How to Cook Point Cut Corned Beef Brisket to Perfection

Corned beef brisket is a classic cut of meat that is most often associated with St Patrick’s Day However, this flavorful and tender cut of beef can be enjoyed any time of year. While corned beef brisket may look intimidating to cook, it’s actually quite simple with the right techniques. In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook point cut corned beef brisket to perfection.

The point cut refers to the fattier, but more flavorful and tender end of the brisket. This is in contrast to the leaner flat cut from the other end of the brisket. When selecting your brisket, look for a cut that has a good amount of marbling or fat running through it. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Corned beef gets its signature salty, umami-rich flavor from being cured or “corned” in a brine solution. The brine is made up of water, salt, spices like black peppercorns, coriander, and mustard seed. This curing process takes 5-7 days. Luckily, most supermarkets sell brined corned beef briskets that are ready to cook.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Now that you know a bit about point cut corned beef brisket, let’s walk through how to cook it for melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.

Ingredients

• 3-5 lb point cut corned beef brisket
• 4 cups beef broth or stock
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the corned beef Rinse the brisket under cold water to remove any excess brining spices. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels

2. Parboil the brisket: Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with beef broth and water. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. This process mellows the saltiness.

3. Simmer the brisket: Drain the brisket and return it to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, brown sugar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until fork tender.

4. Rest the brisket: Transfer the cooked brisket to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

5. Make the sauce: While the brisket rests, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer until reduced by half to make an easy au jus dipping sauce.

6. Slice against the grain: Cut the brisket across the grain into 1⁄4 inch thick slices for tender meat.

7. Serve: Enjoy the brisket warm with the reduced cooking liquid for dipping. Delicious sides include boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• For added flavor, rub the brisket with a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and other dried herbs before cooking.

• Cook the brisket low and slow! Simmering for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours breaks down the collagen for fork tender meat.

• Let the brisket rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut it.

• Slice thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers for the most tender bite.

• Save the cooking liquid! The broth picks up incredible flavor from the brisket during cooking. Use it as a dip or sauce.

• Add veggies like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.

• Leftover brisket makes amazing sandwiches piled high on rye bread.

Other Delicious Ways to Enjoy Corned Beef Brisket

While simmering it low and slow on the stovetop is the traditional preparation, point cut corned beef can also be cooked using other methods:

• Oven: Cook covered in a 300°F oven for about 3 hours until fork tender.

• Slow cooker: Combine with seasonings and 1 cup broth. Cook on low 8-10 hours.

• Pressure cooker: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for timing, but cook around 1 hour on high pressure.

• Grill: Maintain an indirect heat of 300°F-325°F. Cook 2-3 hours with wood chips for extra smoke.

No matter which cooking method you choose, point cut corned beef brisket is sure to deliver rich, salty, beefy flavor along with incredibly moist and tender meat when properly cooked. Enjoy this classic any time of year for a hearty, comforting meal.