Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe: Delicious & Easy!

Name: Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Ingredients: 4 pound corned beef brisket (fat side up, rinsed); 12 ounces lager-style beer; 2.5 cups water; 1 small yellow onion (sliced); 4 garlic cloves (smashed); 2 tablespoons pickling spices; 1 pound baby potatoes (or red-skinned potatoes cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges); 1 head of cabbage (cut into 8 wedges); 1 pound baby carrots; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons melted butter; grainy mustard (on the side); horseradish sauce (on the side)

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Imagine sinking your fork into tender, flavorful corned beef that practically melts in your mouth. Paired with perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is a complete, comforting meal.

Close-up of sliced corned beef and cabbage prepared in an Instant Pot, featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage garnished with parsley and whole grain mustard on a white platter.

Inspired by classic Irish-American fare, this streamlined version uses the magic of pressure cooking to deliver exceptional results in record time. If you’re looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes? Check out my pot roast recipe!

Get ready to ditch the all-day simmering and enjoy a foolproof, restaurant-quality corned beef dinner without the fuss. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to perfect Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Page Contents

Quick Overview: Your Speedy St. Paddy’s Day Feast

Craving a delicious St. Patrick’s Day meal but short on time? This Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe delivers a flavorful and tender feast in under 90 minutes.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Servings: 4 to 5
Difficulty: Easy

Pressure cook corned beef with aromatics and beer.
Natural release pressure.
Pressure cook vegetables in reserved liquid.
Slice corned beef and serve with vegetables.

Ready to dive into the details? Keep reading for expert tips and tricks!

Your Secret Ingredients & Pro Tips for Perfect Corned Beef

To make truly exceptional Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage, it’s all about understanding the ingredients and mastering a few key techniques. This section will give you the knowledge to confidently create a St. Patrick’s Day feast that will impress. Let’s dive in.

Choosing the Best Corned Beef for Your Instant Pot

When buying corned beef, you’ll typically find two cuts: the flat and the point. The flat cut is leaner and more uniform in thickness, making it easier to slice. The point cut has more marbling, resulting in a more tender and flavorful, though potentially fattier, result.

Consider your preference when choosing. If you prefer leaner slices, go with the flat cut; if you want maximum flavor and don’t mind a bit more fat, the point cut is the way to go. Always check the packaging date to ensure freshness, and decide if you want a pre-brined or unbrined cut.

Corned Beef and Cabbage: Ingredient Deep Dive

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the final dish. The corned beef itself provides the foundational flavor, enhanced by the brining process. High-quality lager-style beer adds depth and complexity, while the pickling spice infuses aromatic notes.

For the vegetables, use baby potatoes or red-skinned potatoes cut into 1 1/2-inch wedges. The cabbage should be cut into wedges to ensure even cooking. The carrots add sweetness and color. Adjusting these elements lets you fine-tune the flavor profile to your liking.

Choosing the Right Beer (or Substitutes)

The type of beer you use can significantly influence the final flavor of your corned beef. For this recipe, a lager-style beer is recommended for a clean, crisp base flavor. Samuel Smith Pure Brewed Organic Lager or Sam Adams Boston Lager are excellent choices. If you prefer a stout, opt for a milder one like Guinness Draught or Murphy’s Irish Stout, as they offer a richer, deeper flavor without being overly bitter. If you’d prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or extra water for a similar liquid base.

To Trim or Not to Trim: Managing the Fat Cap

If your corned beef brisket has a substantial fat cap, you might want to trim it down or remove it entirely before cooking. This can help prevent the meat from becoming overly greasy and ensures a better texture when sliced. Leave a thin layer for moisture and flavor, but remove excess.

With these ingredients and tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage. Now, let’s get cooking and explore the step-by-step process.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instant Pot Magic

Ready to unlock the magic of your Instant Pot and create a truly memorable corned beef and cabbage dinner? Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be enjoying a tender, flavorful meal in no time.

I’ll walk you through each stage, from building the flavor base to serving a perfectly garnished dish. Get ready for some Instant Pot magic!

Step 1: Building the Flavor Base and Cooking the Brisket

First, we’ll create a rich aromatic base in your 6-quart Instant Pot. This step is crucial for infusing the corned beef with deep, savory flavors.

Combine 1 sliced small yellow onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of pickling spices, and 2-1/2 cups of water in the insert. Rinsing the 4-pound corned beef brisket under cool water helps remove any excess brine.

Place the brisket fat side up on a rack above the onions, then pour 12 ounces of lager-style beer over it. This adds another layer of flavor as the corned beef cooks.

Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on HIGH pressure for 85 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before performing a manual quick release for any remaining pressure.

Tip: The natural pressure release is vital for tenderizing the corned beef, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables to Perfection

Now, it’s time to cook the vegetables in the flavorful cooking liquid. This ensures they are perfectly tender and infused with the same delicious flavors as the corned beef.

Carefully remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board or platter. Spoon a little of the cooking liquid over the meat and cover loosely with foil to keep it warm. This helps retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

Strain the cooking liquid, discarding the solids. Return 1-1/2 cups of the strained liquid to the Instant Pot. Add 1 pound of baby potatoes (or wedges), 1 head of cabbage cut into 8 wedges, and 1 pound of baby carrots.

Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes. Perform a quick pressure release immediately after the cooking time is up to prevent the vegetables from overcooking.

Confidence boost: The quick pressure release is crucial here, ensuring your vegetables are tender-crisp, not mushy.

Step 3: Slicing, Serving, and Enjoying

The final step is all about presentation and savoring the fruits (or rather, meats and vegetables) of your labor!

Slice the cooked corned beef against the grain into thick slices. This is essential for achieving the most tender and enjoyable texture.

Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter, and spoon a little of the reserved cooking liquid over the slices. This adds extra moisture and flavor.

Sprinkle the cooked vegetables with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. If desired, drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Serve the corned beef and vegetables immediately with optional grainy mustard or horseradish sauce on the side.

Pro-Tip: Slicing against the grain makes a huge difference. Look closely at the meat and cut perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers.

With these step-by-step instructions, you’re well on your way to creating a fantastic Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage dinner. But what if something goes wrong? Let’s troubleshoot some common issues in the next section.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

Even the best recipes can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you troubleshoot any issues and explore some delicious variations to make this Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage truly your own.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Problems

If your corned beef seems tough, it might be due to insufficient cooking time or an incomplete pressure release. For larger or smaller cuts, adjust the high-pressure cook time by approximately 10-15 minutes per pound, ensuring you maintain the 20-minute natural release.

While a rack is recommended for the initial cook to keep the corned beef out of the liquid, it’s not strictly necessary if you’re in a pinch, though the bottom might be softer.

Cooking two briskets at once is not recommended in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot as it can overcrowd the pot and affect even cooking; it’s best to cook them separately. Ensure your Instant Pot lid is sealed correctly and the rubber gasket is in place for it to come to pressure.

Beyond the Brisket: Creative Variations

Leftover corned beef is a treasure! Transform it into delicious Reuben Sandwiches by layering it with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.

You can also dice it to make a flavorful Corned Beef Hash with potatoes and onions, perfect for breakfast or brunch. For a different take, chop the meat and mix it with mashed potatoes to form Corned Beef and Potato Cakes, then pan-fry until golden.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional cabbage, consider serving roasted cabbage wedges on the side or a creamy Colcannon.

To Glaze The Corned Beef (Optional)

For an optional touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen, you can glaze the corned beef. After the initial pressure cooking and before resting, you can brush the brisket with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and a splash of the cooking liquid. Then, place it under a broiler for a few minutes until caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re well-equipped to create a truly memorable Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage. Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions!

Is corned beef good in the Instant Pot?

Yes, the Instant Pot is excellent for making corned beef and cabbage, producing incredibly tender meat and perfectly cooked vegetables quickly and efficiently.

Should corned beef be covered in liquid in an Instant Pot?

No, the corned beef doesn’t need to be fully submerged; the steam and pressure are what cook it. The recipe uses a specific amount of liquid for optimal results.

Why is my corned beef not tender enough in the Instant Pot?

This can happen if the cook time is too short or if natural pressure release wasn’t adequately maintained. Ensure you follow the specified cooking time and release method.

What is the best method for cooking corned beef and cabbage?

The Instant Pot method is one of the best for its speed and tenderness, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods.

Did You Make This Delicious Corned Beef?

We hope you enjoyed making this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage as much as we enjoyed creating the recipe for you. Now, we’d love to hear about your experience!

Share Your Experience

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