Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe That’s Simple and Tender
Instant Pot corned beef recipe brings together my German heritage and American spirit in one simple dish. Back in Germany, brisket simmered for hours in my family’s kitchen, filling the house with rich aromas. After moving to the U.S. at 18, life sped up, but my love for bold, comforting flavors never changed.
In New York, I found the Instant Pot—a perfect solution for recreating those slow-cooked memories without spending all day in the kitchen. This instant pot corned beef recipe transforms a few simple ingredients—brisket, garlic, beer, and spices—into juicy, flavorful slices every time. The pressure cooking locks in moisture, making each bite tender and delicious, whether for a holiday feast or weeknight dinner.
For more Instant Pot favorites, don’t miss my Quick & Juicy Frozen Corn on the Cob Instant Pot
Table of Contents
Perfect Timing for Cooking Instant Pot Corned Beef
Getting the timing right is the secret to this instant pot corned beef recipe. Pressure cooking makes corned beef incredibly tender, but only if you follow the right timing based on the size of your brisket. For a 3 to 4-pound cut, like the one I usually prepare, 90 minutes on high pressure is just right. This allows the connective tissue to break down fully while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
Many people ask how long to pressure cook 4 lb corned beef. The answer is simple: 90 minutes at high pressure, followed by 10 minutes of natural pressure release. This short resting time inside the sealed pot helps the brisket retain moisture and stay fork-tender. Next, gently release the remaining pressure using the quick-release method. This perfect balance of timing and pressure control greatly improves the texture.
When I first tried this instant pot corned beef recipe, I was amazed at how evenly cooked the meat turned out compared to traditional stovetop methods. It took me back to those family meals in Germany, but with the convenience my busy New York life demands. If you’re also looking for perfectly timed Instant Pot recipes, check out my Instant Pot Roast Beef and my hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew.
Proper timing ensures every bite of corned beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, making your Instant Pot your best ally in the kitchen.
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Easy Instant Pot Corned Beef Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Results
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy and tender Instant Pot corned beef recipe made with garlic, beer, and spices in just 90 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (3 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Combine water, beer, and garlic in the Instant Pot.
- Place trivet inside. Place brisket on trivet and sprinkle spice packet on top.
- Close and lock lid. Set high pressure for 90 minutes; allow 10 minutes for pressure build-up.
- After cooking, natural release for 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
- Remove brisket, tent with foil, and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can substitute beer with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Why Pressure Cooking Corned Beef Beats Slow Cooking
When it comes to cooking corned beef, many wonder if pressure cooking or slow cooking gives better results. After making this instant pot corned beef recipe countless times, I can confidently say pressure cooking wins for both flavor and convenience. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment forces the rich spices, garlic, and beer deep into the brisket, delivering bold flavors that normally take hours to develop.
Slow cooking does create tender meat, but it often requires 8 to 10 hours of planning. With the Instant Pot, you’re serving up perfectly tender corned beef in just 90 minutes of cook time. Plus, the Instant Pot locks in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out, which can sometimes happen in slow cookers. The texture from pressure cooking is consistently fork-tender without falling apart.
I first tested this instant pot corned beef recipe when I had just moved to New York. After a long shift at the bistro, I craved my childhood comfort food but didn’t have all day to prepare it. The Instant Pot allowed me to enjoy that same deeply flavored brisket in a fraction of the time—and I’ve never looked back.
With the Instant Pot, you’re not sacrificing flavor for speed—you’re getting the best of both worlds.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Most Tender Instant Pot Corned Beef
The beauty of this instant pot corned beef recipe is how simple the ingredients are while delivering incredible results. You’ll need just a few essentials: water, beer, garlic, and the spice packet that comes with your corned beef brisket. Each ingredient plays a role. The beer adds a deep, subtle richness; garlic brings its familiar warmth; and the spice packet delivers that signature corned beef flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute beef broth for beer for a non-alcoholic version, but beer remains my personal favorite.
Here’s exactly how I make my instant pot corned beef recipe at home:
First, gather your ingredients. Pour 2 cups of water and a 12-ounce bottle of beer into your Instant Pot. Stir in the minced garlic. Place the trivet inside the pot and set the brisket on top, fat side up. Sprinkle the included spice packet evenly over the meat.
Close the lid, seal the valve, and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 90 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes for the pressure to build before the cooking starts. After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully use quick release for the remaining pressure. Remove the brisket, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
That rest is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice moist and tender. The Instant Pot guarantees perfect results every time, whether you’re cooking for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is corned beef good in Instant Pot?
Absolutely! This instant pot corned beef recipe is one of the best ways to cook corned beef. The pressure cooking locks in moisture and deeply infuses the brisket with flavor from the spice packet, beer, and garlic. The result is consistently tender, juicy meat every time.
How long to pressure cook 4 lb corned beef?
For a 4-pound corned beef brisket, cook at high pressure for 90 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest. This ensures the meat stays tender and flavorful, just like in my instant pot corned beef recipe.
Is it better to pressure cook or slow cook corned beef?
While both methods work, pressure cooking is faster and delivers equally, if not more, tender results. The Instant Pot saves you hours while still achieving the rich flavors and perfect texture that slow cooking typically provides.
What is the best method for cooking tender corned beef?
In my kitchen, the Instant Pot is the best method. The controlled pressure and moisture create fork-tender brisket every time. Follow the timing and steps in this instant pot corned beef recipe, and you’ll get perfect results.
Conclusion
This instant pot corned beef recipe perfectly blends old-world flavors with modern convenience. Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or a comforting family dinner, the Instant Pot makes it easy to serve up juicy, tender corned beef with minimal effort. With simple ingredients, precise timing, and my step-by-step guide, you can confidently bring this flavorful dish to your table. I invite you to embrace your roots, play with flavor, and savor every bite—right here at my table.
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