Easy Corned Beef Dinner Recipe: A Delicious Meal
Picture the aroma of a brisket slow-cooking to perfection, infused with the flavors of cloves, bay leaves, garlic and onions. Add in the traditional Irish sides of head of cabbage, carrots and potatoes, and you have a classic corned-beef dinner. But this is no ordinary boiled dinner. This recipe gives you all the elements of a classic corned beef and cabbage recipe but adds a few twists that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
As an expert in British cuisine, I know there’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than to serve corned beef cut perfectly on the bias, alongside bright green cabbage braised until tender yet still with a touch of crispness. This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a feast for all those who enjoy celebrating Irish American heritage.
So dust off that large Dutch oven or slow cooker and join me as we explore how to create a dish that will invite friends and family to say “sláinte” as they savor every mouthful of this braised corned beef dinner recipe. Whether it’s your first or hundredth attempt at this classic meal, I promise this recipe will leave you feeling satisfied and proud of your culinary achievements. Bon appétit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tried a traditional Irish corned-beef dinner? Well, this is your chance to experience one of the most delicious and hearty dishes in all of British cuisine. You’ll love this recipe for its succulent and tender beef brisket, perfectly cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth that will leave your taste buds singing.
First off, the beef used in this recipe is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a savory and succulent corned beef brisket that is slow cooked with a packet of spices to make it melt-in-your-mouth tender. The spices blend together seamlessly to give an expertly balanced flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the veggies.
Speaking of vegetables, we’ve got them all here! Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage all join the pot to create a dish worthy of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any other day when we’re craving a hearty meal. The veggies are cooked until fork-tender and then served alongside the juicy cuts of slow-cooked corned beef.
But what really sets this recipe apart from others is the rich broth. Made from beef broth, onions, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cloves, and brown sugar, it has a sweet and savory mix that complements the flavors of the meat and vegetables perfectly. Every bite will warm your soul and leave you feeling satisfied.
So trust me when I say you’ll love this recipe. It’s perfect for those who want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoy a classic boiled dinner recipe any time of the year. Whether you’re Irish-American or just have an appreciation for delicious food, this braised corned-beef dinner will have you saying “bon appétit”!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this hearty Corned-Beef Dinner, Irish Style:
Meat:
- 4 pound corned beef brisket
Vegetables:
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 pounds small red or white potatoes, washed and quartered
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 onions, chopped
Spices & Herbs:
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup beef broth
Note that corned beef brisket often comes with a spice packet included. If yours does not, you can use the spices listed above to create your own flavoring for the meat.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Corned Beef
To start this Irish-inspired meal, you’ll first need to prepare the corned beef brisket. You can opt for either a flat cut or point cut meat, but I recommend getting a 4-pound brisket to ensure there’s enough for your family or guests.
- Rinse the corned beef with cold running water to remove some of the sodium that has been used in its preservation.
- Place the beef in a large dutch oven, and add the spice packet that came with it. You can also make your own spice mixture using coriander seed, mustard seed, and black peppercorns.
- Pour enough cold water over the beef brisket until it is fully covered. Add a cup of beef broth and 2 bay leaves to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Corned Beef
The best way to achieve tenderness and deliciousness is to slow-cook the corned beef. Here are the steps:
- Turn on your stove, set it up to low heat, and cover the dutch oven with a lid.
- Let it simmer for approximately 3 and a half hours until it becomes tender.
- Add in bite-sized carrots, potatoes and garlic cloves around halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Adding Cabbage
To round off this boiled dinner recipe, add your cabbage towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get too mushy.
- Retrieve your head of cabbage and quarter it.
- Once you’ve reached 3 hours and thirty minutes into cooking, drop th **e quarters into the pot around the other vegetables so they cook together.
- Wait until after ten minutes have passed before serving.
Now it’s time to serve up some braised corned beef classic Irish style!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try when making this Irish-style corned beef dinner.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with other vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. These are great options that can add a unique flavor to the dish.
If you want to add more complexity to the flavors, try adding root vegetables like turnips, parsnips or sweet potatoes. These will make the dish heartier and more satisfying.
Instead of using just water or beef broth in the recipe, you can also use a dark beer or stout. This will give the dish a rich and bold flavor that pairs perfectly with corned beef.
For those who want to try something new, consider a spicy variation by adding chili flakes or jalapeño peppers. This will result in a spicier and more flavorful version of the classic corned beef dinner recipe.
Finally, if you prefer to eat healthier foods, you can replace the traditional brisket with leaner cuts of beef like sirloin steak or flank steak. Additionally, if you’re following a vegetarian diet, you can use seitan as an alternative to corned beef.
Overall, there are endless ways to personalize this recipe and make it your own. Experiment and have fun with different ingredient combinations until you find your perfect match.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this Irish-style corned beef dinner, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a satisfying experience.
Firstly, when plating the dish, be sure to arrange the sliced corned beef on a large serving platter alongside the cooked cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Place a few of the cloves used in cooking alongside the vegetables for added flavor and garnish.
As for pairing, this dish pairs well with a cold and smooth pint of Irish stout or a crisp white wine. Alternatively, one can stick with tradition and serve it with a glass of Irish whiskey. The rich flavors of the corned beef pair perfectly with bold and warming beverages, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, pairing this dish with an unsweetened iced tea or lemonade can also work wonders. This will wash away the saltiness of the meat and provide a refreshing balance to your palate.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside this classic Irish dish, make sure to enjoy it with good company! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any day in true Irish-American fashion by savoring every bite – Sláinte!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can make-ahead this Corned-Beef Dinner, Irish Style to ensure you have plenty of time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your loved ones. To do so, after cooking the corned beef and vegetables, let them cool completely. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating, place the corned beef and vegetables into a pot over medium heat with 1/2 cup of beef broth or water. Reheat until thoroughly heated, stirring intermittently. For best results, cover the pot with a lid and reheat gently over low heat to maintain their moisture and texture.
You can also freeze the cooked corned beef and vegetables for up to two months to enjoy this Irish classic whenever you want. To do so, let the dinner cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to label it with the date and name of the recipe. To defrost the frozen corned-beef dinner, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
In summary, this make-ahead technique is a great way to save time and reduce stress while ensuring that you have a traditional Corned-Beef Dinner, Irish Style at all times. Whether it is boiled or braised corned beef that you prefer, reheating it following these guidelines will ensure that you can always have a satisfying meal ready at your convenience.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Corned-Beef Dinner turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Lower and slower: When cooking corned beef, low and slow is the way to go. Don’t try to rush the cooking process by turning up the heat. Keep it on low heat for a long time, around three hours per pound for best results.
2. Skim off the foam: While cooking the corned beef, you will notice some foam gathering on the surface of the water. Skim this off with a spoon as it can make your finished dish murky-looking.
3. Add vegetables towards the end: Unlike meat, vegetables cook much quicker. Add your cabbage during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
4. Slicing tips: When it comes to slicing corned beef, always cut against the grain in thin slices. This trick helps to keep the meat tender and flavorful.
5. Resting time: After removing the cooked meat from the pot, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it. During this time, juices will redistribute themselves back into the meat, making it more tender.
6. Save leftovers: Leftover corned beef can be used in many dishes such as sandwiches, salads and soups. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
With these tips in mind, your Corned-Beef Dinner will turn out perfectly every time!
FAQ
As we near the end of this recipe article, it’s important to also address some commonly asked questions related to making a delicious Corned-Beef Dinner, Irish Style. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just love a good boiled dinner, these FAQ responses will help guide you towards perfect results every time. So, let’s get started with some helpful tips and recommendations.
What do the Irish eat with corned beef?
When celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, one cannot ignore the symbolism of glittery shamrocks, green beer, mischievous leprechauns, and the staple dish of corned beef and cabbage.
What is traditional Irish corned beef?
Corned beef is a savory meat dish made by brining a beef brisket in a brine solution that contains pink rock salt. Despite its name, it does not contain any corn. The large grains in the meat, however, give it its characteristic salty flavor that makes it an outstanding dish. Typically, it is served with carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.
What do you serve with corned beef?
I will be providing comprehensive instructions, tips, and recommendations on how to prepare a delicious British cuisine recipe featuring savory potato gratin, classic glazed carrots, roasted red potatoes, Asian cabbage salad, blanched green beans, soft dinner rolls, sauerkraut, and marinated artichoke hearts.
Is corned beef Irish meal?
Contrary to popular belief, corned beef is not a traditional Irish dish and its association with Saint Patrick’s Day is a result of Irish-American customs. During the late 1800s, Irish immigrants in North America substituted bacon with corned beef due to its affordability and availability.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish-style corned beef dinner is a favorite among food enthusiasts, and for good reason. With its tender and juicy brisket, flavorful veggies, and aromatic spices, it’s a dish that’s sure to please any palate. Whether you’re celebrating St Patrick’s Day or just want a comforting and hearty meal, this recipe is a must-try.
So grab your ingredients, pre-heat your oven or slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in a true Irish-American classic. From boiling the cabbage to slicing the beef, every step is worth it for the ultimate taste experience. I hope my detailed instructions and tips have helped you create the perfect corned beef dinner that you’ll want to make time and time again.
I truly believe that making meals from scratch is one of life’s greatest joys – not only because it’s healthier, but also because it’s more fulfilling to put love and effort into what you serve on your plate. This corned beef dinner recipe pays homage to the essence of traditional Irish cuisine while also showcasing the American twist. Give it a go today – bon appétit!
Corned-Beef Dinner, Irish Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -4 lbs corned beef brisket
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 medium potatoes, pared
- 5 small carrots, pared
- 1 medium head of cabbage, cut in 6 wedges
Instructions
- Place corned beef in Dutch oven, and barely cover with hot water; add onion, garlic, cloves,and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer (do not let boil)1 hour per pound of meat, or till fork tender.
- Remove meat from liquid;add potatoes and carrots. . Cover; bring to boiling and cook 10 minutes.
- Then add cabbage wedges; continue cooking 20 minutes longer or till vegetables are done.
- Spice Glaze:
- If you like, glaze the corned beef while vegetables cook.
- Spread fat side of meat lightly with prepared mustard.
- Then sprinkle with mixture of 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Place in shallow pan. Bake in moderate oven 350 degrees 15 to 20 minutes or till nicely glazed.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.