Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish-American dish that is a staple on St Patrick’s Day. While the corned beef brisket is the star of the show, the vegetables play an important supporting role. In particular, potatoes are a customary addition that provide texture and soak up the delicious cooking liquid. However, the timing of when to add the potatoes is key to ensuring they are perfectly cooked
Why Add Potatoes?
Potatoes are a natural complement to corned beef Their mild flavor and starchy texture readily soak up the rich broth flavored by the seasoned brisket, This prevents the cooking liquid from going to waste while adding bulk and substance to the dish The potatoes cook relatively quickly so can be added toward the end of the cooking time for the corned beef,
When to Add Potatoes for Stovetop Cooking
For traditional stovetop cooking of corned beef and cabbage, the potatoes are generally added in the last 45-60 minutes. Here are the steps:
- Place the corned beef in a pot and cover with water or other cooking liquid. Add the seasoning packet.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until the corned beef is almost fork-tender.
- Wash and peel potatoes if desired. Cut into large chunks about 1-2 inches big.
- Add the potato chunks to the pot with the corned beef. Continue simmering for 45-60 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add carrots, cabbage, and other vegetables in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
This method ensures the potatoes have enough time to become fully tender and absorb flavor without turning mushy or overcooked. The key is adding them when the corned beef is nearing doneness.
Inserting Potatoes for Oven-Roasted Corned Beef
Cooking the corned beef in the oven is an alternative technique that results in delicious crispy exterior bits. Potatoes can still be incorporated:
- Place corned beef in a baking dish and add 1-2 inches of liquid like beef broth. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 300°F for about 1 hour per pound, until almost fork-tender.
- Add potato chunks, carrots, and other vegetables to the baking dish. Re-cover tightly with foil.
- Continue baking 45-60 minutes more until vegetables are tender.
The steam from the cooking liquid helps the potatoes soften and take on flavor. Keeping the dish tightly covered prevents them from drying out.
Potato Timing for Slow Cookers
Using a slow cooker makes corned beef and cabbage an easy hands-off meal. Here is how to incorporate potatoes:
- Place corned beef in slow cooker and add other ingredients like broth, onions, etc.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- After corned beef has cooked for the full time, add potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 hours on low or 1 hour on high, until vegetables reach desired doneness.
The key is to wait until the corned beef has become fully tender before inserting the potatoes. This prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy, which happens more easily in the moist environment of the slow cooker.
Checking Potatoes for Doneness
Potatoes take about 45-60 minutes to become fully tender depending on the size of the chunks. Here are some ways to test when they are done:
- Pierce a potato chunk with a fork or knife tip. If it slides through smoothly, the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Take a sample potato piece out of the pot and taste it. It should be soft throughout.
- Press down on a potato chunk with a spoon. Fully cooked potatoes will crush easily under light pressure.
If the potatoes are underdone, simply continue simmering or baking until they pass one of these tests. This ensures they reach the perfect level of tenderness.
Preventing Mushy Potatoes
To avoid ending up with mushy corned beef potatoes, follow these tips in addition to the proper cooking times:
- Cut potato chunks evenly to promote even cooking.
- Use a lower starch potato variety like red potatoes or Yukon gold. Russets break down quicker.
- Don’t crowd the pot. Having space between the potato chunks allows better circulation.
- Check doneness early and remove immediately if fully tender.
- Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the cooking liquid to help firm up the potatoes.
Additional Tips for the Best Potatoes
- Leave the skins on or peel potatoes according to preference. Peeling offers a smoother texture.
- Cut potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks for the right ratio of soft inside to crispy outside.
- Potatoes can be diced smaller if you prefer them to disintegrate into the broth.
- For richer flavor, cook potatoes right in the corned beef broth.
- If potatoes won’t be cooking in liquid, toss with 1-2 Tbsp oil before roasting.
With the right timing and some helpful techniques, you can achieve tender corned beef potatoes with great texture and flavor. Adjust the method based on your chosen cooking technique. Potatoes are an easy way to make this comforting classic even heartier.
Steps to Make It
- Put the corned beef brisket in a large Dutch oven or stockpot and cover with water. Tie the pickling spices, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and thyme in a double thickness of cheesecloth or put them in a small bouquet garni bag. Add the spice bag to the water.
- Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, turnips, and peeled onions. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes longer.
- Add the cabbage wedges, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are tender. Cover the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender.
- Heat the oven to 375 F/190 C/Gas 5. Transfer the corned beef brisket to a baking pan.
- Combine the glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Spoon over the corned beef
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, basting a few times.
- Transfer the glazed corned beef to a large serving platter and slice the meat. Arrange the cabbage wedges, potatoes, carrots, onions, and turnips around the sliced brisket.
- Serve and enjoy.
How to Cook CORNED BEEF Plus my Special Potatoes #instantpot
FAQ
When should I add vegetables to corned beef?
- Leave string on.
- Put corned beef in a large pot. Add bay leaf and enough water to cover beef by 1-2 inches. …
- About 40 minutes before meat is done, add remaining vegetables, except for cabbage & parsnips.
- Twenty minutes before meat is done, add cabbage & parsnips, simmer until vegetables are tender.
What not to do when cooking corned beef?
- Not Rinsing the Meat Before Cooking. …
- Cooking Over a High Temperature. …
- Not Filling the Pot with Enough Water. …
- Not Cooking the Meat Long Enough. …
- Cutting the Meat Incorrectly.
How long does corned beef hash take to cook?
Spray with cooking spray. In prepared basket, place hash. Set to 370°F; cook 15 to 20 minutes or until hash is completely tender and top is golden brown.
How long do you boil cabbage and potatoes?
Add the bacon, potatoes, and cabbage to the pot and stir until combined. Add 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and stir to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 15 to 17 minutes.
When should I add potatoes to corned beef?
If you’re preparing your corned beef on the stovetop or in the oven, consider adding the potatoes around 45-60 minutes before the cooking time is complete. This will give them enough time to cook through while absorbing the rich flavors of the beef and spices. 1. Can I add potatoes to my corned beef in a slow cooker?
How long does it take to cook potatoes with corned beef?
Cooking time for potatoes in a corned beef and cabbage dish generally ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on their size and the method of cooking. If you add them to the pot with the corned beef during the last hour, they will typically need about 20 minutes to become fork-tender.
When should I add potatoes to corned beef & cabbage?
Once prepared, the potatoes can be added during the last hour of cooking the corned beef and cabbage, ensuring they cook perfectly without becoming mushy. How long should I cook the potatoes for optimal texture?
Can you cook potatoes with corned beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can certainly add potatoes to your slow cooker corned beef recipe. However, it’s best to add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft. 2. How long should I boil potatoes with corned beef on the stovetop?
How do you cook corned beef & potatoes for St Paddy’s day?
Corned Beef & Potatoes. Perfect for St. Paddy’s day, or any other day of the year. Place corned beef in a large stock pot and cover with water. Add the seasoning included in the package. (No, I don’t rinse mine.) Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
What can I eat with corned beef?
When making oven corned beef, cabbage, carrots, roasted potatoes, and Thousand Island dressing are popular side items. You could also try Jiffy Corn Casserole, air fryer baby potatoes, or garlic mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with an ice cold Irish Mule and enjoy other Saint Patrick’s Day recipes!