Are you a fan of corned beef but forgot to thaw it out before dinner? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy a delicious meal with frozen corned beef!
Cooking frozen corned beef may seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done easily and efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods for cooking frozen corned beef in a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make a mouth-watering meal with frozen corned beef.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Frozen Corned Beef?
There are two popular methods for cooking frozen corned beef: in a pressure cooker or a slow cooker. Both methods are easy and require minimal preparation.
Why Cook Frozen Corned Beef?
Cooking frozen corned beef can be a convenient option for those who don’t have time to defrost the meat beforehand. It’s also a great way to save leftovers or store bought corned beef that you won’t be able to consume before its expiration date. However, it’s important to note that cooking frozen corned beef will require longer cooking time compared to fresh or defrosted meat.
One of the easiest ways to cook frozen corned beef is in a slow cooker. Simply place the frozen corned beef in the slow cooker with some vegetables and liquid, and let it cook on low for 9 hours or until it’s fork tender. It’s important to note that you should not cook frozen corned beef on high as it may dry out the meat. The timing may vary depending on the weight of the meat and how tender you want it to be.
Another option is to use a pressure cooker. This method is quicker and can cook the corned beef in about half the time compared to a slow cooker. To cook frozen corned beef in a pressure cooker, add enough liquid to cover the meat and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 90 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually.
Before cooking frozen corned beef, make sure it’s properly thawed if it’s been previously cooked and frozen. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator is the best method to avoid any texture changes. If you’re cooking uncooked frozen corned beef, you can cook it from frozen but expect longer cooking times.
Preparing Frozen Corned Beef For Cooking
Before cooking frozen corned beef, it is important to properly prepare it. First, check the “sell by” date on the package to ensure that the meat is still safe to consume. If it has been stored properly, unopened corned beef in a pouch with pickling juices can be kept in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Products with a “use-by” date can be stored unopened in the refrigerator until that date.
If you have an uncooked corned beef brisket that you want to freeze, make sure to drain it and wrap it well before placing it in the freezer. Keep in mind that salt encourages rancidity and texture changes, but it is still safe to eat. Try to use the frozen corned beef within a month or two.
When you’re ready to cook your frozen corned beef, there’s no need to thaw it first. For slow cooking, start by washing your potatoes and laying them inside the pot as a trivet. Slice onions and lay them around the potatoes. Unwrap your package of frozen corned beef and set it on top of the potatoes with the fat side facing up. Pour a can of beer over the top and sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the meat on top so it sticks. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or until it slices easily and is fork-tender.
For pressure cooking, place your frozen corned beef in the Instant Pot with enough liquid to cover it halfway. Add any desired vegetables or seasonings at this time. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 90 minutes. Allow for natural release before opening the lid and serving.
By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare and cook frozen corned beef for a delicious meal.
Cooking Frozen Corned Beef In A Pressure Cooker
Cooking frozen corned beef in a pressure cooker is a great way to save time and still enjoy a delicious meal. The first step is to place a trivet inside the pressure cooker and pour 4 cups of liquid inside the pot. If you have frozen corned beef, you will need to add a little extra time to the cooking process. As a rule of thumb, cook frozen corned beef in the Instant Pot on manual high pressure for about 34 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 3-pound corned beef, cook it for 102 minutes. If it’s 4 pounds, cook it for 136 minutes.
It’s important to note that you should only use low-sodium broth or you may end up with an overly salty dish. If your meat is not to the consistency you like it, simply close the Instant Pot and put it back on manual high pressure for 15-minute intervals until it reaches your desired tenderness.
When cooking corned beef in a pressure cooker, it’s best to cook the veggies separately or they will become too soft and turn into soup. You can cook your veggies in the broth mixture for added flavor and deliciousness.
It’s important to ensure that your corned beef is fully defrosted before cooking it in a pressure cooker. However, if you do need to cook it from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 20 minutes to allow the corned beef brisket to defrost and cook completely.
Once your corned beef is cooked, it should be very fork-tender, meaning it can easily be pierced with a fork. Rinse the meat before cooking if it came in a brined vacuum-sealed package to avoid an overly salty dish.
Finally, leftovers can be stored in the cooking juices and frozen for later use. With these tips, cooking frozen corned beef in a pressure cooker can be quick and easy, while still providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Frozen Corned Beef In A Slow Cooker
While slow cooking frozen corned beef may seem like a convenient option, it’s important to note that the USDA recommends thawing all foods completely before placing them in a slow cooker. This is because slow cookers generally reach temperatures between 170 and 280 degrees F, which is high enough to kill most bad bacteria but not enough to safely cook frozen meat.
To cook thawed corned beef in a slow cooker, start by washing your potatoes to remove debris and laying them inside the pot in the middle to act as a trivet. Slice onions and lay them all around the potatoes. Unwrap your package of corned beef and set it on top of the potatoes with the fat side facing up. Pour a can of beer over the top and sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the meat on top so it sticks.
Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or until the meat slices easily and is fork-tender. It’s important not to cook on high when slow cooking, as this can dry out the meat. The timing will vary depending on the weight of your corned beef, but for a 3.5-pound piece of meat, 9 hours should be appropriate.
It’s important to note that longer cooking times will result in more pull-apart meat, so adjust the timing based on your preference. Additionally, if you plan on cooking cabbage with your corned beef, it’s recommended to cook it separately to allow the vegetable to shine on its own.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking Frozen Corned Beef
Cooking frozen corned beef can be a convenient and time-saving option for those who want to enjoy this delicious dish without the hassle of thawing it first. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook frozen corned beef to perfection:
1. Use a pressure cooker: Cooking frozen corned beef in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked meat in a fraction of the time it would take to cook it on the stovetop or in the oven. To do this, simply place the frozen corned beef in the pressure cooker with enough liquid (such as water or beer) to cover it, along with any desired spices or seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.
2. Use a slow cooker: If you prefer a more hands-off approach, cooking frozen corned beef in a slow cooker is another great option. To do this, place the frozen corned beef in the slow cooker with enough liquid to cover it, along with any desired spices or seasonings. Cook on low for 9-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
3. Add flavor: While corned beef is already packed with flavor, adding some extra spices or seasonings can take it to the next level. Consider adding garlic, onion, mustard seeds, or bay leaves to the cooking liquid for an extra boost of flavor.
4. Check internal temperature: To ensure that your corned beef is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking corned beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F for food safety purposes.
5. Let it rest: Once your corned beef is fully cooked, allow it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
By following these tips and tricks, you can easily cook frozen corned beef that is tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Serving And Enjoying Your Frozen Corned Beef Meal
Once your Instant Pot frozen corned beef is fully cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. First, remove the corned beef from the Instant Pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Next, slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices. This will ensure that the meat is not tough or chewy. Serve the corned beef with your favorite vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, or potatoes. You can either cook these vegetables separately or add them to the Instant Pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
To add even more flavor to your meal, you can make a simple sauce by mixing together mustard and horseradish. This sauce pairs perfectly with corned beef and will take your meal to the next level.
Don’t forget to save any leftovers! Corned beef makes great sandwiches or can be added to soups or stews for a hearty meal. Just be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.