Corned Beef and Cabbage

 

Corned Beef and Cabbage is a classic dish that many people enjoy, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. This comforting meal is a great way to gather family and friends around the table. The tender beef and flavorful cabbage make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Corned Beef and Cabbage at home is simple and rewarding. This dish has rich flavors that come from baking the corned beef and steaming the cabbage. It’s a delicious way to celebrate tradition, and it brings everyone together for a hearty meal. Plus, you only need a few ingredients to create something special!

How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage

Ingredients

• 1 (3- to 4-lb.) package corned beef brisket
• 3 tbsp. ground black pepper
• 1 c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. sugar (optional)
• 1 head green cabbage (or 2 if you’d like more)
• Olive oil, for searing
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 bottle Guinness, or any beer

Directions

1. For the corned beef: Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Unwrap the brisket and place it fat-side up inside a baking dish. If it came with a spice packet, sprinkle it over the top, then sprinkle on the black pepper and rub it in. Cover the dish with heavy aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, then uncover and continue baking for 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Check the brisket by inserting a fork in the meat. If it goes in easily, it’s ready; if it meets with resistance, bake for another 30 minutes— or up to 1 hour in some cases! If the brisket is tough, it hasn’t cooked long enough! Once the brisket is fork-tender, remove it from the oven and let it rest, covered loosely in foil.
4. While the brisket is resting, make the balsamic reduction: Combine the vinegar and the sugar, if using, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir it together and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture is thick and reduced by half. Set it aside.
5. Next, make the cabbage: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Cut the cabbage into 8 wedges. In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the cabbage. Sear it on both sides until the cabbage gets as much color as possible, about 1 minute per side. Use a spatula to transfer the cabbage to a rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the cabbage pieces with salt and pepper. Pour the Guinness into the bottom of the baking sheet, then carefully transfer the pan to the oven. (The beer will gently steam the cabbage and infuse it with stouty essence). Bake the cabbage for 20 minutes, or until tender and deeper brown.
6. To serve: Slice or shred the rested beef on a cutting board (it should be very, very tender and almost falling apart). Then place it on a large platter alongside the cabbage wedges. Drizzle generous spoonfuls of the balsamic reduction all over the cabbage slices.

How to Serve Corned Beef and Cabbage

Serve Corned Beef and Cabbage hot from the oven! Place the beef and cabbage on a large platter, and don’t forget to drizzle on that tasty balsamic reduction. This dish goes well with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

How to Store Corned Beef and Cabbage

If you have leftovers, store the corned beef and cabbage in airtight containers in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and cabbage separately in freezer bags or containers.

Tips to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage

• Make sure to let the corned beef rest before slicing for more tender pieces.
• Experiment with the spices! You can add garlic or mustard seeds for extra flavor.
• If you prefer your cabbage softer, you can steam it longer in the oven.

Variation

You can add carrots and potatoes to the baking dish with the cabbage for a complete meal. Simply chop them into chunks and add them alongside the cabbage for the last 20 minutes of baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use a different cut of meat, like brisket or round, but cooking times may vary.
2. Is corned beef gluten-free? Most corned beef is gluten-free, but check the labels to be sure. Some recipes use beer, which may contain gluten.
3. What do I do with the leftover corned beef? Leftover corned beef is great in sandwiches, hash, or soups. Get creative, and enjoy it in different meals!