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In the mood for a comforting meal? Try the versatile Honey Glazed Corned Beef and Cabbage – not just for St Patrick’s Day! Slow-cooked with vegetables, this recipe is easy to make for the whole family. The beef is expertly glazed in dark honey (we recommend Buckwheat or Bamboo), mustard, ginger, and coconut sugar for heavenly flavor harmony. I love corned beef, and this is definitely my favorite way to make it!
Honey-glazed corned beef is a popular Irish dish, especially among Irish immigrants in the United States. Check out our other St. Patrick's Day recipes for more popular and traditional Irish cuisine.
For a truly delectable meal, the quality of the meat you choose is paramount. Make a trip to a butcher and ask for a first cut of beef. Keep in mind that some beef may already be corned, meaning it won’t include pickling spices.
Understanding Corned Beef
Corned beef is a type of cured meat that has been preserved using a salt brine infused with pickling spices. The term “corned” comes from the old English word “corn,” which referred to small, hard particles like grains of salt. This curing process not only preserves the beef but also imparts a unique flavor that has made corned beef a beloved ingredient in many recipes. The vibrant pink color of corned beef is due to the use of sodium nitrite, a compound that enhances flavor and inhibits bacterial growth. Often paired with vegetables or potatoes, corned beef is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.
Why Use Honey Instead of Brown Sugar?
When it comes to creating the perfect honey-glazed corned beef, the choice of sweetener is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile. While brown sugar is a popular option in many recipes, honey offers unique advantages that make it the preferred choice for this dish.
Natural Sweetness and Flavor
Honey provides a natural sweetness that is both rich and complex, enhancing the overall taste of the corned beef. Unlike brown sugar, which offers a straightforward sweetness, honey brings a subtle floral note that complements the savory elements of the dish. This depth of flavor creates a more harmonious balance with the mustard and ginger in the glaze. While honey provides a natural sweetness, it is important to use the right type of salt, such as table salt, for seasoning.
Moisture Retention
Honey has hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This quality is particularly beneficial for corned beef, as it helps keep the meat tender and juicy during the cooking process. The glaze made with honey ensures that the corned beef remains succulent, while also forming a beautiful caramelized crust when baked.
Health Benefits
Opting for honey over brown sugar can also provide additional health benefits. Honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a more nutritious choice. While both sweeteners should be used in moderation, honey offers a slight edge in terms of nutritional value.
Enhanced Glaze Texture
The viscosity of honey allows it to adhere better to the surface of the corned beef, ensuring an even coating. This results in a more consistent glaze that enhances the visual appeal and flavor of the dish. The sticky nature of honey also helps the glaze to caramelize beautifully under high heat, adding a delightful crispy texture to the corned beef.
By choosing honey over brown sugar, you elevate the corned beef to new heights, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and health-conscious. Enjoy the nuanced flavors and tender texture that honey brings to this classic recipe.
Every honey varietal from our Honey Royale Set would taste delicious in this recipe
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
Selecting the right cut of meat is crucial for making the best corned beef. There are two main options: flat cut and point cut. A flat cut corned beef is leaner and more uniform in shape, making it easier to slice and ideal for sandwiches. On the other hand, a point cut corned beef has more marbling and comes to a point at one end, offering a richer flavor and a slightly chewier texture. Your choice between flat cut and point cut will depend on your personal preference and how you plan to serve the corned beef. Both cuts can be incredibly tender and flavorful when cooked properly, ensuring a delicious meal.
Curing and Preservation
Curing and preservation are essential steps in making corned beef. The process typically takes about five days and involves soaking the beef in a brine solution made of salt, sugar, and pickling spices. This brine not only preserves the meat but also infuses it with a distinctive flavor. To achieve the best results, it’s important to use the right type of salt, such as pink salt or curing salt, which helps maintain the meat’s texture and flavor. Making corned beef at home requires patience, but the reward is a delicious, homemade cured meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. If curing your own is too daunting, do what we do and pick it up pre-cured!
How to make Honey-Glazed Corned Beef
First things first. Go to the butcher and your local market for your ingredients. Here's your list:
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Corned beef brisket that weighs around 5 pounds
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You'll need 4 quarts of water
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Pickling spices
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A large white onion
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Garlic cloves
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A few Medium carrots
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A couple of ribs of celery
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Small red potatoes
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A large head of cabbage
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Coconut sugar
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Dijon mustard
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Ground ginger
The term corned comes from the process of using large "corns" of rock salt to treat this beef cut. The corning process allowed the beef to be stored for long periods in the past.
We're going to be making our own seasoning, so no need for a boring old seasoning packet! Add some mustard seeds to the list for extra flavor if you prefer.
Try this delicious Homemade Shamrock Shake for dessert!
First: Cook the Corned Beef
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Open pickling spice packet. Tie pickling spices in a disposable paper tea bag or cheesecloth.
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In a large stockpot, combine corned beef, water, pickling spices, one carrot, one celery rib, quartered onion, and garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 3 hours.
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Preheat oven to 350*F.
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Place a cooking rack in a shallow baking pan or dish.
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Remove all cooked veggies and pickling spices from the broth and discard.
Second: Prepare the Honey Glaze and Bake
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Place on rack fat side up, reserving broth
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Mix honey, sugar, mustard, and ginger in a small bowl. Brush glaze evenly over the meat.
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Dry off corned beef
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Grab a baking dish and cover it in foil.
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Add corned beef- Salt, + Pepper, then add glaze
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Wrap in foil, and bake for around 45 minutes to 1 hr per pound of corned beef, making sure the internal temp is a minimum of 145 degrees.
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Take off the top of the foil, and broil for around 5 minutes or until the fat on top is crispy.
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Allow corned beef to stand for 10 minutes before carving.
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Twenty minutes before serving, return reserved water to a medium boil.
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Add remaining fresh-cut carrots, celery, cabbage, and potatoes to boiling water for 15 minutes before serving beef.
Third: Cook Carrots, Cabbage, and Potatoes and Serve
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Prepare a platter.
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Carve corned beef across the grain.
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Place beef beautifully on the platter.
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Decorate the platter with cabbage quarters and veggies.
Cook the honey-glazed corned beef in a large stockpot or crockpot. If using a crockpot with a rack, cook on high for 6 hours. Finish the recipe by transferring the crockpot liner to the stovetop. Remove the cooked veggies and use the cooking liquid to boil the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage briefly until finished.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the great advantages of corned beef is its suitability for meal prep. You can cook corned beef up to a week in advance, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Once cooked, corned beef should be well-wrapped and refrigerated, where it can last for about two weeks. To prevent the meat from drying out, store it in a sealed container. When it’s time to reheat, using a slow cooker or oven is the best way to maintain the tender texture of the corned beef. This make-ahead approach ensures you always have a delicious meal ready to go.
Variations and Recipes
Corned beef is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in numerous ways, from traditional boiled dinners to modern twists like glazed corned beef. Popular recipes include slow cooker corned beef, baked honey-mustard corned beef, and corned beef served with colcannon and Irish root salad. The key to achieving the desired flavor lies in the seasoning packet or spice mix you use. Mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and pickling spices are all excellent choices to enhance the taste of your corned beef. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or a creative variation, corned beef offers endless possibilities for delicious meals.
The Best Corned Beef is Customized by You
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe uniquely yours. With Honey-Glazed Corned Beef, there's plenty of room for customization to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ways to adapt this delicious dish:
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Experiment with Glazes: While the honey, mustard, and ginger glaze is delightful, you can try different combinations. Consider adding soy sauce for an umami kick, or use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer sweetness. Mix in some brown sugar for a different taste.
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Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper into the glaze. Alternatively, mix in some horseradish for an extra zing.
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Vegetable Variations: Besides the traditional carrots, celery, cabbage, and potatoes, introduce other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. These can add new textures and flavors to the dish.
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Alternative Proteins: If beef isn't your preference, try this glaze with other proteins such as chicken, ham, or even a plant-based meat alternative. The sweet and savory glaze complements many types of meat.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the cooking liquid for an aromatic boost. These herbs can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Citrus Twist: For a fresh and tangy element, incorporate a splash of orange or lemon juice into the glaze. The citrus can balance the sweetness and add a refreshing note.
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Nutritional Boost: Incorporate additional ingredients like quinoa or lentils as side dishes or mix them with the vegetables for a hearty meal.
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Serve Creatively: Present your corned beef with a side of crusty bread, a tangy coleslaw, or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors. You can also serve it with a dollop of horseradish mustard for an extra flavor punch.
Feel free to experiment and make this Honey-Glazed Corned Beef recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can bring a new dimension to this classic comfort food. Happy cooking!
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Why You Should Try Our Corned Beef Recipe
Our Honey-Glazed Corned Beef recipe is more than just a dish; it's an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table. The combination of succulent corned beef brisket, the aromatic spices, and the luscious honey glaze creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
By choosing honey over traditional sweeteners, you're not only enhancing the flavor but also adding a touch of health-consciousness to your meal. The moisture-retaining properties of honey ensure that every bite of the corned beef is tender and juicy, while the glaze adds a delightful caramelized finish.
Moreover, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste preferences, making it a perfect fit for any occasion. From experimenting with different glazes to introducing new vegetables, the possibilities are endless.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure with our Honey-Glazed Corned Beef. It's a dish that promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, cherished for its rich flavors and comforting appeal. Enjoy the process, savor the result, and share the love of corned beef with those you hold dear.
