As an instant pot owner and lover of corned beef I was thrilled to discover you can easily cook frozen corned beef brisket in the instant pot! This handy appliance makes it so simple to turn frozen corned beef into a delicious family meal with minimal effort.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen corned beef in the instant pot perfectly every time. We’ll cover choosing the right cut of meat prep work cook times, natural release vs. quick release, serving suggestions, storage tips, and more.
Follow these instant pot frozen corned beef cooking instructions and you’ll enjoy mouthwatering, tender brisket without the hassle of defrosting first. Let’s get started!
Selecting High-Quality Frozen Corned Beef
For best results, choose a well-marbled, lean corned beef brisket labeled “flat cut.” The flat cut has more consistent thickness and fat content than the point cut. Look for a size between 3-4 pounds. Inspect the packaging – the meat should appear bright red. Avoid grayish or brown hues.
Opt for certified Angus or organic grass-fed beef when possible for higher quality meat. Check the ingredients – it should contain just the brisket and spices, no preservatives. Defrosting isn’t required, but do rinse off any ice crystals before cooking.
Helpful Prep Before Cooking
Before placing the frozen corned beef in the instant pot, take these preparatory steps:
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Add 1 cup water or beef broth to pot to create steam.
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Insert steamer rack or trivet in bottom of pot.
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Remove frozen brisket from packaging and rinse under cool water to remove ice crystals.
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Pat meat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Place brisket fat side up on rack in pot.
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Sprinkle top with pickling spice packet.
Following this simple prep ensures your meat cooks evenly and results in a moist, tender texture.
Determining Correct Cook Time
Cooking time will vary slightly based on size, but here are general guidelines:
- 3 pound brisket: High pressure 50 minutes
- 3.5-4 pound brisket: High pressure 1 hour
- Over 4 pounds: Add 5-10 minutes
The frozen meat requires longer under pressure to become fully tender. Let’s look at ideal cook settings.
Instant Pot Frozen Corned Beef Step-by-Step
To cook frozen corned beef brisket in an instant pot, follow these simple steps:
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Add 1 cup water or broth to instant pot and insert steam rack.
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Place rinsed 3-4 lb. frozen brisket on rack fat side up and add pickling spice packet.
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Seal lid, ensuring valve is set to sealing position.
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Select “Manual” and adjust cook time based on size of meat. (See times above)
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When cooking completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, quick release remaining pressure by turning valve.
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Remove lid carefully. Transfer brisket to cutting board to rest 10 minutes.
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Slice brisket across the grain and serve. Enjoy!
The hands-off convenience of the instant pot makes cooking frozen corned beef a breeze.
Natural vs. Quick Release Methods
For frozen brisket, I recommend a combo approach:
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Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes. This gradually lowers temp.
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Quick release remaining pressure after 15 minutes. This prevents overcooking.
Releasing all pressure naturally may result in drier, overcooked meat. The combined method lets steam escape slowly while preventing brisket from cooking longer than needed.
Serving Suggestions
Corned beef brisket pairs deliciously with:
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Braised or roasted cabbage wedges
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Boiled baby red potatoes
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Steamed carrots and asparagus
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Rye bread or rolls
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Dijon mustard, horseradish sauce, barbecue sauce
Leftovers make wonderful sandwiches piled high on rye with spicy mustard. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
For food safety, follow these storage tips:
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Allow brisket to cool completely, then refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.
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Slice only the amount needed and keep remaining brisket whole.
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Reheat sliced portions in the microwave or oven until warm, 165°F.
Proper chilling and reheating prevents bacterial growth. With these steps, enjoy tasty leftovers all week long.
Handy Tips for Success
Here are some additional pointers for cooking frozen corned beef in an instant pot:
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For food safety, use a digital meat thermometer to confirm 135°F internal temp.
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Add half a cup of beer or apple juice for extra moisture and flavor.
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Layer cabbage wedges on top during last 15 minutes if desired.
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Transfer cooked brisket to a sheet pan and broil 2-3 minutes to crisp exterior.
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Shred leftovers for amazing homemade corned beef hash.
With practice, you’ll become an expert at preparing frozen corned beef brisket in your instant pot – no defrosting necessary!
Is Frozen Cook Time the Same for All Models?
The frozen brisket cook times in this guide are based on a standard instant pot. If using another brand of electric pressure cooker, add 5-10 extra minutes to ensure the meat cooks through properly.
For example, frozen brisket may take 10-15 minutes longer in a Crockpot Express Crock or Ninja Foodi. Check manufacturer guidelines to determine required times for your specific appliance.
Troubleshooting Issues
Having trouble getting perfect results? Here are some common issues and solutions:
Brisket still tough after full cook time: Quick release all pressure and cook for 10-15 more minutes. Meat may have been larger than 4 lbs.
Meat dried out and tough: Brisket cooked too long. Use natural release next time and reduce cook time for size of meat.
Spices cause burn notice: Too many were added. Use half amount next time. Can also place in cheesecloth bag.
Not enough liquid in pot: Add more broth or water to create steam. Should cover bottom of pot.
Making adjustments based on the issue will help refine your technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions on cooking frozen corned beef in an instant pot:
Is it safe to cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker? Yes, as long as proper cook times are followed based on weight. Meat must reach safe internal temperature.
Can I cook from frozen in any brand of electric pressure cooker? Yes, though cook times may need slight adjustment. Check manufacturer’s recommendations.
Do I need to add liquid if corn beef package has juices? It’s best to add 1 cup water or broth to ensure enough steam and prevent burn notice.
Should I let pressure release naturally or do a quick release? For frozen brisket, allow natural release for 15 minutes then quick release remaining pressure.
Can I add vegetables or potatoes with the frozen brisket? Not recommended. The longer cook time required will lead to overcooked veggies. Cook separately.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Corned beef brisket has amazing flavor that pairs well in many dishes. Here are some ideas:
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Corned beef hash – Dice potatoes, onions, carrots and brisket. Cook in cast iron skillet. Top with eggs.
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Corned beef pizza – Top pizza crust with sauce, shredded brisket, cheese and red onion.
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Corned beef tacos – Dice brisket and sauté with taco seasoning. Add to tortillas with cheese, salsa and sour cream.
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Smoky baked beans – Add chopped brisket to beans along with barbecue sauce and bake.
With the ease of cooking frozen brisket in the instant pot, you’ll have delicious leftovers to get creative with all week long!
Conclusion
As you can see, cooking frozen corned beef brisket in an instant pot is easy and delivers incredible results. Follow the cook times, release methods and serving suggestions in this guide, and you’ll enjoy fool-proof brisket without having to defrost. I hope these tips give you the confidence to start cooking frozen corned beef from your freezer. Get ready for some amazing meals the whole family will love.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure that you have the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen corned beef brisket
- 1 cup of water or broth
- Potatoes, carrots, and cabbage (optional)
- Spices and seasonings like garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves
Once you have all your ingredients in place, it’s time to unleash the Instant Pot’s magic!
Step 2: Set Up Your Instant Pot
First, ensure that your Instant Pot is clean and in proper working condition. Insert the stainless steel inner pot into the Instant Pot base. Place the frozen corned beef brisket on top of the trivet inside the pot. This will prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking.