Corned beef is not precisely a tradition with many variations: it typically tastes the same yearly. We enjoy this flavor, so we don’t usually complain! So, how long does it take to bake a corned beef brisket?
Over the years, we’ve made corned beef brisket from scratch to reduce sodium and smoked corned beef to impart a pastrami-like flavor. Why not attempt baking the corned beef as opposed to boiling it?
Cooking the corned beef in a securely sealed roasting pan with water ensures the brisket retains moisture, producing one of the best-corned beef we’ve ever tasted.
What Is Corned Beef?
Have you ever pondered the origin of the name Corned Beef for this brisket?
The process of “corning” has nothing to do with corn. The beef was dry-cured in coarse “corns” of salt before the invention of refrigeration. I am a food nerd because I adore these historical details.
Today’s Corned Beef is a beef brisket brine-cured with seasonings and curing salt, giving it a deep pink color.
Why Oven-Baked Corned Beef?
Years ago, we cooked beef brisket submerged in liquid in a Dutch oven, stovetop, or slow cooker. Both methods consisted of simmering the meat.
It is a straightforward method for making corned beef that falls apart.
However, the interior texture and flavor were identical to the exterior.
We never again boiled our brisket after we attempted baking it.
The exterior is crisp and flavorful, while the flesh is tender and juicy.
In addition, it slices elegantly for an impressive presentation.
How To Select The Best Corned Beef Brisket?
Briskets can range from approximately three pounds to a very sizable size. The magnitude of the outcome will not determine its quality.
A whole brisket cuts into a “Flat” or a “Point.” The difference between the two is as follows.
Point is a thicker, more rounded cut of flesh. It typically has a higher fat marbling content, making it flavorful.
The flat is also called round and is a slimmer, somewhat leaner cut of meat. It is simpler to cut, allowing for a more attractive presentation.
Both are delectable, so don’t worry if you don’t know the difference or don’t have a choice between them.
Also, briskets are not delicate cuts of meat, so be careful not to overcook them.
When deciding how much brisket to serve, knowing that a traditional serving size is approximately 3/4 pound per person is helpful.
How Is Corned Beef Cooked In The Oven?
Here are the steps which is corned beef cooked in the oven:
Step 1: Blanch
Before baking the corned beef, blanch it in boiling water. Corned beef is salted, so simmering it will help bring out its savory flavor. Start by rinsing the corned beef to remove excess salt and placing it in a large kettle. Bring the meat to a boil in enough water to cover it over high heat. When the water bubbles vigorously, discard it and press the corned beef dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Bake
Meanwhile, prepare the oven to 350°F. Put the corned beef fat side in a roasting pan with a cooling rack or a baking tray with an oven-safe rack. If neither is available, place the corned beef on a bed of chopped scallions to elevate it above the pan. You may rub the surface of the meat with mustard from Dijon and seasonings, or you may roast it as is.
Add half an inch of water to the roasting pan and wrap it securely in aluminum foil. Depending on the quantity of the brisket, bake for two to three hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees. Occasionally verify that the pan still contains water.
Step 3: Add vegetables (optional)
For a simple side dish, add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pan with the corned beef during the final hour of cooking. To complete the word, serve fried cabbage alongside the meat and vegetables.
Step 4: Broil (optional)
After the brisket reaches the desired temperature, remove the aluminum foil to produce a crispy crust. Set the broiler to high and cook for two to three minutes or until the top is golden and crusty.
How Hot Should You Cook The Corned Beef In The Oven?
We enjoy roasting corned beef at 350 degrees. You can smoke corned meat at temperatures as low as 275 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will take an additional hour or two.
How Long Should Corned Beef Be Baked Per Pound?
Generally, baking corned beef requires approximately one hour per pound. Here is a guide to simplify things:
- Corned Beef Weight Cooking Time
- 1 lbs 1 hr
- 2 lbs 2 hrs
- 3 lbs 3 hrs
- 3.5 lbs 3 hrs 30 mins
- 4 lbs 4 hrs
- 4.5 lbs 4 hrs 30 mins
- 5 lbs 5 hrs
Utilizing a meat thermometer that reads instantaneously is the most reliable method for determining when corned beef has been cooked. When the corned beef is done, the alarm will sound when the thickest portion of the meat probes. If you prefer firmer (yet still tender) slices of corned beef, you can pull the flesh when it reaches 180°. In either case, the meat should rest for at least 30 minutes before being sliced against the grain and served.
Should You Boil Or Bake Corned Beef?
It is ultimately up to you. When perfectly executed, both methods result in succulent corned beef. Traditional recipes, such as corned beef, cabbage, or corned beef with a glaze, ask for simmering corned beef in spiced water for approximately three hours.
This method is preferred because the water creates a moisture barrier that prevents the beef from drying out, but it is simple to boil the meat too vigorously and create tough pockets.
In contrast, corned beef baked in the oven requires two steps—blanching followed by baking—but the higher oven temperature reduces the heating time by about an hour. Additionally, we enjoy having the option of finishing the cooked brisket under the broiler, which creates an incomparable golden crust.
Bottom line: If you’ve never baked corned beef, you should give it a shot if you’re a traditionalist who insists on boiling it.
How Do You Store Baked Corned Beef?
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them for up to four days in an airtight container with the cooking liquids. Reheat leftover corned beef in a pan with a touch of beef broth or water, slice thinly for a Reuben sandwich or chop for corned beef hash. However, these are only some of your options. Here are some additional methods for utilizing the remaining corned beef.
Thank you for reading….