With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage.
But have you ever considered cooking your corned beef in an oven bag? This method not only ensures a perfectly tender and flavorful result, but also makes for easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking corned beef in an oven bag and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration a success.
So let’s get started!
How To Cook Corned Beef In Oven Bag?
To cook corned beef in an oven bag, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Corned beef brisket
– Reynolds® Oven Bag
– Vegetables (optional)
– Orange slices (optional)
– Water
– Pickling spice
– Salt and pepper
Now, let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Shake flour in Reynolds® Oven Bag and place it in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. Add corned beef to the bag, fat side up. Press pickling spice into the fat side of the beef.
4. Layer orange slices and vegetables around the meat. Sprinkle salt on top of the meat and veggies, and pour water over everything.
5. Close the bag with a nylon tie and cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag.
6. Tuck any loose edges of the bag into the pan and bake for 2 hours, or until fork-tender.
7. Let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and tender corned beef dinner that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why Cook Corned Beef In An Oven Bag?
There are several reasons why cooking corned beef in an oven bag is a great idea. First and foremost, using an oven bag ensures that your meat stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process. The bag traps in all the juices and flavors, allowing the meat to cook in its own juices. This means you won’t have to worry about your corned beef drying out or becoming tough.
Another benefit of using an oven bag is that it makes cleanup a breeze. Since all the ingredients are cooked in the bag, there’s no need to scrub multiple pots and pans after dinner. Simply toss the bag in the trash and you’re done!
Using an oven bag also allows you to add additional ingredients to your corned beef without worrying about them getting overcooked or undercooked. By layering vegetables and orange slices around the meat, you’ll create a flavorful and well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Finally, cooking corned beef in an oven bag is a great way to save time in the kitchen. Since everything cooks together in one bag, there’s no need to monitor multiple dishes or worry about timing everything just right. Plus, the minimal prep work means you can spend more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Choosing The Right Oven Bag
When it comes to choosing the right oven bag for cooking corned beef, there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure to choose an oven bag that is large enough to fit your corned beef brisket and any vegetables you want to add. Reynolds® Oven Bags come in various sizes, so be sure to select the appropriate size for your recipe.
Additionally, look for oven bags that are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand high temperatures. Reynolds® Oven Bags are made from heat-resistant nylon and are safe to use in temperatures up to 400 degrees F.
Finally, consider the type of closure on the oven bag. Some oven bags come with twist ties, while others have nylon ties. Reynolds® Oven Bags come with nylon ties that are easy to use and secure tightly, ensuring that your corned beef cooks evenly and stays moist.
By choosing the right oven bag for your corned beef recipe, you can ensure that your meal turns out perfectly every time.
Preparing The Corned Beef
To prepare the corned beef for cooking in an oven bag, start by shaking flour in the Reynolds® Oven Bag and placing it in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Next, add the corned beef to the bag, fat side up. Press pickling spice into the fat side of the beef, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Then, layer orange slices and vegetables around the meat. You can choose to add potatoes and carrots, or any other vegetables of your choice. Sprinkle salt on top of the meat and veggies, and pour water over everything. This will help to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.
Close the bag with a nylon tie and cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the bag from bursting during cooking. Tuck any loose edges of the bag into the pan to ensure that it stays secure.
Bake the corned beef in the oven for 2 hours, or until it is fork-tender. The oven bag will help to lock in all the flavors and juices, resulting in a delicious and moist corned beef dinner.
Once cooked, let the corned beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare and cook corned beef in an oven bag for a delicious St. Patrick’s Day dinner or any time of year!
Adding Flavors And Seasonings
While the traditional corned beef and cabbage dish is flavorful on its own, adding extra seasonings and flavors can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Allspice – This warm and aromatic spice pairs well with the flavors of corned beef. Sprinkle some on top of the meat before cooking for added depth of flavor.
2. Brown sugar – A touch of sweetness can balance out the saltiness of the corned beef. Rub some brown sugar onto the brisket before cooking for a caramelized crust.
3. Honey mustard – This tangy and sweet sauce is a classic pairing with corned beef. Serve it on the side as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over the meat before serving.
4. Horseradish – For those who like a little kick, horseradish is a great addition. Mix it with some sour cream for a creamy and spicy dipping sauce.
5. Orange slices – As mentioned above, adding orange slices to the oven bag can impart a subtle citrus flavor to the meat and vegetables.
Experiment with different seasonings and flavors to find your perfect combination. And don’t be afraid to get creative – corned beef is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes.
Sealing The Oven Bag
Sealing the oven bag is an important step in cooking corned beef. It’s essential to ensure that the bag is tightly sealed to lock in the flavors and juices. Here’s how to seal the oven bag:
1. Close the bag with a nylon tie: After adding all the ingredients to the oven bag, twist the open end of the bag and secure it with a nylon tie. Make sure that the tie is tight enough to prevent any air from escaping.
2. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag: Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut six small slits in the top of the oven bag. These slits allow steam to escape and prevent the bag from bursting during cooking.
3. Tuck any loose edges of the bag into the pan: Ensure that the oven bag is snugly fitted into the baking pan. Tuck any loose edges of the bag into the pan to prevent them from touching the sides of the oven and melting.
By following these simple steps, you can seal your oven bag correctly and cook your corned beef to perfection. Enjoy!
Cooking The Corned Beef
To cook the corned beef in the oven bag, start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Shake flour in the Reynolds® Oven Bag and place it in a 9×13-inch baking pan. Add the corned beef to the bag, fat side up, and press the pickling spice into the fat side of the beef.
Next, layer orange slices and vegetables around the meat. You can also add optional carrots or any other vegetables of your choice. Sprinkle salt on top of the meat and veggies, and pour water over everything. The water will help to create steam inside the bag, which will help to cook the meat evenly.
Close the bag with a nylon tie and cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag. This will help to release any excess steam that may build up inside the bag while cooking. Tuck any loose edges of the bag into the pan to prevent it from touching the oven walls.
Bake for 2 hours, or until fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your corned beef brisket, so be sure to check it periodically. Once it’s done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Reynolds® Oven Bag helps to seal in all of the flavors and juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful corned beef dinner that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, using an oven bag means minimal cleanup and no need to cook any side dishes separately!