The Perfect Keto Corned Beef: Cooking Time Revealed

Corned beef is a popular dish, especially around St. Patrick's Day. The cooking time for keto corned beef depends on the method used. In a pressure cooker, it takes about 90 minutes, while a slow cooker can take 5-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. If you're using an instant pot, it can be ready in about an hour and a half. For those who prefer to cook it on the stovetop, the meat is boiled until tender, which can take around 3-3.5 hours.

Instant Pot keto corned beef

Ingredients:

• Corned beef brisket (4 pounds)
• Black peppercorns (2 teaspoons)
• Dried mustard (2 teaspoons)
• Cabbage (1 large head, cut into wedges)
• Carrots (1 cup, sliced into thirds)
• Celery stalks (1 cup, chopped)
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup)
• Chicken stock (2 cups)
• Minced garlic (1 tablespoon)

Instructions:

• Place the beef brisket into the Instant Pot.
• Discard the spice packet that comes with the meat.
• Cover the beef with water, adding more if needed to ensure it is fully submerged.
• Add the spices, apple cider vinegar, chicken stock, and minced garlic into the pot.
• Cover and set the Instant Pot to "Meat/Stew" for 60 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the time is up, use the Natural Release method, which should take about 20 minutes.
• Carefully remove the cover, watching out for steam, and take out the brisket, keeping it warm.
• Add the vegetables to the pot and press the "Soup" setting for 15 minutes.
• Use the "Quick Release" method to release the pressure.
• Uncover the pot and add the beef back in to warm through.

Tips:

• For a more tender corned beef, consider scoring the fat and rubbing the seasoning into these cuts.
• If you want to add potatoes and carrots, you can include them with the other vegetables. However, note that this will increase the carb count.
• If you are short on time, you can use the "Quick Release" method after cooking the beef, but the Natural Release method is recommended for more tender meat.
• If you want to brown the meat, place it in a roasting pan and put it under the broiler for a few minutes after slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

• Keto cabbage au gratin
• Broccoli casserole
• Cheesy breadsticks

Slow cooker keto corned beef

Ingredients:

• Corned beef brisket (3-4 lbs)
• Spices (black peppercorns, dried mustard, etc.)
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery stalks
• Water or beef broth
• Optional: Red potatoes, onion, baby potatoes, pearl onions, beer, etc.

Method:

Rinse the corned beef brisket and discard the spice packet. Place the brisket in the slow cooker and add in your desired spices. Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the meat. You can also add in onion, carrots, and celery at this point.

Cover and cook on low for 6-9 hours or until the meat is tender. If you prefer to cook on high, it should take 4-5 hours. Halfway through the cooking time, you can add in red potatoes and carrots to prevent them from overcooking. In the last hour of cooking, add the cabbage.

Once the meat is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and slice it. Serve with the vegetables and some Irish soda bread or crusty bread on the side.

Tips:

• You can cure your own beef brisket or buy corned beef from the store, especially around St. Patrick's Day.
• If you want to reduce the carbs, skip the potatoes.
• You can also make this recipe in an Instant Pot, which cuts the cooking time by half.

Broiling the meat

Preparing the Meat for Broiling

First, ensure that you have rinsed the corned beef brisket under cold water and patted it dry. Rinsing is an important step as it helps reduce the saltiness of the meat. Next, trim any excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a quarter of an inch of fat for flavour. If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can skip this step. Place the brisket, fat side up, into a roasting pan.

Set your oven to broil. Place the roasting pan with the corned beef brisket inside and position it under the broiler. Broiling the meat will give it a nice brown colour and a crispy texture. Keep a close eye on the meat while it's under the broiler, as it can quickly go from browned to burnt. Depending on your desired level of doneness, broil the meat for 3 to 5 minutes per side or until it reaches the desired colour and crispness.

Slicing the Meat

Once the meat is broiled to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the meat against the grain in thin, even slices, about half an inch thick. Cutting against the grain will help make the meat more tender.

Serving the Meat

Arrange the sliced corned beef on a platter and serve it with your choice of sides and sauces. Some popular side dishes include cabbage, celery root, carrots, and cauliflower. For sauces, you can try horseradish sauce, Dijon mustard, or a combination of mayonnaise, capers, caper brine, and parsley.

Storing and reheating

Storing Keto Corned Beef:

Proper storage is essential to ensure your leftover corned beef remains safe and tasty. Here are the steps to follow:

• Refrigeration: If you plan to consume your leftover corned beef within a few days, refrigeration is the best option. Place the corned beef in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil before putting it in the fridge. Properly stored corned beef can be refrigerated for up to four days.
• Freezing: If you want to enjoy your corned beef at a later date, freezing is recommended. Cover the cooked corned beef with an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date, and place it in the freezer. Corned beef can be stored in the freezer for up to four months, but it is best consumed within three months for optimal texture and flavour.

Reheating Keto Corned Beef:

There are several effective methods to reheat your stored corned beef, bringing it back to its original tender and delicious state:

• Stockpot Method: This method involves using a stockpot filled with about 2/3 of water, brought to a boil. Cut the corned beef into thick slices to ensure even reheating. Place the slices into a cooking bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing it. Submerge the bag into the boiled water, ensuring the meat is completely covered. Cover the stockpot and heat the corned beef for 10-15 minutes. Finally, remove the bag from the hot water and serve the reheated slices.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 355 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the corned beef in aluminium foil and place it on an oven-proof pan. Reheat for about five minutes, then check the internal temperature of the meat. Remove the corned beef from the oven once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice and serve as desired.
• Instant Pot/Slow Cooker: If you have leftover corned beef that was cooked in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can reheat it using the same method. Place the leftover corned beef back into the pot or cooker and warm it up until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is convenient and ensures even heating.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your keto corned beef multiple times without compromising on taste and texture.

Serving suggestions

Keto corned beef is a very versatile dish and can be served in a multitude of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sandwiches and Wraps

A classic way to serve corned beef is in a sandwich, and the keto version is no exception. You can use keto-friendly bread or wraps, such as low-carb tortillas, to create a delicious and hearty sandwich. Add some mustard, mayo, or your favourite keto condiments, along with some fresh lettuce and tomato, and you've got yourself a tasty meal.

Salads

For a lighter option, corned beef also works well in salads. Try a Reuben chopped salad, which combines corned beef with the flavours of a Reuben sandwich—think Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a tangy dressing. You can also add hard-boiled eggs, avocado, or other keto-friendly vegetables of your choice.

Hash

Corned beef hash is a traditional dish that can be made keto-friendly by substituting potatoes with cauliflower rice. Simply mix the corned beef with the cauliflower rice, onion powder, and your choice of spices, and cook until browned and crispy. This dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a great way to use up any leftover corned beef.

Soups

Leftover corned beef can also be used to make a hearty and comforting soup. You can find keto-friendly recipes for corned beef soup online, which typically involve adding keto-approved vegetables and spices to a broth made from the corned beef cooking liquid. This is a great option for a warm and satisfying meal.

Traditional Sides

If you're looking for a more traditional serving suggestion, corned beef is often served with cabbage, which can be cooked alongside the meat in the same pot. You can also serve it with other low-carb vegetables, such as carrots and celery, and don't forget the horseradish sauce or mustard on the side!

Frequently asked questions