Corned beef, a St. Patrick’s Day staple, is a delicious cut of beef that’s been brined or pickled. Cooking it in a Ninja Foodi can make the process faster and easier, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook corned beef in a Ninja Foodi, from preparation to serving.
Contents
Why Use a Ninja Foodi?
The Ninja Foodi is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, air fryer, and slow cooker. Using it to cook corned beef offers several advantages:
* **Speed:** Pressure cooking significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods.
* **Tenderness:** The pressure cooking process helps break down tough fibers in the beef, resulting in a more tender texture.
* **Flavor:** Cooking in a flavorful broth enhances the taste of the corned beef.
* **Convenience:** All-in-one cooking means fewer dishes and less monitoring.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
* **Corned Beef Brisket:** Choose a 2-3 pound corned beef brisket, preferably with the spice packet included.
* **Liquid:** 4-6 cups of liquid (beef broth, water, or a combination).
* **Vegetables (Optional):** Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage are classic additions.
* **Spice Packet (Included with Corned Beef):** Or your own blend of pickling spices.
* **Ninja Foodi:** Pressure cooker function.
* **Trivet:** To elevate the corned beef above the liquid.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to cook corned beef in your Ninja Foodi:
1. **Prepare the Corned Beef:** Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. This helps remove excess salt from the brining process. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. **Add Ingredients to the Ninja Foodi:** Place the trivet in the bottom of the Ninja Foodi. Pour in the liquid (beef broth, water, or a combination). Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef.
3. **Place Corned Beef on Trivet:** Place the corned beef brisket on top of the trivet, fat-side up.
4. **Pressure Cook:** Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set the pressure release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time. A general guideline is 25-30 minutes per pound. For a 3-pound corned beef, cook for 75-90 minutes.
5. **Natural Pressure Release:** Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Ninja Foodi to naturally release pressure for at least 15 minutes. This helps the corned beef retain moisture and become more tender. After 15 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure by carefully moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position.
6. **Add Vegetables (Optional):** If you want to add vegetables, do so after the natural pressure release. Cut carrots and potatoes into large chunks and add them to the Ninja Foodi. Place the cabbage wedges on top. Close the lid and pressure cook for another 3-5 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
7. **Rest the Corned Beef:** Remove the corned beef from the Ninja Foodi and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. Serve with the cooked vegetables and some of the cooking liquid for added flavor.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** Ensure there’s enough space around the corned beef for even cooking.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and size of the brisket. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) for optimal tenderness.
* **Use Quality Broth:** Using a good quality beef broth will enhance the flavor of the corned beef.
* **Seasoning:** Taste the cooking liquid and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add extra spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, or mustard seeds.
* **Fat Cap:** Cooking the corned beef with the fat cap up helps baste the meat as it cooks, adding flavor and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Corned beef is delicious served in a variety of ways:
* **Traditional Dinner:** Serve with boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
* **Sandwiches:** Thinly sliced corned beef makes excellent sandwiches with mustard and rye bread.
* **Corned Beef Hash:** Use leftover corned beef to make a flavorful hash with potatoes and onions.
* **Reuben Sandwich:** A classic sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
FAQ
**Q: Can I use water instead of beef broth?**
A: Yes, you can use water, but beef broth will add more flavor to the corned beef.
**Q: How do I know when the corned beef is done?**
A: The corned beef is done when it is fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).
**Q: Can I cook frozen corned beef in the Ninja Foodi?**
A: It’s best to thaw the corned beef before cooking for more even cooking. If you must cook it frozen, increase the cooking time significantly.
**Q: Can I use the slow cooker function on the Ninja Foodi?**
A: Yes, you can cook corned beef on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
**Q: What if my corned beef is too salty?**
A: Rinsing the corned beef before cooking helps remove excess salt. You can also add a peeled potato to the cooking liquid, as it will absorb some of the salt.
**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.
Conclusion
Cooking corned beef in a Ninja Foodi is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this flavorful dish. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve perfectly tender and delicious corned beef every time. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a hearty meal, the Ninja Foodi makes the process easy and enjoyable. Enjoy!