How Long to Bake Corned Beef at 375 Degrees for Perfectly Tender Meat

Corned beef is a delicious cured and brined brisket that’s a staple in many cultures. When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, many people look forward to enjoying a steaming hot corned beef dinner. But baking corned beef can seem daunting if you don’t know how long it needs to cook.

The oven temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for getting corned beef meltingly tender. But the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your brisket. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to bake corned beef at 375 degrees.

Factors That Affect Corned Beef Cooking Time

Several key factors impact the baking time needed for corned beef brisket

• Weight – A 3-4 lb corned beef takes 2-2.5 hours at 375°F. A 5 lb brisket takes 2.5-3 hours.

• Thickness – Thicker cuts need more time to become fork tender. Thinner flats may cook faster.

• Doneness – Cook longer for very tender, fall-apart meat. Reduce time slightly for firmer texture.

• Additions – Glazes, broth, and wrapped vegetables increase moisture but also cooking time.

• Oven differences – Your specific oven may cook faster or slower than average.

Monitoring the internal temperature and texture is the best way to test doneness. But use the guidelines below as a starting point for timing.

Bake Times for Corned Beef at 375°F

3-4 lb corned beef brisket – Bake for approximately 2-2.5 hours

Cover with foil at first, then uncover last 30 minutes for browning.

5 lb corned beef brisket – Bake for approximately 2.5-3 hours

Follow the same method as above, increasing time slightly for the larger size.

3.5 lb corned beef brisket – Bake for 2.5-3 hours

This size brisket falls right in the middle of the range.

Other Cooking Methods for Corned Beef

While baking is popular, it’s not the only way to cook corned beef to tender perfection. Consider these other excellent options:

• Boiling – Simmer brisket for about 1 hour per pound. Keeps meat moist.

• Slow cooking – Cook 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. More hands-off.

• Braising – Brown meat then cook at 300°F with added liquid. Infuses flavor.

No matter which technique you choose, use a meat thermometer to check for a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing too.

Testing Corned Beef for Doneness

Visual signs that your corned beef is perfectly cooked at 375°F include:

• Fork-tender meat that shreds easily
• Juices run clear with a bit of fat
• Nice browned exterior (if uncovered at end)

Use these methods to double-check:

• Meat thermometer reads 190-205°F
• Insert knife to check tenderness
• Do a taste test of a smaller end piece

Undercooked corned beef will taste very tough and salty. You want it moist and tender.

Handy Tips for Baked Corned Beef Success

Follow these handy tips for baked corned beef that’s guaranteed to impress:

• Choose high-quality brisket for best texture
• Rinse brisket before cooking to reduce excess salt
• Place in a roasting pan, add 1-2 cups broth for moisture
• Tent with foil at first, then uncover to brown
• Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices for added moisture
• Let rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat
• Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days

With the proper bake time for your size brisket and these helpful tricks, you’ll achieve fork-tender corned beef perfection every time. Aim for 2.5-3 hours for a 3-4 lb brisket or 2.5-3 hours for a 3.5 lb cut. Monitor temperature and texture closely. Soon your home will be filled with the mouthwatering aromas of corned beef success. Enjoy!