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Braised Corned Beef Brisket

Braised Corned Beef Brisket

Braised Corned Beef Brisket is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish where tender corned beef brisket is infused with aromatic spices and vegetables in a savory braising liquid. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich taste with simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole corned beef brisket (about 3 to 4 pounds), well-trimmed
  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped into large chunks
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into large chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped into large chunks
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 4 to 6 cups water or beef broth (enough to just cover the brisket)

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 medium potatoes or parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce (for spicy twist)
  • Dry red wine (to replace part of the water or broth for wine-braised variation)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley) for herb-forward variation
  • Unsalted beef broth (for low-sodium version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Brisket and Vegetables: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine, then pat dry. Peel and chop the onion, carrots, and celery into large chunks to ensure they impart maximum flavor during cooking.
  2. Sear the Brisket: Heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear the brisket on all sides until a golden-brown crust forms to lock in juices and enhance richness.
  3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Arrange the onion, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds around and on top of the brisket to infuse the meat with savory flavors as it braises.
  4. Pour in Braising Liquid and Simmer: Add enough water or beef broth to just cover the brisket. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and braise slowly for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Rest and Slice: Remove the brisket from the pot and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice against the grain to preserve the tender texture and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat carefully, leaving a thin layer for flavor without too much grease.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and to avoid burning.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking to keep the brisket moist and tender.
  • Do not skip searing as it adds essential umami flavor to the dish.
  • Check tenderness periodically with a fork to prevent overcooking.
  • Save the braising liquid; it makes an excellent broth base for soups or sauces.

Nutrition

Keywords: braised corned beef brisket, slow-cooked brisket, comfort food, corned beef recipe, tender brisket, braised meat, easy brisket recipe