How Long to Cook Corn Beef for Perfectly Tender Results

Corned beef is a delicious cured and brined meat that just screams comfort food. While it may seem intimidating to cook at first, learning how long to cook corn beef is easier than you think. With the right technique, you’ll have fork-tender, juicy corned beef in just a few simple steps.

Factors that Determine Cook Time

Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook corned beef:

Size/Weight – A 3-4 lb corned beef brisket takes about 2.5-3.5 hours. Plan for 45-50 minutes per pound.
Shape – Flat cuts cook faster than point cuts with uneven thicknesses.
Cooking Method – Stovetop, oven, Instant Pot etc. affect time.
Temperature – Keep at a gentle simmer or low oven temp (300°F).
Altitude – High altitude locations may need extra time.

How Long to Cook on the Stovetop

For traditional stovetop cooking:

Place corned beef in a pot and cover with water/beer. Add pickling spice packet.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low simmer.
Cook 45-50 minutes per pound, until fork tender. Check after 2.5 hours.
For a 3-4 lb brisket, cook time is typically 2.5-3.5 hours.
Rest corned beef for 20 minutes before slicing.

Oven Cook Time

To cook corned beef in the oven:

Place corned beef in a Dutch oven and add water to cover. Add pickling spices.
Bring to a boil on the stovetop first.
Cover and transfer to a 300°F oven.
Cook for about 3-3.5 hours for a 3 lb brisket until very tender.
Rest 20 minutes before slicing.

Instant Pot Cook Time

For fast Instant Pot corned beef:

Add corned beef, 1 bottle beer, and 2 cups water to pot.
Cook on high pressure for 80-90 minutes.
Allow 15 minutes natural release before opening.
Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Doneness Tests

Use a meat fork or skewer to test doneness – it should slide in easily.
Meat should shred easily when poked.
For extra assurance, use an instant read thermometer. Temp should be ≥145°F.

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, slice corned beef across the grain and enjoy with:

Buttered cabbage, potatoes, and carrots
Rye bread or rolls
Mustard, horseradish, or hot sauce
In sandwiches, tacos, pasta, pizza etc.

With the right time and temperature, you’ll have fork-tender corned beef ready for any occasion. Follow these simple guidelines to perfectly cooked corn beef every time. Sláinte!

How to Cook Classic Corned Beef & Cabbage

FAQ

How long does it take to cook corned beef?

For a two to three-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For a three to five-pound corned beef brisket, cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. STOVE: Place brisket fat-side up in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, allowing about 1 hour per pound.

Does corned beef get more tender the longer it is cooked?

Information. Corned beef is made from one of several less tender cuts of beef like the brisket, rump, or round. Therefore, it requires long, moist cooking. Corned beef is safe once the internal temperature has reached at least 145 °F, with a three minute rest time, but cooking it longer will make it fork-tender.

Is it better to boil or slow cook corned beef?

Instead: Regardless of the cooking method, corned beef is best cooked over low heat. 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.

Should corned beef be covered while simmering?

Pour in enough water to cover the beef, then bring the water to a boil on the stovetop. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. A 3-pound corned beef could take three hours or more to become perfectly tender. Check the meat occasionally, adding more water if necessary.