Are you craving a delicious corned beef dinner but don’t have a spice packet on hand? Don’t worry, you can still make a mouth-watering meal without it!
Whether you prefer to cook your corned beef on the stove or in a slow cooker, making your own spice blend is easy and will result in a flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own corned beef seasoning and provide step-by-step instructions for cooking a delicious corned beef dinner without a spice packet.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Corned Beef Without Spice Packet?
The first step to cooking corned beef without a spice packet is to make your own seasoning blend. You can easily create a delicious blend of spices using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
To make your own corned beef seasoning, you will need black peppercorns, crushed bay leaves, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seed, cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes. If you don’t have all of these spices on hand, you can also use pickling spices which already contain most of these ingredients.
Once you have your seasoning blend ready, it’s time to start cooking your corned beef. If you’re using a slow cooker, start by placing onion wedges and crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of the pot. This will act as a stand for your meat so it doesn’t touch the bottom and dry out.
Next, mix together water, beer, sugar, and vinegar and pour it over the beef. Sprinkle your homemade seasoning blend over the meat and set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
After 4 hours of cooking, add in quartered red potatoes and baby carrots. Cover and continue cooking. When there is 1 hour remaining, add cabbage wedges to the slow cooker and continue cooking until done.
If you prefer to cook your corned beef on the stove, simply add your homemade seasoning blend to a pot of boiling water along with the corned beef brisket. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.
Why You Don’t Need A Spice Packet
Many people believe that they cannot make corned beef without a spice packet, but this is simply not true. In fact, making your own spice blend can result in a more flavorful and personalized dish.
While store-bought spice packets can be convenient, they often contain excessive amounts of salt and preservatives. By making your own blend, you can control the amount of salt and adjust the flavors to your liking.
Additionally, if you find yourself without a spice packet, you don’t have to run to the store or give up on making corned beef altogether. With a few simple spices, you can make a delicious seasoning blend that will enhance the flavor of your meat.
Making Your Own Corned Beef Seasoning
Making your own corned beef seasoning is a great way to ensure that your corned beef is packed with flavor, even if it didn’t come with a spice packet. To make your own seasoning blend, start by combining black peppercorns, crushed bay leaves, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seed, cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes. If you don’t have all of these spices at home, you can also use pickling spices which already contain most of these ingredients.
To use your homemade seasoning blend, simply sprinkle it over the corned beef brisket before cooking. If you’re using a slow cooker, place onion wedges and crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of the pot to act as a stand for your meat. Then mix together water, beer, sugar, and vinegar and pour it over the beef. Sprinkle your seasoning blend over the meat and set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
If you prefer to cook your corned beef on the stove, simply add your homemade seasoning blend to a pot of boiling water along with the corned beef brisket. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until tender.
Making your own corned beef seasoning is an easy way to elevate the flavor of your corned beef without having to rely on a pre-made spice packet. Plus, you can customize the blend to suit your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your own corned beef seasoning blend, you will need the following ingredients:
– Black peppercorns
– Crushed bay leaves
– Mustard seeds
– Coriander seeds
– Dill seed
– Cloves
– Crushed red pepper flakes
Alternatively, you can use pickling spices which already contain most of these ingredients.
In addition to your seasoning blend, you will also need:
– Corned beef brisket
– Onion wedges
– Crushed garlic cloves
– Water
– Beer
– Sugar
– Vinegar
– Red potatoes, quartered
– Baby carrots
– Green cabbage, cut into wedges
If you’re using a slow cooker, make sure it is at least 6-8 quarts in size to accommodate all the ingredients. If cooking on the stove, use a large pot with a lid.
With these ingredients on hand, you can easily make a delicious and flavorful corned beef without relying on a pre-packaged spice packet.
Step-by-Step Guide To Cooking Corned Beef On The Stove
Cooking corned beef on the stove is a classic method that yields delicious results. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking corned beef on the stove without a spice packet:
1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot, add enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil.
3. Add your homemade seasoning blend to the pot, along with any additional spices or herbs you like.
4. Gently place the corned beef into the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
6. Check on the pot occasionally to make sure there is enough water to cover the meat. If necessary, add more water to keep it submerged.
7. Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as boiled potatoes and steamed cabbage.
Following these steps will result in tender, flavorful corned beef that is perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to save any leftover broth for making soup or gravy!
Step-by-Step Guide To Cooking Corned Beef In A Slow Cooker
Cooking corned beef in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare this classic dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking corned beef in a slow cooker without a spice packet.
1. Make your own seasoning blend by combining black peppercorns, crushed bay leaves, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill seed, cloves, and crushed red pepper flakes. If you don’t have all of these spices on hand, you can use pickling spices instead.
2. Place onion wedges and crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will act as a stand for your meat so it doesn’t touch the bottom and dry out.
3. Mix together water, beer, sugar, and vinegar and pour it over the beef. Sprinkle your homemade seasoning blend over the meat.
4. Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
5. After 4 hours of cooking, add in quartered red potatoes and baby carrots. Cover and continue cooking.
6. When there is 1 hour remaining, add cabbage wedges to the slow cooker and continue cooking until done.
7. Once done, remove the corned beef from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
8. Serve with the vegetables and garnish with parsley if desired.
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook corned beef in a slow cooker without using a spice packet. The result is a flavorful and tender meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Corned Beef Every Time
Cooking corned beef can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve perfect results every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cooking corned beef:
1. Rinse the meat before cooking: Whether you bought a ready-to-cook corned beef or cured your own, rinse the meat several times under cool water to remove any excess salt. This will help prevent your meal from becoming too salty.
2. Cook over low heat: Corned beef is best cooked over low heat to ensure it stays tender and juicy. A low, gentle simmer on the stovetop or in the slow cooker are two excellent methods for cooking up soft, tender slices of corned beef every time.
3. Use enough water: When simmering corned beef on the stovetop, it’s important to use enough water to fully submerge the meat. If there’s not ample liquid to cover the meat, your dreams of tender corned beef may be replaced by a tough, chewy result.
4. Cook for a lengthy time: Corned beef is a naturally tough cut of meat that benefits from a lengthy cook time. For stovetop cooking, plan on at least three hours for a three-pound corned beef or eight to 10 hours for a three- to four-pound cut that’s cooked on low in the crock pot.
5. Slice against the grain: When you’re done cooking the corned beef, make sure you slice against the grain of the meat. This will produce a more tender result; if you slice with the grain, you’ll find a more tough and stringy texture when you chew.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and tender corned beef meal without using a spice packet. Experiment with your own seasoning blends and cooking methods to find what works best for you and your taste preferences.