Raise a Glass: Beer-Braised Corned Beef
If you are a fan of Irish cuisine, then you must have heard of corned beef, a classic dish that has made its way into the hearts and plates of millions of people worldwide. This dish is most popularly served on St.Patrick’s Day and involves slowly cooking a piece of beef brisket in a flavorful broth of spices, vegetables, and, most importantly, beer. The end result is an incredibly tender and flavorful meat that is irresistible to the taste buds.
In this article, we will be sharing with you a beer-braised corned beef recipe that you can make at home with ease. From choosing the right cut of meat to the perfect beer to use, we’ve got you covered.
Ingredients:
– 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket, with seasoning packet
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 to 4 cups beef broth, or enough to cover the brisket
– 2 bottles of your favorite beer
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 lb baby carrots, trimmed
– 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, sliced into chunks
– 1 cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add the corned beef brisket (with the seasoning packet), searing it on all sides until browned.
5. Pour in the beer, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add enough beef broth to cover the corned beef brisket entirely.
7. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
8. Cook for about 2-3 hours or until the corned beef is tender.
9. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, boil the baby carrots, potatoes, and cabbage wedges for 10-15 minutes or until they are soft.
10. Remove the corned beef from the Dutch oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
11. Slice the beef thinly and serve it with the vegetables.
Choosing the right beer:
The beer you choose to use for this recipe plays a significant role in the final flavor of the dish. You want a beer that is rich and malty, with a low hop profile as hops can make the dish bitter. A good rule of thumb is to use the type of beer that you would enjoy drinking on its own. Here are a few suggestions:
– Stout: The rich and roasted flavors in a stout beer work excellent with the meaty flavors of the corned beef.
– Brown Ale: Malty and sweet, a brown ale balances the saltiness of the corned beef.
– Red Ale: A red ale has a nice caramel flavor that helps bring out the natural sweetness of the beef.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Follow all the instructions but instead of cooking it in a Dutch oven, transfer it to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Q: Can I make this recipe with a different cut of meat?
A: Technically, you can, but corned beef is preferred as it has already been cured with salt, which adds more flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe without vegetables?
A: Yes, you can, but the vegetables add more flavor and texture to the dish. Plus, they’re healthy!
In conclusion, this beer-braised corned beef recipe is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion when you want to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal. Following our simple instructions and tips will help you create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead and raise a glass to this amazing Irish dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy!