If you’re searching for a festive centerpiece that’s truly unforgettable, Glazed Corned Beef is the answer! This beautifully tender brisket boasts a sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced crust that transforms a comfort-food classic into a celebration-worthy dish. With its irresistible honey-mustard glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Glazed Corned Beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday dinner, or just need a delicious pick-me-up. Every slice glistens with flavor, making it as gorgeous on the platter as it is delicious on your plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Corned Beef:
- 3–4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
How to Make Glazed Corned Beef
Step 1: Simmer the Corned Beef
Start by nestling your corned beef brisket into a large pot. Tuck in the seasoning packet—that little blend of spices packs a lot of savory punch! Pour in enough water to cover the meat completely. Bring things to a bubbling boil, then immediately lower the heat, cover, and let it gently simmer for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. This slow, moist cooking transforms the tough brisket into slices that are fall-apart tender, perfectly juicy, and just begging for that glossy glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the meat works its magic on the stovetop, whisk together your glaze. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves until completely smooth. The result is a thick, aromatic mixture with a deep sweetness, tangy brightness, and a subtle pop of spice—basically, flavor fireworks waiting to happen!
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup. When your corned beef is fork-tender, carefully lift it from the pot and gently pat it dry with paper towels—this step helps the glaze cling beautifully. Place the brisket in the prepared pan and slather on the glaze, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, basting once midway through, until the glaze is bubbling, shiny, and caramelized to perfection.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Patience really pays off here! Let your Glazed Corned Beef rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Slice against the grain for best results—those uniform slices are irresistibly juicy and look extra impressive on the serving platter.
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef
Garnishes
A few thoughtful touches take your Glazed Corned Beef from homemade to holiday-worthy in seconds. Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and herbal brightness, while a scattering of whole-grain mustard seeds hints at the flavors within. For an extra flourish, try a few wedges of lemon or orange—just a quick squeeze over the slices brings everything to life.
Side Dishes
No plate of Glazed Corned Beef is complete without some hearty companions! Roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, or buttery steamed cabbage are classics: they soak up the spiced glaze and balance the richness of the meat. Or, pair with fluffy mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional spread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Stack thin slices of Glazed Corned Beef on rye bread with peppery arugula, extra mustard, and pickles for unforgettable sandwiches. For a buffet, arrange the slices in neat rows with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Or, fan them over a bed of wilted greens for a more elegant, restaurant-style main course. The vibrant glaze steals the show, no matter the setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Extra Glazed Corned Beef is a treasure! Once cooled, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, spoon a few tablespoons of any leftover glaze over the meat to keep it moist and ultra-flavorful.
Freezing
Have more than you can eat? Slice your leftover Glazed Corned Beef, lay the pieces between sheets of parchment, and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready for whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring that just-cooked magic back, gently reheat slices in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth—this keeps them juicy. Or, pop in the oven, covered with foil, at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. For sandwiches, a quick turn in a hot pan does the trick!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Glazed Corned Beef?
While brisket is the traditional choice for Glazed Corned Beef thanks to its marbling and tenderness after a long cook, you can experiment with other cuts like round or silverside. Just keep in mind they may need adjustments in cooking time for optimal texture.
Is it possible to make Glazed Corned Beef in advance?
Absolutely! Cook the corned beef up to a day ahead, let it cool, then glaze and bake just before serving. The flavors intensify overnight and the reheated glaze will taste just as spectacular.
What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with spicy brown or whole-grain mustard; each gives the glaze a unique twist. Avoid yellow mustard, as it’s milder and less complex, but it will still do in a pinch!
Can I add vegetables to the pot when simmering?
Definitely! Toss in carrots, potatoes, or cabbage during the last hour of simmering. They’ll soak up the spiced flavors and round out your Glazed Corned Beef meal—plus, it means fewer dishes to wash.
How do I ensure my corned beef stays moist?
The secret is low and slow simmering, not rushing the process, and letting it rest after baking. Slicing against the grain post-rest also keeps every bite oh-so-tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
Bursting with color, flavor, and tenderness, Glazed Corned Beef transforms even a simple gathering into something memorable. If you’ve never tried this sweet-and-savory take on a classic, I can’t recommend it enough—your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite centerpiece for every special occasion.
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Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Glazed Corned Beef recipe combines the classic flavors of corned beef with a sweet and tangy glaze for a delicious twist on a traditional dish. Perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner or any time you’re craving a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Corned Beef:
- 3–4 lb corned beef brisket with seasoning packet
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Boil the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef in a large pot with water and the seasoning packet. Simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours until tender.
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and cloves in a bowl.
- Glaze and Bake: Pat dry the corned beef, spread the glaze, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest and Slice: Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider boiling the corned beef in a mixture of water and beer.
- Leftover corned beef makes tasty sandwiches, especially with rye bread and mustard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
