Oven-Baked Corned Beef Brisket with Mustard Glaze Recipe

An Old Neighborhood Favorite: Oven-Baked Corned Beef Brisket

Corned beef brisket is a classic dish that brings back memories of big family dinners and gatherings in many old neighborhoods. While often served on St. Patrick's Day, corned beef brisket can be enjoyed any time of year when you're craving its rich, salty, tender meat. Though corned beef brisket is traditionally boiled, baking it in the oven results in a flavorful crust and lets the meat soak up all the seasonings. This oven-baked corned beef brisket with a mustard glaze is an easy update on an old neighborhood favorite.

Benefits of Oven-Baked vs Boiled Corned Beef Brisket

There are several advantages to baking corned beef brisket in the oven compared to the traditional stovetop boiling method:

• Oven baking results in a caramelized, crispy exterior crust while keeping the interior moist and tender.
• The meat retains more flavor when baked versus being boiled in plain water.
• You don't have to worry about over or undercooking the brisket in the oven.
• Oven baking allows you to add extra flavor with a glaze or seasoning rub.
• It frees up space on the stovetop for cooking side dishes.
• No need to monitor a pot for hours - just pop it in the oven and let it bake.

Choosing the Right Corned Beef Brisket

When selecting a corned beef brisket to bake, opt for a well-marbled cut of meat. The brisket should have ample fat running through it, which keeps the meat tender and moist during cooking. Choose a brisket that is uniformly pink in color without any dry or brown areas. For oven baking, select a smaller 3-4 pound brisket over a giant 6-8 pound cut. The smaller brisket will cook more evenly in the dry heat of the oven. Look for a brisket with the fat cap intact, which bastes the meat while it bakes.

Brining is Key for Well-Seasoned Meat

A good corned beef brisket starts with brining. Choose a brisket that has been brined for a minimum of 7 days and up to 14 days. The brining solution gives corned beef its signature salty flavor and tender texture. A longer brining time allows the seasonings in the cure to penetrate deeper into the meat. Be sure to rinse the brisket well before baking to remove any excess surface saltiness. Though pre-brined brisket can be used right out of the package, consider adding extra aromatics to the brine like garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds to boost the flavor.

Baking Tips for Moist, Flavorful Meat

The key to oven-baked corned beef is keeping the meat moist while developing flavor. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Choose a shallow baking pan and place brisket fat-side up to baste itself as it cooks.
• Rub the brisket all over with spice blend before baking to form a flavorful crust.
• Add aromatics like onion, celery, garlic, and carrots to the pan for extra moisture and taste.
• Pour in a little beef or chicken broth to keep the meat from drying out.
• Tent foil over the brisket during the first half of baking, then uncover to brown.
• Use an oven meat thermometer and bake until brisket reaches 190°F internally.

Mustard Glaze Adds Bold Flavor

Glazing a corned beef brisket while it bakes adds a punch of extra flavor. A savory mustard glaze pairs perfectly with the salty, robust meat. To make a simple glaze, combine mustard with maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic powder, and pepper. Brush the glaze over the brisket about halfway through baking. The sugars will caramelize and the mustard adds a tangy contrast. Thicker glaze consistency helps it cling to the meaty exterior. Reapply another layer or two of glaze in the last 30 minutes of baking for delicious results.

Oven-Baked Corned Beef Brisket with Mustard Glaze

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 yellow onion, quartered
• 3 carrots, peeled and halved
• 3 celery ribs, cut into thirds
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup beef broth
• Mustard Glaze:
• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place brisket fat-side up in a shallow baking dish. Scatter onion, carrots, celery and garlic around brisket. Pour in beef broth.
2. In a small bowl, stir together all glaze ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
4. Remove foil and glaze brisket. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes more.
5. Glaze brisket again and bake another 30 minutes until glaze caramelizes and meat registers 190°F.
6. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Corned beef brisket is often served as part of a corned beef and cabbage dinner, but it's also delicious on its own. Try these serving suggestions:

• Place sliced corned beef on rye bread with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for delicious Reuben sandwiches.
• Dice and add to creamy hash made with potatoes, bell peppers, onions and eggs.
• Serve carved slices with steamed cabbage wedges and buttery boiled potatoes.
• Pile slices on toasted Irish soda bread for an easy appetizer.
• Chop and use in potato pancakes or corned beef hash.

Leftover baked corned beef also works great in sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles. With its deep seasoning and tender texture, this oven-baked corned beef brisket makes for a hearty, crave-worthy dish just like you'd find in an old neighborhood deli or St. Patrick's Day feast. The mustard glaze adds the perfect tangy finish.

FAQs

How long does it take to bake corned beef brisket in the oven?

Baking a 3-4 pound corned beef brisket takes around 3-4 hours total. Bake covered for 2 hours, then uncovered for 30 minutes at a time until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

What temperature do you bake corned beef brisket at?

Bake the corned beef brisket at 325°F. The moderate temperature tenderizes the meat while still allowing it to brown.

Should you cook corned beef brisket fat side up or down?

Cook the brisket fat side up. This allows the fat to baste the meat and keep it moist during baking.

Can you freeze leftover corned beef brisket?

Yes, leftover baked corned beef brisket freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.

What spices do you use for corned beef brisket?

For the baking spice rub, use black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and thyme.