Are you craving a delicious corned beef dinner but forgot to thaw your meat ahead of time?
No need to worry! With the Instant Pot, you can cook frozen corned beef in no time.
Whether you’re a fan of St. Patrick’s Day or just love a good corned beef dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot and share some helpful tips for perfecting your meal.
So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Frozen Corned Beef In Instant Pot?
Cooking frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot is a simple process that can yield delicious results. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour 4 cups of liquid (such as low-sodium broth or beer) into the pot.
2. If your corned beef is frozen, add about 20 minutes to the cooking time for each pound of meat. For example, if you have a 3-pound corned beef brisket, cook it on manual high pressure for about 94 minutes.
3. Add the corned beef to the Instant Pot, along with any seasoning packet that came with it.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure.
5. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Why Use An Instant Pot For Frozen Corned Beef?
Using an Instant Pot to cook frozen corned beef has several advantages. Firstly, it saves time compared to traditional stovetop or oven cooking methods. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot allows for faster cooking times, meaning you can have a perfectly cooked corned beef in just over an hour, even if it’s frozen.
Secondly, using an Instant Pot ensures that the meat stays moist and tender. The pressure cooking process helps to break down tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product. This is especially important when cooking frozen corned beef, as the freezing process can sometimes make the meat tougher.
Lastly, using an Instant Pot is a convenient way to cook corned beef. With the ability to set it and forget it, you can go about your day while your meal cooks. Plus, with the added bonus of not having to watch a pot on the stove or worry about oven temperatures, it’s a stress-free way to cook dinner.
Preparing Your Frozen Corned Beef For Instant Pot Cooking
Preparing your frozen corned beef for Instant Pot cooking is an important step to ensure that your meat cooks evenly and is tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Thaw your corned beef before cooking it in the Instant Pot, if possible. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent any tough or chewy spots.
2. If you don’t have time to thaw the corned beef, you can still cook it in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to add about 20 minutes of cooking time for each pound of meat.
3. Before cooking the corned beef, remove any excess fat from the meat. This will prevent your dish from being too greasy.
4. If your corned beef comes with a seasoning packet, be sure to use it. If not, you can substitute with about 1-2 tablespoons of pickling spices.
5. To add more flavor to your dish, you can also add onions, garlic, and other herbs and spices to the liquid in the Instant Pot.
6. Once the corned beef is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will help keep the meat tender and juicy.
By following these simple steps, you can cook delicious and tender corned beef in your Instant Pot, even if it’s frozen.
Setting Up Your Instant Pot For Cooking Frozen Corned Beef
Before you start cooking your frozen corned beef in the Instant Pot, it’s important to set it up properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. First, make sure that your Instant Pot is clean and dry.
2. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will keep the corned beef elevated above the liquid and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Pour 4 cups of liquid into the Instant Pot. This can be low-sodium broth, beer, or any other liquid that you prefer. The liquid will help to create steam and pressure inside the pot, which is essential for cooking frozen corned beef.
4. If your corned beef came with a seasoning packet, add it to the liquid in the Instant Pot.
5. Next, add your frozen corned beef to the pot. If it’s a large piece of meat, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces so that it fits inside the pot.
6. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure that the pressure release valve is set to “sealing”.
7. Select the manual high pressure setting on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time according to the weight of your corned beef (about 20 minutes per pound).
8. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
9. Open the lid of the Instant Pot and carefully remove the corned beef using tongs or a slotted spoon.
10. Let the corned beef rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these steps, you can cook delicious and tender frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot with ease.
Cooking Frozen Corned Beef In Your Instant Pot
Cooking frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot requires a few adjustments to the cooking time and method. The general rule of thumb is to add about 20 minutes to the cooking time for each pound of frozen meat. So, if you have a 3-pound corned beef brisket, you should cook it on manual high pressure for about 94 minutes.
To begin, place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour 4 cups of liquid (such as low-sodium broth or beer) into the pot. Then, add the frozen corned beef to the Instant Pot, along with any seasoning packet that came with it. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help ensure that the meat stays tender and juicy.
After releasing the pressure, remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. If you find that the meat is not cooked to your desired consistency, simply close the Instant Pot and put it back on manual high pressure for 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
It’s important to note that using low-sodium broth or beer is crucial in preventing your corned beef from becoming too salty. Additionally, if you plan on adding vegetables to your dish, be sure to cook them separately from the meat to prevent them from turning into soup.
Quick Release Vs. Natural Release: Which Is Best For Frozen Corned Beef?
When it comes to releasing pressure from your Instant Pot after cooking frozen corned beef, you may wonder whether quick release or natural release is the best option.
Quick release involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the steam release valve on the Instant Pot lid. This method can be quicker, but it can also cause the meat to become tougher if not done properly.
On the other hand, natural release allows the pressure to release slowly on its own. This method can take longer, but it can result in more tender meat.
For frozen corned beef, it’s best to use a combination of both methods. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This will help ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender.
Tips For Perfecting Your Instant Pot Frozen Corned Beef
Cooking frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot can be a bit trickier than cooking thawed meat, but with these tips, you can ensure that your corned beef turns out perfectly:
1. Increase the cooking time: As mentioned above, frozen corned beef requires more cooking time than thawed meat. To ensure that your corned beef is fully cooked and tender, add about 20 minutes to the cooking time for each pound of meat.
2. Use low-sodium broth: Corned beef is already quite salty, so using low-sodium broth can help prevent your dish from becoming too salty.
3. Cook the vegetables separately: If you cook the vegetables with the corned beef, they may become too soft and mushy. Instead, cook them separately and add them to the dish once the corned beef is done.
4. Let the corned beef rest: Resting the corned beef for a few minutes before slicing and serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
5. Experiment with seasonings: While corned beef is traditionally seasoned with pickling spices, you can also try adding other seasonings to give your dish a unique flavor. For example, you could add garlic, onion powder, or paprika to the broth.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal using frozen corned beef in your Instant Pot.