This Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket is an ideal centerpiece for any festive gathering. The tender, juicy beef is perfectly complemented by a tangy mustard glaze, creating a balance of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
The combination of slow-cooked corned beef, a slightly sweet glaze, and a rich broth makes this dish a memorable experience for the taste buds. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal that’s both hearty and comforting.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 (4-5 lb) corned beef brisket
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
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1 head garlic, halved
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1 tablespoon mustard seeds
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1 tablespoon black peppercorns
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup whole grain mustard
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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2 cups water
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Salt, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a large oven-safe pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the corned beef brisket on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the onion, garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Pour in water, cover, and transfer the pot to the oven.
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Roast for about 3-4 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
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Meanwhile, mix the mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to form the glaze.
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Once the corned beef is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the cooking liquid and return the pot to the stove over medium heat.
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Reduce the liquid by half to make a flavorful broth.
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Brush the corned beef with the mustard glaze and broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and bubbly.
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Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the reduced broth.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 440 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket: A Perfect Comfort Food Classic
Corned beef brisket is a timeless dish often associated with special occasions, family gatherings, and holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. But beyond these celebrations, it remains a beloved classic comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of home to any dinner table. When paired with a tangy mustard glaze, corned beef becomes something truly extraordinary tender, flavorful, and rich with contrasting flavors that are simply irresistible.
This Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket recipe elevates a classic dish to new heights, combining the savory tenderness of slow-cooked corned beef with a zesty mustard-based glaze. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or just a weekend family meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
The Perfect Cut of Meat
The key to a great corned beef brisket is choosing the right cut of meat. Brisket, a cut from the chest of the cow, is naturally tough but full of flavor. It requires slow, low-heat cooking to break down the connective tissue, transforming it into the tender, juicy meat we all love. In this recipe, we use a well-known cut of corned beef brisket, which is pre-seasoned with a pickling spice blend that includes salt, sugar, and various spices like mustard seeds, coriander, and black pepper. This seasoning gives the meat its signature flavor profile and allows it to hold its shape during the slow-cooking process.
Slow-cooking the brisket ensures that every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re using the oven or a slow-cooker, the process of gently cooking the meat results in a flavorful, juicy, and tender piece of corned beef.
The Glorious Mustard Glaze
While the slow-cooked corned beef brisket on its own is already packed with flavor, the addition of a tangy mustard glaze transforms the dish into something exceptional. The mustard glaze provides a beautiful balance of flavors tangy from the mustard, sweet from the brown sugar, and slightly acidic from the apple cider vinegar. This glaze not only adds a burst of flavor to the corned beef but also gives it a lovely glossy finish when broiled, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the meat’s savory richness.
The mustard glaze is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whole grain mustard adds a slight crunch and a deeper flavor compared to regular yellow mustard, making it a great choice for glazing the brisket. Brown sugar rounds out the tanginess of the mustard with a touch of sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the beef.
Once the corned beef is cooked and the glaze is applied, a quick broil in the oven gives it a beautiful golden-brown crust. The slight caramelization of the glaze during this process creates a beautiful contrast in texture, ensuring that each bite is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why Slow-Cooking Is Key
Slow cooking is the secret behind the perfect corned beef brisket. The long cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop, while the moisture from the broth and spices keeps the meat tender and juicy. Whether you’re cooking in the oven, stovetop, or a slow cooker, this method ensures that the corned beef comes out perfectly cooked every time.
Corned beef is a tough cut of meat that benefits from long, low-temperature cooking. Slow cooking helps break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices that practically fall apart when you cut into them. The beauty of this dish lies in the way the flavors meld together during the slow-cooking process. The broth infused with mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and onions adds an additional layer of flavor that permeates the corned beef, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
Pairing with Sides
Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a more traditional meal, consider serving it with classic accompaniments like mashed potatoes, colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage), or roasted vegetables. The richness of the beef pairs beautifully with the creaminess of mashed potatoes, while the earthiness of roasted vegetables balances the tangy mustard glaze.
If you’re looking to switch things up, consider pairing the corned beef with a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables for a lighter, more balanced meal. The acidity from a lemon-dressed salad can help cut through the richness of the corned beef, while roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes provide a deliciously earthy counterpoint to the savory brisket.
For an extra indulgent meal, a side of buttered cabbage or Brussels sprouts can be an excellent pairing, as these vegetables complement the mustard glaze and create a well-rounded dish.
Making the Most of Leftovers
One of the best things about corned beef brisket is the leftovers! The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge, allowing the juices to soak back into the meat. Leftover corned beef can be sliced and used in a variety of dishes, from classic corned beef sandwiches to corned beef hash, or even added to soups and stews for extra flavor.
Corned beef sandwiches are a classic choice for leftovers, and the tangy mustard glaze works wonderfully as a spread on rye or sourdough bread. Add some Swiss cheese and pickles for a full reimagining of a deli favorite. For a breakfast twist, try making corned beef hash by frying up the leftover meat with potatoes, onions, and herbs. Top it off with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
The Versatility of Corned Beef Brisket
While corned beef brisket is most commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s an excellent option for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even a weekend treat when you’re craving a comforting meal. With its robust flavors and tender texture, corned beef brisket is the kind of dish that feels special but is easy enough to prepare on a weeknight or weekend dinner.
The mustard glaze elevates this dish and adds a layer of sophistication, making it suitable for both casual meals and more formal occasions. You could even serve it as the centerpiece of a dinner party, where it’s sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Conclusion:
Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket is an iconic dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. With its tender, slow-cooked meat, tangy mustard glaze, and savory accompaniments, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday meals. The combination of textures and flavors from the rich beef to the sweet, tangy glazemakes this dish unforgettable.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and approachable, with a payoff that will impress everyone at the table. So, the next time you’re looking to create a memorable meal, look no further than Mustard-Glazed Corned Beef Brisket. This dish will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe collection for years to come.
From its mouthwatering aroma to its savory flavor and stunning presentation, mustard-glazed corned beef brisket is the kind of dish that will make any meal feel like a celebration. Happy cooking!