How Long Should You Cook Corned Beef in an Electric Pressure Cooker for Perfectly Tender Results?

Corned beef is a popular cured and brined cut of meat that is traditionally simmered for hours to become tender. However using an electric pressure cooker provides a fast and convenient way to cook corned beef to juicy fork-tender perfection in a fraction of the normal time. But exactly how long should you cook corned beef in an electric pressure cooker to get the best results? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Corned Beef and How Does Pressure Cooking Work?

Corned beef is typically made from brisket that has been cured in a brine solution giving it a unique salty flavor and pleasantly firm texture. While delicious corned beef brisket can be tough if not cooked properly.

Pressure cookers speed up cooking times by trapping steam inside the sealed pot under high pressure, raising the temperature above the normal boiling point of water. This allows food to cook faster while retaining more moisture. The high heat also efficiently breaks down collagen in tougher cuts like brisket into gelatin, resulting in exceptionally tender and succulent meat.

Using an electric pressure cooker provides precise control over temperature and cooking time to perfectly prepare corned beef. But the cooking duration can vary based on the size and thickness of your brisket.

Factors that Determine Cook Time for Corned Beef

There are a few key factors that determine the ideal cook time for corned beef in an electric pressure cooker:

• Weight/Size of the Brisket – A standard 3-4 lb corned beef brisket takes about 90 minutes under high pressure. For every additional pound, add approx. 25-30 minutes. Larger cuts need more time.

• Thickness – Thicker brisket cuts require longer cook times than thinner pieces to become tender all the way through. Add 10-15 extra minutes for cuts over 2 inches thick.

• Tenderness Preference – Cook for the minimum recommended time if you like firmer texture, and longer for fall-apart tender brisket.

• Pressure Release Method – A natural pressure release continues to gently cook the meat unlike quick release. Add 5-10 minutes if doing a quick pressure release.

• Altitude – At higher elevations above sea level, pressure cookers require more time to build pressure. Add 5% to the cook time for every 1,000 feet altitude.

How Long Should a 3-4 lb Corned Beef Brisket Cook?

For a standard size 3-4 lb corned beef brisket, the ideal cook time is usually 75-90 minutes under high pressure in an electric pressure cooker. This timing ensures the meat is cooked through and incredibly tender.

To develop flavor and enhance tenderness, start by browning the brisket on the sauté setting first if your cooker has this function. Add 1-2 cups of beef broth or water along with any seasoning packets or spices. Cook under high pressure for the recommended time based on weight.

After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before doing a quick pressure release to open the pot. This gentle release prevents overcooking. Check for doneness by poking the thickest part with a fork – it should be very tender. If needed, you can always cook for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.

Once cooked, let the brisket rest for 10 minutes before slicing across the grain into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick slices. Now your corned beef is ready to enjoy!

Handy Time Charts for Briskets of Different Sizes

To take the guesswork out of how long to cook corned beef brisket in an electric pressure cooker, here are some handy cook time charts for different sizes:

For a 3-4 lb Corned Beef Brisket:

• Cook at High Pressure for 75-90 minutes
• Natural Pressure Release: 10-15 minutes
• Quick Release and Check Doneness

For a 4-5 lb Brisket:

• Cook at High Pressure for 90-105 minutes
• Natural Pressure Release: 15 minutes
• Quick Release and Check Doneness

For a 5-6 lb Brisket:

• Cook at High Pressure for 105-120 minutes
• Natural Pressure Release: 15-20 minutes
• Quick Release and Check Doneness

For a 6-7 lb Brisket:

• Cook at High Pressure for 120-135 minutes
• Natural Pressure Release: 20 minutes
• Quick Release and Check Doneness

These time ranges ensure foolproof results every time for corned beef briskets of different sizes cooked in an electric pressure cooker.

Handy Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Corned Beef

Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked pressure cooker corned beef:

• Always cook in liquid like broth or beer – at least 1-2 cups for steam.

• Use a trivet or steamer basket to elevate above liquid.

• Add any seasoning packets, herbs, spices, or aromatics for flavor.

• Brown meat first for enhanced flavor (optional).

• Allow 10-15 minutes natural pressure release before quick release.

• Check doneness and add 10-15 minutes cook time if needed.

• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing across the grain.

Delicious Ways to Serve Pressure Cooker Corned Beef

Once you’ve mastered cooking times for corned beef in an electric pressure cooker, you can start enjoying this versatile meat in all kinds of delicious ways:

• Pile hot tender slices on rye bread for iconic Reuben sandwiches.

• Dice and mix with potatoes, onions, and peppers for hearty corned beef hash.

• Layer in a casserole with sauerkraut and potatoes for an easy corned beef dinner.

• Add to boiled cabbage, carrots, and potatoes for a St. Patrick’s Day feast.

• Use sliced corned beef in hearty soups or stews for comforting flavor.

• Stuff into omelets, burritos, or tacos for a quick protein boost.

So now you know exactly how long to cook corned beef brisket in an electric pressure cooker for amazing results. Enjoy this classic cured meat in all its tender, juicy glory!