Corned beef is a delicious dish, especially around St. Patrick’s Day! But what happens when you forget to thaw it? No worries! You can cook frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot. It’s safe, easy, and faster than traditional methods. Let’s explore how.
## Why Use an Instant Pot for Frozen Corned Beef?
An Instant Pot is a game-changer. Here’s why:
* **Speed:** It significantly cuts down cooking time compared to slow cooking or oven roasting.
* **Convenience:** Just toss everything in, set the timer, and let it do its thing. No constant monitoring is needed.
* **Tender Results:** The pressure cooking method creates super tender and flavorful corned beef.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* Frozen corned beef brisket (usually 2-3 pounds)
* 12 ounces of beer (like Guinness or your favorite) or beef broth
* 1 large onion, quartered
* 2-3 carrots, chopped
* 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
* 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon pickling spice (often comes with the corned beef)
* 1 bay leaf
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prep the Corned Beef:** Remove the corned beef from its packaging. Rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt. This helps prevent the final dish from being too salty. Don’t worry about thawing!
2. **Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot:** Place the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in the bottom of the Instant Pot. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the meat from sticking.
3. **Place the Corned Beef:** Put the frozen corned beef on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the pickling spice over the meat.
4. **Add Liquid:** Pour the beer or beef broth over the corned beef. Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover at least half of the brisket.
5. **Pressure Cook:** Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 80-90 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your brisket.
6. **Natural Pressure Release:** Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for at least 15 minutes. This helps the corned beef stay tender. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure.
7. **Check for Doneness:** Carefully remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot. Use a fork to check for tenderness. It should be easily shredded. If not, return it to the pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the corned beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides, like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
## Tips for the Best Frozen Corned Beef
* **Don’t Skip the Rinse:** Rinsing the corned beef before cooking removes excess salt and prevents an overly salty final product.
* **Natural Pressure Release is Key:** Allowing a natural pressure release makes the corned beef more tender.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** This is crucial for tender slices. Look for the grain of the meat and cut perpendicular to it.
* **Add Vegetables Later:** If you prefer your vegetables to be less mushy, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal tenderness.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage:** Serve sliced corned beef with boiled cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.
* **Corned Beef Hash:** Dice leftover corned beef and mix it with potatoes and onions for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
* **Reuben Sandwiches:** Layer corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread and grill until golden brown.
* **Corned Beef Tacos:** Shred the corned beef and use it as a filling for tacos with your favorite toppings.
## FAQ
**Q: Can I use water instead of beer or broth?**
A: Yes, you can use water. However, beer or broth adds more flavor to the corned beef.
**Q: How do I store leftover corned beef?**
A: Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Q: Can I freeze cooked corned beef?**
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked corned beef. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
**Q: What if my corned beef is still tough after cooking?**
A: Return it to the Instant Pot and cook for another 15-20 minutes. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
**Q: Can I add potatoes and cabbage to the Instant Pot with the corned beef?**
A: Yes, but they may become very soft. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking for best results.
**Q: My corned beef is too salty. What can I do?**
A: Rinsing the corned beef before cooking helps reduce saltiness. You can also add a peeled potato to the pot while cooking; it will absorb some of the salt.
Enjoy your delicious and tender frozen corned beef cooked in your Instant Pot!