This Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket is a real treat! It’s tender and packed with flavor from the sweet brown sugar and zesty Dijon mustard. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners!
To be honest, I love how the sweetness balances the saltiness of the beef. It’s like a party for your taste buds! Serve with some mashed potatoes for a meal that warms your heart. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of the show! Rinsing it removes excess brine and helps control the saltiness. If you can’t find corned beef, a regular brisket can be seasoned and cooked similarly, but the flavor will be different.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps caramelize the crust. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute with maple syrup, although it will give a different flavor.
Dijon Mustard: It brings tang and depth to the rub. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard can be used instead. You could also use whole grain mustard for added texture.
Mustard Seeds: These add a nice crunch. If you can’t find them, omit them or use a teaspoon of prepared mustard to give a similar mustardy flavor.
Spices: For a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your taste. If you want an alternative, try smoked paprika for a different kick.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Flavored Rub?
The rub is crucial for building flavor. First, blend all dry ingredients carefully to ensure an even mix. Make sure to coat the brisket generously to create that delicious crust. A good tip is to press the mixture into the meat well to lock in those flavors.
- Mix brown sugar, mustards, seeds, peppercorns, coriander, and garlic in a bowl until blended.
- Use your hands to apply oil before adding the rub for better stickiness.
- Don’t rush—let the brisket sit with the rub on for at least 30 minutes before cooking; more time is even better!
How to Make Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brisket:
- 1 (4 to 5 pounds) corned beef brisket, rinsed
For the Brown Sugar Dijon Rub:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns, crushed
- 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 1 cup beef broth or water (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for applying rub)
- 4 green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious brisket requires about 15 minutes of prep time to get everything ready, then it will cook for about 4 to 5 hours in the oven or 8 hours in a slow cooker. Don’t forget to let it rest for 15 minutes after cooking so it stays juicy when you slice it. Overall, plan for a total of 4 hours and 15 minutes to 8 hours and 15 minutes depending on your cooking method!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Brisket:
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps rinse away any leftover brine. After rinsing, pat it dry with paper towels—this is important to help the rub stick later.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Dijon Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard seeds, crushed black peppercorns, whole coriander seeds, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a kick!), and minced garlic. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Apply the Rub:
Take the olive oil and rub it all over the brisket. This helps the spice mixture stick better! Now, take your brown sugar Dijon rub and generously coat the brisket, pressing it firmly onto the meat. You want to create a nice, flavorful crust!
4. Cook the Brisket:
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket fat side up in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of beef broth or water to the pan to keep it moist while cooking. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and roast for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned brisket in a slow cooker, adding beef broth or water until there’s about 1/2 inch depth in the bottom. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until it’s fork-tender.
5. Rest and Slice:
When the brisket is done cooking, take it out and let it rest for 15 minutes. This is very important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicy and delicious. After resting, slice the brisket thinly against the grain.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Arrange the slices on a serving plate and sprinkle them with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve the brisket warm and enjoy the mix of sweet and tangy flavors!
This recipe produces a tender, richly flavored corned beef brisket with a delightful crust. Perfect for dinner or a special occasion!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
While corned beef brisket is traditional, you can use a different cut like a chuck roast. Just be aware that it will change the texture and flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as some cuts may require longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing mustard seeds or coriander seeds, you can skip them or substitute with an equal amount of garlic powder and a sprinkle of extra black pepper. The flavors will still be delicious!
Can This Recipe Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brisket in advance and apply the rub, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat even more.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the slices in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
