Should I rinse corned beef before cooking?

Yes. Rinsing helps remove excess surface salt from the brine.

Why is my corned beef tough?

It likely needs more cooking time. Corned beef must be cooked low and slow until tender.

Can I cook corned beef without beer?

Absolutely. Beef broth works perfectly and keeps the recipe completely alcohol-free.

How long does corned beef last in the fridge?

Cooked corned beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Corned Beef – Best Tender & Easy Recipe

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Corned Beef is a tender, flavorful brisket recipe cooked low and slow in the oven or slow cooker. This easy corned beef method delivers juicy slices with bold seasoning and an optional crispy finish.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3–4 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
2–3 cups beef broth (alcohol-free)
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 onion, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 4 carrots, chopped
Optional: 1 pound baby potatoes
Optional: 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges

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Instructions

Remove corned beef from packaging and rinse under cold water to remove excess brine.
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) or prepare slow cooker.
Place sliced onion and garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan or slow cooker.
Set the corned beef brisket on top, fat-side up, and sprinkle with the included spice packet.
Pour beef broth around the brisket until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides.
For oven method: Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2.5–3 hours (about 50 minutes per pound) until fork-tender.
For slow cooker method: Cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
Optional: Add carrots and potatoes during the last 2–3 hours of cooking. Add cabbage during the final hour.
Let the corned beef rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Slice against the grain and serve warm.

Notes

Always slice against the grain for the most tender texture.
Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce salt content.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 195–205°F for maximum tenderness.
For a crispy top, broil uncovered for 3–5 minutes at the end of oven cooking.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 oz)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/corned-beef/