If you love hearty, comforting meals that bring both bold flavor and a touch of sweetness to your table, you are going to absolutely adore this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe. This dish takes classic corned beef to the next level with a luscious apricot glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the tender meat paired with that glossy, flavorful crust will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a special role in bringing this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe to life. From the savory corned beef itself to the sweet and tangy glaze components, every item matters in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your corned beef doesn’t stick to the baking dish for easy cleanup.
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed: The star of the show, providing a tender and flavorful base for the glaze.
- 1 cup water: Helps keep the corned beef moist during the initial baking phase.
- 1 cup apricot preserves: Adds sweetness and a fruity depth that beautifully complements the salty meat.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization and rich flavor of the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a umami punch and balances the sweetness for a savory complexity.
How to Make Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your baking will go smoothly, and your corned beef won’t stick to the dish, preserving that beautiful glaze.
Step 2: Set Up the Corned Beef
Place your rinsed corned beef in the baking dish and pour in one cup of water. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture while it bakes. This step is essential for keeping the meat juicy and tender during its initial cooking phase.
Step 3: Initial Baking
Bake the covered corned beef for 2 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to develop. Once done, carefully drain and discard the liquid to prepare for glazing.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce until fully combined. This glaze is the heart of the dish, infusing the corned beef with its signature sweet and savory richness.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake Again
Spread the luscious glaze evenly over the corned beef. Then bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan drippings. This final bake caramelizes the glaze, creating that irresistible sticky crust you’ll love.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once baked, let the corned beef rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy. Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish.
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few pickled vegetables add brightness and contrast to the richness of the glazed corned beef, balancing the dish and adding a pop of color for an inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This glazed corned beef pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or buttered cabbage. Each side offers a complementary texture and flavor that rounds out the meal perfectly without overpowering the star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the glazed corned beef on thick slices of rustic bread with a smear of mustard or horseradish sauce. You can also cube leftovers for hearty sandwiches or toss in a salad for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to separate the meat from the glaze if you want to avoid sogginess and reapply fresh glaze before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze sliced glazed corned beef in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, cover the corned beef with foil and warm it gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. This gentle heat helps maintain the juicy tenderness without drying out the meat or burning the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use different preserves for the glaze?
Absolutely! Apricot preserves are classic here because they bring a lovely balance of sweetness and fruitiness, but peach or orange preserves also work wonderfully if you want to experiment.
Do I need to rinse the corned beef?
Yes, rinsing the corned beef before cooking helps remove excess salt and brine, which ensures the final dish isn’t overly salty and that the flavors are more balanced.
Is it possible to prepare this in a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe to a slow cooker by cooking the corned beef covered for about 6 to 8 hours on low, then applying the glaze and broiling or baking for final caramelization.
What cuts of corned beef work best?
The traditional cut for this recipe is brisket. It has the right fat content and texture that become wonderfully tender and flavorful when slow-cooked and glazed.
How do I slice corned beef correctly?
Always slice corned beef against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers, which results in much more tender and easier-to-chew slices.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is truly a gem that turns a simple ingredient into something spectacular. With its perfect blend of savory and sweet, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with corned beef all over again!
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Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
Description
This Glazed Corned Beef recipe features tender, slow-baked corned beef enhanced with a sweet and savory apricot glaze. The combination of apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a beautifully caramelized crust perfect for a hearty meal. Simple to prepare and ideal for roasting in the oven, it’s a delicious twist on a classic dish that yields flavorful, juicy slices every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed
- 1 cup water
Glaze
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Corned Beef: Place the rinsed corned beef in the prepared baking dish. Pour in 1 cup of water around the meat to keep it moist while baking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and tenderize the beef.
- Initial Baking: Bake the covered corned beef in the preheated oven for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and juicy. After baking, carefully drain and discard the cooking liquid.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined to create a sweet and savory glaze.
- Apply the Glaze: Spread the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the corned beef, ensuring all areas are coated to develop a flavorful crust during the final baking step.
- Final Baking: Return the glazed corned beef to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Baste the meat occasionally with the pan drippings to keep it moist and enhance the glaze’s caramelization.
- Serve: Remove the corned beef from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the meat against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the corned beef well to reduce excess saltiness.
- Use a sharp knife for clean slices against the grain, which helps in tenderness.
- The glaze can be adjusted by substituting the apricot preserves with other stone fruit jams like peach or apricot for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover corned beef works great in sandwiches or hash.
- Check occasionally if the water has evaporated during the first baking and add a splash if needed to keep the meat moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
