Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This isn't just another corned beef recipe – it's a tantalizing journey that combines the rich, tender meat with a surprisingly zesty rhubarb mustard sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine a perfectly cooked brisket, infused with aromatic spices, paired with a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Corned beef brisket
- Rhubarb
- Yellow mustard
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger)
Instructions
- Prepare the corned beef brisket by removing it from packaging and patting dry with paper towels. Trim any excessive external fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
- Place the corned beef brisket in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Cover the meat completely with cold water, ensuring there's at least 1-2 inches of liquid above the brisket.
- Add the included spice packet or create a spice blend using whole peppercorns, bay leaves, and additional cinnamon and ginger if desired. This will enhance the meat's flavor profile during cooking.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While the corned beef is cooking, prepare the rhubarb mustard sauce by chopping fresh rhubarb into small pieces.
- In a saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, yellow mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb breaks down and the sauce thickens.
- Once the corned beef is tender, remove it from the cooking liquid and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve the sliced corned beef with the warm rhubarb mustard sauce drizzled on top or served alongside as a condiment.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired, and accompany with traditional sides such as roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: Select a well-marbled corned beef brisket for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Low and Slow is the Way: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking to ensure the meat remains juicy and doesn't become tough.
- Spice Blend Matters: Don't be afraid to experiment with your spice packet or create a custom blend of peppercorns, bay leaves, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Rhubarb Sauce Consistency: Cook the sauce until it reaches a thick, syrup-like texture for the best coating on the meat.
- Slicing Technique: Always slice corned beef against the grain to guarantee the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
- Sauce Temperature: Serve the rhubarb mustard sauce warm for the most vibrant flavor profile and best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
