Have you ever wondered how to make corned beef from scratch? It's easier than you might think! Simply brine a beef brisket with pickling spices, then simmer until juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1-1/2 cups kosher salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 tbsp. mixed pickling spices, divided
- 4 teaspoons pink curing salt #1
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 oven roasting bags
- 1 fresh beef brisket (4 to 5 pounds)
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
Instruction
- In a large stockpot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons pickling spices, pink curing salt and garlic. Bring to a simmer, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Place 1 large oven roasting bag inside another. Place brisket inside inner bag; pour in cooled brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat meat. Refrigerate 10 days, turning occasionally to keep meat coated. Remove brisket from brine; rinse thoroughly. Place in a Dutch oven with water to cover. Add carrots, onions, celery and remaining 2 tablespoons pickling spices. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, adding water if necessary to keep brisket covered, until meat is tender, about 3 hours.
- Serve warm or cool. Slice brisket thinly and serve in a sandwich or with additional vegetables simmered until tender in cooking liquid.
- To make ahead: Refrigerate meat in cooking liquid for several days; reheat in liquid.
