gently in broth.

Can You Make Corned Beef in a Slow Cooker?

While the Instant Pot is ideal for fast weeknight corned beef, you can absolutely use a slow cooker. Add broth, beer and seasonings then cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork tender. Add veggies during last hour. The longer cook time results in very tender meat.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Corned Beef

Corned beef and vegetables make a complete meal, but here are some tasty sides to consider:

• Braised cabbage – Cook wedges in broth after removing corned beef.

• Buttered potatoes – Boiled, mashed or roasted potatoes pair perfectly.

• Irish soda bread – Bake an authentic loaf with raisins for special occasions.

• Mustard – A must-have condiment to slather on sliced corned beef. Both grainy and smooth varieties work well.

• Pickles – Tart dill pickles cut the richness.

• Horseradish sauce – This zesty sauce adds a peppery kick.

With its deeply savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, homemade Instant Pot corned beef is sure to become a favorite meal for St. Patrick’s Day, game day and any time. Enjoy this recipe for hassle-free, delicious results every time!