Welcome to our guide on how to cook corned beef in a hurry! Corned beef, a flavorful and tender meat, is a popular choice for many meat enthusiasts. However, traditional corned beef recipes can be quite time-consuming. If you’re short on time but still craving a delicious corned beef meal, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
Before we dive into the fast cooking methods, it’s important to mention that corned beef is a cured meat, typically made from brisket. It gets its unique flavor from the curing process, where it’s soaked in a brine made with salt, spices, and other seasonings. Corned beef is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day in many countries, but its rich flavor and tender texture make it a great option for any occasion.
So, if you’re ready to enjoy a tasty corned beef dish but don’t have hours to spare, let’s explore some quick cooking techniques that will have your corned beef ready in no time. Whether you prefer stovetop cooking, pressure cooking, or utilizing kitchen appliances such as an Instant Pot or slow cooker, we have options for everyone.
Preparation for cooking corned beef
To cook corned beef quickly, it’s important to properly prepare the meat beforehand. Follow these steps to ensure your corned beef turns out tender and flavorful:
Ingredients: | Instructions: |
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1.5-2 kg corned beef brisket | 1. Place the corned beef brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven. |
Water | 2. Add enough water to the pot to completely cover the brisket. |
Spice packet (usually included with the corned beef brisket) | 3. If your corned beef brisket came with a spice packet, add it to the pot. |
Additional spices (optional) | 4. If desired, you can add additional spices such as whole black peppercorns, bay leaves, or garlic cloves to enhance the flavor. |
Vegetables (optional) | 5. If you’d like to add vegetables to your dish, consider using carrots, potatoes, and cabbage. These can be added during the cooking process. |
Salt and pepper to taste | 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
Once you have prepared the corned beef and gathered all the necessary ingredients, you are ready to start cooking your corned beef. Follow the specific cooking instructions based on the method you are using, whether it’s stovetop, oven, or slow cooker, to ensure the best results.
Choosing the right cut
When it comes to cooking corned beef quickly, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. There are two main options available: the brisket and the round.
Brisket: This cut comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow. It is known for its rich, beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. Brisket is typically sold in two different cuts: the point cut and the flat cut. The point cut has more marbling, making it more flavorful but also slightly fattier. The flat cut has less marbling, resulting in a leaner piece of meat. Both cuts will work well for fast-cooking methods.
Round: This cut comes from the rear leg of the cow. It is a leaner cut of meat with less marbling, which makes it a healthier option. Round is typically sold in three different cuts: bottom round, top round, and eye round. The bottom round is the most tender of the three and is often used for roasting or slow cooking. However, if you’re looking to cook corned beef quickly, the top round or eye round cuts will be your best choices. These cuts are slightly tougher but can be cooked to perfection with proper technique.
When choosing your cut of corned beef, consider your cooking method and time constraints. Brisket is generally more forgiving and easier to cook quickly, while round cuts require more attention to prevent dryness. Whichever cut you choose, make sure to use quality ingredients and follow a reliable recipe for the best results.
Gathering the necessary ingredients
To cook corned beef fast, you will need a few key ingredients:
1. | 2-3 pounds of corned beef |
2. | Water |
3. | 1 tablespoon of pickling spices |
4. | 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil |
5. | 2 cloves of garlic, minced |
6. | 1 onion, chopped |
7. | 1 carrot, chopped |
8. | 2 stalks of celery, chopped |
9. | 1 bay leaf |
10. | Salt and pepper to taste |
Make sure to gather all of these ingredients before starting the cooking process. Having everything ready and organized will make the process go much smoother.
Cooking corned beef
Corned beef is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be prepared quickly and easily. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this step-by-step guide will help you create a tender and tasty corned beef.
Step 1: Prep the corned beef
Start by removing the corned beef from its packaging and rinsing it under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board.
Step 2: Season and marinate
In a bowl, mix together the spices included in the corned beef package. Alternatively, you can create your own spice blend with ingredients such as black pepper, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds. Rub the spice mixture all over the corned beef, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Let the corned beef marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 3: Cook the corned beef
There are several cooking methods you can choose from to cook your corned beef. You can simmer it on the stovetop, slow cook it in a crockpot, or cook it in a pressure cooker for faster results. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your corned beef.
If you choose to simmer it on the stovetop, place the corned beef in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 3 hours or until the corned beef is fork-tender.
If you prefer to use a crockpot, place the corned beef in the slow cooker and add enough water to cover it. Cook on low heat for about 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours, until the corned beef is tender.
For a faster cooking method, you can use a pressure cooker. Place the corned beef in the pressure cooker with enough water to cover it. Cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot or slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat. Slice the corned beef against the grain for maximum tenderness, and serve it with your favorite sides such as boiled potatoes, cabbage, and carrots.
With these simple steps, you can quickly cook a delicious corned beef that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Boiling method
One of the fastest ways to cook corned beef is by boiling it. This method requires a large pot, enough water to fully submerge the corned beef, and the corned beef itself.
To begin, fill the pot with enough water to cover the corned beef completely. It’s important to use enough water so that the meat will cook evenly.
Next, place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the corned beef to the pot. Let it continue to boil for a few minutes, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
It’s crucial to simmer the corned beef rather than letting it boil vigorously, as a gentle simmer will prevent the meat from becoming tough. Simmer the corned beef for about 50 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 3-pound corned beef, it should simmer for about 2.5 hours.
During the cooking process, it’s important to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface of the water. This will help keep the cooking liquid clear.
After the specified cooking time has elapsed, remove the corned beef from the pot and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the meat retain its juices and flavors.
The boiling method is a quick and straightforward way to cook corned beef. However, it’s essential to monitor the cooking times carefully to avoid overcooking or undercooking the meat. Pair the corned beef with your favorite side dishes, such as cabbage and potatoes, for a delicious meal.
Pressure cooker method
If you’re in a hurry and want to cook corned beef quickly, using a pressure cooker is a great option. This method can help tenderize the meat and reduce the cooking time significantly. Here’s how you can cook corned beef using a pressure cooker:
Ingredients: | – 3 pounds of corned beef – 4 cups of water – 1 onion, peeled and quartered – 2 cloves of garlic, minced – 1 bay leaf – 1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns |
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Instructions: |
1. Place the corned beef in the pressure cooker. 2. Add the water, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and whole black peppercorns. 3. Close the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. 4. Cook for about 1 hour for every 2 pounds of corned beef. 5. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Carefully remove the corned beef from the pressure cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. 7. Serve hot and enjoy! |
Using a pressure cooker can help you save time and still enjoy a deliciously tender corned beef dish. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure cooker for safe and effective cooking.
FAQ
What is corned beef?
Corned beef is a type of salt-cured beef that has been brined and seasoned with spices. It is usually made from the brisket or round cuts of beef.
How long does it take to cook corned beef traditionally?
Traditionally, corned beef takes several hours to cook. It is often simmered on the stovetop for 2-3 hours or cooked in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
Can corned beef be cooked fast?
Yes, corned beef can be cooked faster using a pressure cooker. With a pressure cooker, corned beef can be ready in about 90 minutes, compared to several hours with traditional cooking methods.
What are the benefits of cooking corned beef fast?
Cooking corned beef fast has several benefits. It saves time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in a shorter amount of time. The pressure cooker method also helps to lock in the flavors and keep the meat tender and juicy.
How do I cook corned beef fast in a pressure cooker?
To cook corned beef fast in a pressure cooker, start by adding the corned beef, spices, and enough water to cover the meat to the cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes, then release the pressure naturally. Check for tenderness before slicing and serving.