Lunch & Dinner

Home Cured Corned Beef Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Name: Home Cured Corned Beef Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 9 green cardamom pods; 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds; 1 tablespoon fennel seeds; 2 teaspoons dried ginger powder; 1/2 cinnamon stick; 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds; 6 large bay leaves, crumbled; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons whole cloves; 5 teaspoons pink curing salt; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 gallon filtered water; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons pickling spice mix; 300g kosher salt; 1 beef brisket; 1 tablespoon homemade pickling spice mix

Kelly Blackford April 5, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the world of home-cured corned beef, let’s talk about what to serve with this delightful dish. Imagine a plate that complements the robust flavors of cured beef. Sauerkraut brings tanginess that cuts through the richness.

Colcannon, a comforting mash of potatoes and greens, adds creaminess and enhances your meal with a cozy vibe. Then there’s Irish soda bread, which is perfect for mopping up juices. Each of these sides enhances the experience, creating a meal that feels special.

Why This Recipe Works

There are a lot of ways to prepare corned beef, but this recipe packs a punch. Here are some key reasons why you should try it:

1. Fresh Ingredients
Using quality ingredients makes a difference. When you cure your own beef, you control what goes in. Fresh spices, quality beef—these impact flavor dramatically.

2. Customizable Flavor Profile
You can customize the spice mix. This is your chance to adjust flavors to fit your tastes. Don’t enjoy certain spices? Swap them out! Prefer more heat? Add more crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Healthier Alternative
Store-bought corned beef often contains preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. By making your own, you can reduce these unwanted additives and improve the nutritional value.

4. Complete Control Over the Cure Time
Different recipes call for various curing times. With this recipe, you’ll feel in control. Want a stronger flavor? Cure a few extra days. This recipe allows you the flexibility to find your perfect corned beef flavor.

How Does It Taste?

You might be wondering—what’s the flavor adventure here? Cured properly, the beef has a salty, savory taste with aromatic undertones from the spices.

When cooked, the tender texture melts in your mouth. The balance of sweetness from brown sugar against the bite of the spices creates a nuanced experience. Trust me, it’s addictive!

What Sets This Recipe Apart?

Now, what makes this recipe stand out from others? It’s experienced-driven. I’ve experimented with various spices and brines. The pickling spice is homemade, offering freshness that you just won’t find in store-bought options.

Plus, I apply a specific balance of spices to ensure that each bite is flavorful without being overwhelming. The brine is perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. The result? A corned beef that’s comforting yet interesting, never getting bland.

The Ingredients

To begin your curing journey, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pickling Spices:

9 green cardamom pods
1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds (or brown)
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons dried ginger powder
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
6 large bay leaves, crumbled
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons whole cloves

For the Brine:

5 teaspoons pink curing salt (optional, refer to Recipe Note)
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 gallon filtered water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons pickling spice mix
300g kosher salt

For the Brisket:

1 (5-pound) beef brisket
1 tablespoon homemade pickling spice mix

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pickling Spice Mix

Combine all the pickling spices in a bowl. Crushing the seeds slightly releases essential oils. This enhances flavor. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Step 2: Make the Brine

In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, vinegar, and pickling spice mix. Heat it over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Let it cool completely. This step is critical. A hot brine may partially cook the meat, and we don’t want that.

Step 3: Cure the Brisket

Put your brisket into a large, non-reactive container. Pour the cooled brine over the meat. Ensure it is completely submerged. If it floats, weight it down with a clean plate. Cover and refrigerate for 5 to 7 days. Flip the brisket every couple of days for even curing.

Step 4: Rinse and Cook

Once the brisket is cured, remove it from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This washes away excess salt.

Now, it’s time to cook! Place the brisket in a pot, cover with water, and add 1 tablespoon of the pickling spice mix. Bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 3 hours until the meat is tender.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy

Let the brisket rest before slicing it against the grain. Serve it up with your favorite sides.

Notes

Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Choosing the Right Cut: Use a good-quality brisket. Look for one with a bit of fat; it contributes to the flavor and moisture.
Timing: The longer the curing time, the stronger the flavor. Adjust based on your preference.
Additions: Feel free to experiment with adding garlic or additional herbs to your brine for personal touches.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, but only for a few days. It’s best fresh.
Cooking Methods: For an even richer flavor, consider using a slow cooker or pressure cooker.

How Do You Store This Home-Cured Corned Beef?

Store the corned beef tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator if you have leftovers. It’s best used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can slice it and freeze it. Simply thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Sides for Home-Cured Corned Beef

Now, let’s talk about sides that elevate this dish.

1. Sauerkraut
This fermented cabbage is a classic accompaniment. It offers a tart crunch that balances the salty beef perfectly. Plus, it’s loaded with probiotics!

2. Colcannon
This mash-up of potatoes and cabbage is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy and buttery, just what corned beef needs.

3. Irish Soda Bread
This quick bread is a must-have. It’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for soaking up juices from the corned beef.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?

1. Pink Curing Salt
If you don’t have pink curing salt, you can skip it. However, this will affect the color and slightly the flavor. Regular kosher salt will work, but the beef won’t have that classic pink color.

2. Dark Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar if needed. It might alter the flavor slightly but will still provide sweetness.

3. Green Cardamom Pods
If you can’t find these, ground cardamom works as a substitute. Use a smaller amount since the flavor is more concentrated.

4. Whole Spices
If you only have ground spices, you can use them. However, whole spices release more flavor, so use about half the amount if swapping.

Conclusion

Home-cured corned beef is a rewarding venture that’s well worth the effort. With its complex flavors, tender texture, and the satisfaction of creating it yourself, it can easily become a beloved family recipe.

Plus, the ability to customize and control ingredients makes this dish a healthier choice than many store-bought options.

Each slice tells a story. From the spices chosen to the tender moments shared over meals, corned beef at home is about tradition, flavor, and connection. So, roll up your sleeves and start curing your way to a delicious experience.

Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Home Cured Corned Beef Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Author: Kelly Blackford Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 531 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Corned beef can seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s one of those projects that pays off in spades. I remember my first attempt at curing beef at home.

Friends gathered. Anticipation built. When that first slice hit the plate, I felt like a culinary magician. The rich, savory flavor was something I had never achieved with store-bought options.

In this guide, I will walk you through the process of making your own corned beef at home. You’ll not only learn the steps and tips, but I’ll also share insights that make my recipe stand out. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey!