Guinness Braised Corned Beef Recipe (2024)

Our Guinness Braised Corned Beef is rendered to perfect tenderness in the Instant Pot and then quickly broiled to melt and crisp the fat cap. Served up with braised cabbage and Traditional Irish Colcannon straight from our family recipe archives.

This dark Irish Stout is the perfect match for this brisket, creating killer flavor and it comes together quickly in the IP. You can also cook this in a Dutch oven or slow cooker for 6-8 hours (depending on this size) but IP makes it so much faster and sometimes it’s nice to get in and out of the kitchen in a flash!

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Tips for Making the Best Corned Beef Brisket

Buy the best cut of beef possible: This is often overlooked as folks look for the best deal, and I totally get it. But sometimes when quality is sacrificed for cost the meal suffers. The cut of meat is everything, even in “cheap cuts” still invest in the best you can source.


When choosing the best cut of corned beef, look for a deep red color that’s well marbled. Avoid anything that’s dull or gray in color which suggests its been sitting in a cooler for too long. You’ll also want to make sure there is a nice fat cap which adds flavor and self bastes as it cooks. Be sure to take into account that meat does shrink as it cooks so purchase ample portions.

Types of Brisket Cuts

Brisket comes from the breast section of the cow, a boneless cut from under the first five ribs. A typical full-sized brisket will weigh in between 8-12 pounds and is about 12-20 inches long, and 12 inches wide. Your butcher will gladly cut a larger piece down to a smaller size.

  • Point Cut: Triangular in shape, has the most flavor and a larger composition of fat running through it than the flat cut.
  • Flat Cut: More rectangular in shape, the fat layer runs predominantly along the underside.

A modestly priced cut of beef, that responds well to long, slow cooking, which makes it perfect for braising. Of course, it‘s also perfect, for grilling, smoking, the slow cooker, and the Instant Pot.

Bring on the Guinness Draught Stout!

This fabulous nitrogenated stout is deeply flavored and has very subtle hints of coffee and chocolate. Balanced with bitter-sweet, roasted notes. Perfect for infusing the meat with flavor while keeping it moist.

Don't Forget the Spice!

You are welcome to use the spice packet that comes with your corned beef. However, if you want to boost the flavor a little more than toss in some of your other favorite spices.

  • peppercorns
  • allspice
  • cinnamon
  • ginger
  • bay leaves
  • cloves
  • coriander
  • mustard seeds
  • nutmeg
  • crushed garlic

How to Slice Corned Beef Brisket

Use a carving knife (or Chef’s knife) to slice the meat across the grain. Starting at the lean end set the knife so that the blade makes a right angle to the grain of the meat and cut into thin slices. Continue working your way toward the fattier end and plate or place cut meat onto a warmed serving platter.

How to Make Oven Braised Corned Beef

You can easily make this in the oven too! Preheat your oven to 275°F/135° layer the ingredients as stated into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or pan wrap the top of the pot tightly with heavy-duty foil then place the lid on top. Bake for 4 hours, pull and check for tenderness. it should be done within that time but depends on the cut itself you may need an additional hour or so. After it’s tender then you can place it on a sheet pan and broil it to crisp up the top side, about 5 minutes. Pull from the oven, tent with foil and allow it to sit for 15 minutes to rest. The slice and serve

Chef’s Tip: You canrinse corned beef, but it’s not a requirement.Rinsingthe brisket removes any excess salt from the meat, resulting in a more mild flavor. If you do want to remove the excess salt soak the brisket in cold water 30 minutes per pound. We DO NOT soak ours, but this is entirely up to you.

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How to Make Guinness Braised Corned Beef

5 from 11 votes

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Guinness Braised Corned Beef

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

1 hr 45 mins

Total Time

2 hrs

Our Guinness Braised Corned Beef is rendered to perfect tenderness in the Instant Pot and then quickly broiled to melt and crisp the fat cap.

Category:Dinner

Cuisine:Irish

Keyword:Corned Beef and Cabbage, Instant Pot Corned Beef, Instant Pot Guinness Braised Corned Beef, Pressure Cooker Corned Beef

Author: Mean Green Chef

Ingredients

  • 1large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4lbcorned beef brisket w seasoning packet,flat cut
  • 4clovesgarlic,smashed
  • 1bottle (11.2 oz/317 grams)Guinness Draught Stout,or sub lager style beer

Instructions

  1. Slice onion and layer in the bottom of Instant Pot then set the corned beef brisket on top of the layered onions. Toss in the garlic and cover the top of your brisket with the seasoning packet and then pour in the stout.

  2. Seal lid and set the unit to HIGH pressure for 85 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 20 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure. Remove corned beef and place on a tray cover with foil. Turn on the Broiler once the broiler is ready pop the brisket into the oven and broil for about 5 minutes keeping a watchful eye! Broil until topside crisps, remove from oven and allow to sit tented in foil for 15 minutes, then slice and serve.

Recipe Notes

  • Prep time is approximate.
  • You can use a combination of any of the above spices mentioned and/or your pickling packet.
  • Store corned beef tightly wrapped in fridge 3-4 days, but it probably won't last that long.

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Guinness Braised Corned Beef Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best beer to cook corned beef with? ›

There's no better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a delicious slow-cooked corned beef recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe takes traditional corned beef and elevates it to a whole new level by cooking it in rich, flavorful Guinness beer. The meat comes out so tender and tasty!

Why add beer when cooking corned beef? ›

Beer contains acids and tannins, which break down meat and tenderize it. It's the same idea as using citrus, wine, or vinegar in a marinade. In this case, Chapple uses two bottles of pale ale to braise the beef, combining it with onion, garlic, bay leaves, and 12 cups of water.

What is the secret to tender corned beef? ›

Turn the crock pot to the low setting and let the slow cooker corned beef cook for 8 to 10 hours. This extended cooking time makes the meat tender, juicy and flavorful.

Why do you soak corned beef before cooking? ›

Soaking helps draw out some of the salt from the curing process.

What makes corned beef taste better? ›

Cover the corned beef with water. Add several tablespoons of pickling spices, or make your own blend with bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, mustard seeds, juniper berries, allspice berries and whole cloves.

Should I rinse corned beef before cooking? ›

Instead: Whether you bought a ready-to-cook corned beef or you cured your own, rinse the meat several times under cool water to remove any excess salt. Don't worry about rinsing away the flavor, the meat is fully infused with flavor by this point.

Why do you put saltpeter in corned beef? ›

Most commercially prepared corned beef contains saltpeter, also known as sodium nitrate. The sodium nitrate is a curing salt that contributes to the pink color and cured flavor of corned beef. It also prevent the meat from spoiling or going rancid while it is curing.

Can I use any beer for corned beef? ›

The one that makes my corned beef and cabbage so freaking good. My special ingredient? You guessed it, beer! You can use any beer you like for and the flavor will change somewhat accordingly.

Why did my corned beef come out tough? ›

Cooking over a high temperature.

High heat is not a friend to brisket. When cooked at a boil for too long, corned beef is likely to turn out tough and chewy, rather than soft and tender. Do this instead: Regardless of the cooking method, corned beef is best cooked over low heat.

What not to do when cooking corned beef? ›

By the end, you'll have a tasty, tender cut of meat your guests won't be able to resist.
  1. Choosing a lean cut of meat. ...
  2. Buying a piece that's too small. ...
  3. Only trying prepackaged corned beef. ...
  4. Not rinsing the meat before cooking. ...
  5. Failing to fill the pot with enough water. ...
  6. Forgetting to season the cooking water.
Nov 4, 2023

Should corned beef be fully submerged in water? ›

Yes, it does. Yes, corned beef should be covered with water in a slow cooker. This is important to ensure that the meat stays moist and tender during the cooking process. It is also important to ensure that the water level is high enough to fully submerge the meat, as this will ensure that it cooks evenly.

Is it better to boil or bake corned beef? ›

Boiling is the most common way to cook corned beef, but it can also be baked or made in a slow cooker. The important thing is to cook it slowly so that it will be tender when finished. To serve you should slice it against the grain.

Do you simmer corned beef fat side up or down? ›

For a three to five-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. STOVE: Place brisket fat-side up in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, allowing about 1 hour per pound. Vegetables may be added during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.

Should you use the juice in the corned beef package? ›

To make the corned beef, open the sealed package right over the slow cooker, because you want to include the brine in the cooking liquid. Don't discard the brine. Place the meat into the cooker and add enough cold water to cover. Add the pickling spices, cover, and cook on high for 6–8 hours.

What brand of beer is best to cook with? ›

Cleansing Flavors
ItemTypes of beerTry this
Pulled pork (for spicy pulled pork dishes)Honey AlePizza Port California Honey Ale
Beef burgers (high-fat content)Pale AleDuck Foot Old Bro Hazy Pale Ale
Beef burgers (lean)PilsnerFremont Golden Pilsner
Vegetarian burgers (grilled vegetables)Wheat beersMaui Pineapple Mana Wheat
9 more rows
Jul 4, 2022

Can I use any kind of beer in corned beef? ›

The one that makes my corned beef and cabbage so freaking good. My special ingredient? You guessed it, beer! You can use any beer you like for and the flavor will change somewhat accordingly.

What beer is best for cooking meat? ›

Wheat beers are great for chicken and seafood. If you're cooking pork, beef, and lamb, you will need ales, porters, and stouts. Hearty meat goes well with belgian ales. Stews pair well with ale.

What beer is best for beef? ›

Best Steak and Beer Pairings
  • Ribeye / Double IPA. The double IPA is strongly hopped, with a clean and dry finish that lacks harshness. ...
  • Filet Mignon / Saison. ...
  • Top Sirloin / Dopplebock. ...
  • New York Strip / Pilsner. ...
  • T-Bone / Helles Lager. ...
  • Flat Iron / Hefeweizen. ...
  • Prime Rib / Porter.
Nov 3, 2023

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