Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef: A Flavorful St. Patrick’s Day Feast!
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a tender, flavorful corned beef? This Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef recipe takes the traditional dish to a whole new level. Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while infusing the beef with the rich, malty flavor of Guinness stout. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth corned beef that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a hearty holiday dinner.
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginners. The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen without spending hours hovering over the stove. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef!
## Why Use an Instant Pot for Corned Beef?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages when cooking corned beef:
* **Speed:** It drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. What might take 3-4 hours on the stovetop or in the oven can be done in about 1.5 hours in the Instant Pot.
* **Tenderness:** The pressure cooking process tenderizes the corned beef, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The enclosed environment of the Instant Pot allows the flavors of the Guinness, spices, and vegetables to deeply penetrate the meat.
* **Convenience:** Set it and forget it! Once the Instant Pot is sealed, you can walk away and let it do its magic.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
* **Corned Beef Brisket:** 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, with the spice packet included
* **Guinness Stout:** 1 (12 ounce) can or bottle of Guinness stout (or other dark beer)
* **Beef Broth:** 2 cups beef broth (or water)
* **Onion:** 1 large onion, quartered
* **Carrots:** 3-4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
* **Celery:** 2-3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch chunks
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced
* **Bay Leaves:** 2 bay leaves
* **Whole Black Peppercorns:** 1 teaspoon
* **Optional Vegetables:** 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered; 1 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef:
**Step 1: Prepare the Corned Beef**
* Remove the corned beef from its packaging and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove excess salt.
* Pat the corned beef dry with paper towels.
* If the spice packet is included, set it aside. You’ll use it later.
**Step 2: Sear the Corned Beef (Optional)**
*While searing is optional, it adds a beautiful crust and deepens the flavor of the corned beef. If you prefer to skip this step, move directly to Step 3.*
* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function.
* Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil to the Instant Pot.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the corned beef in the Instant Pot and sear it on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step requires paying close attention to avoid burning.
* Remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
**Step 3: Build the Flavor Base**
* Add the quartered onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot.
* Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
* Pour in the Guinness stout and beef broth (or water). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is called deglazing and adds extra flavor to the dish.
**Step 4: Add the Corned Beef and Spices**
* Place the corned beef back into the Instant Pot, on top of the vegetables.
* Sprinkle the contents of the spice packet over the corned beef. If you don’t have a spice packet, you can use a mixture of coriander seeds, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and bay leaves.
* Add the bay leaves and whole black peppercorns to the Instant Pot.
* Ensure that the corned beef is mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a little more beef broth or water.
**Step 5: Pressure Cook the Corned Beef**
* Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time based on the weight of your corned beef. A general guideline is 20 minutes per pound for a tender, fall-apart corned beef. For a 3-pound brisket, set the timer for 60 minutes. For a 4-pound brisket, set the timer for 80 minutes.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This helps the corned beef retain its moisture and tenderness.
* After the natural pressure release, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be careful of the hot steam!
**Step 6: Add the Vegetables (Optional)**
*If you want to add potatoes and cabbage, now is the time to do it. Adding them earlier will result in mushy vegetables.*
* Carefully remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
* Add the quartered potatoes and cabbage wedges to the Instant Pot.
* Secure the lid and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and cabbage. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
* Quick release the pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position.
**Step 7: Slice and Serve**
* Remove the corned beef from the cutting board and discard any excess fat.
* Slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew.
* Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables (potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and celery).
* Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the corned beef and vegetables for extra flavor.
## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef
* **Don’t Skip the Rinse:** Rinsing the corned beef before cooking helps remove excess salt, preventing the final dish from being too salty.
* **Sear for Extra Flavor:** While optional, searing the corned beef adds a delicious crust and deepens the flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked corned beef can be dry and tough. Follow the recommended cooking times and use the natural pressure release for best results.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** Slicing the corned beef against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.
* **Add Vegetables Later:** Adding potatoes and cabbage at the end of the cooking process prevents them from becoming mushy.
* **Use a Good Quality Guinness:** The quality of the Guinness stout will affect the flavor of the final dish. Choose a good quality stout for the best results.
* **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the cooking liquid and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little salt and pepper to taste.
* **Save the Leftovers:** Leftover corned beef can be used in a variety of dishes, such as corned beef hash, Reuben sandwiches, or corned beef and cabbage soup.
## Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
* **Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage:** Serve the corned beef with boiled potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and celery.
* **Reuben Sandwiches:** Layer sliced corned beef with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread, then grill or toast until golden brown.
* **Corned Beef Hash:** Dice the leftover corned beef and potatoes and fry them together in a skillet until crispy.
* **Corned Beef Salad:** Combine diced corned beef with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings to create a flavorful salad.
* **Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup:** Add leftover corned beef and cabbage to a broth-based soup for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* **Irish Soda Bread:** Serve alongside a warm slice of Irish soda bread.
* **Mustard:** Offer a variety of mustards, such as Dijon, stone-ground, and horseradish mustard.
## Variations
* **Spicy Corned Beef:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Instant Pot for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Corned Beef:** Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the Instant Pot for a touch of sweetness.
* **Root Vegetables:** Add other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, to the Instant Pot.
* **Different Beer:** While Guinness is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other dark beers, such as stouts or porters.
* **No Beer:** If you don’t want to use beer, you can substitute it with more beef broth or water. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
## Storing Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover corned beef in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Stovetop:** Reheat sliced corned beef in a skillet over medium heat with a little beef broth or water.
* **Microwave:** Reheat sliced corned beef in the microwave on medium power until heated through.
* **Oven:** Reheat sliced corned beef in a baking dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g) corned beef
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 90-120mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg (can be lower depending on rinsing)
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 1-3g
* Sugar: 2-5g
* Protein: 30-40g
## Conclusion
This Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef recipe is a game-changer for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond. It’s quick, easy, and yields a tender, flavorful corned beef that will impress everyone. So, ditch the traditional methods and embrace the convenience and deliciousness of the Instant Pot. Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!
## Recipe Card
**Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef**
A flavorful and tender corned beef made easy in the Instant Pot with the rich taste of Guinness stout. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 35 minutes
**Servings:** 8-10 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, with spice packet
* 1 (12 ounce) can Guinness stout
* 2 cups beef broth (or water)
* 1 large onion, quartered
* 3-4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
* 2-3 stalks celery, cut into chunks
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
* 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered (optional)
* 1 head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse corned beef and pat dry. Set aside spice packet.
2. *(Optional)* Sear corned beef on all sides in the Instant Pot using the ‘Sauté’ function.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in Guinness and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Place corned beef in the Instant Pot on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with spice packet, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
6. Secure the lid and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 20 minutes per pound (60 minutes for a 3-pound brisket, 80 minutes for a 4-pound brisket).
7. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
8. *(Optional)* Remove corned beef and add potatoes and cabbage. Cook on ‘Manual’ for 3-5 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
9. Slice corned beef against the grain and serve with vegetables and cooking liquid.
**Notes:**
* Don’t skip rinsing the corned beef.
* Slice against the grain for tenderness.
* Add vegetables later to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Guinness Corned Beef!