If you’re looking to elevate your classic corned beef night, this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is an absolute game changer. It combines tender, juicy corned beef with a beautifully sticky, sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes right in the oven, giving every bite a delightful burst of flavor. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish brings comfort and a touch of elegance to your table, all with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Glazed Corned Beef Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. They may be simple, but when combined, they transform your corned beef into something spectacular.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the beef doesn’t stick to the baking dish, making cleanup a breeze and preserving the glaze’s perfect texture.
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed: The star of the show, rinsing it removes excess brine for a balanced flavor.
- 1 cup water: Keeps the corned beef moist during the initial baking phase, helping to tenderize the meat beautifully.
- 1 cup apricot preserves: Adds natural sweetness and a fruity depth to the glaze, balancing the saltiness of the beef.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Provides caramelization and richness, creating that iconic sticky glaze effect.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami and a slight savory kick that rounds out the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat setting gently cooks the corned beef, ensuring it stays tender. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking and let you focus on that gorgeous glaze.
Step 2: Place and Cover the Corned Beef
After rinsing your 4 ½ pounds of corned beef to reduce excess saltiness, place it in the prepared baking dish. Pour in exactly 1 cup of water—this helps keep the meat moist as it slowly braises. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, which works magic on the texture.
Step 3: Initial Baking
Bake your covered corned beef for 2 hours. During this time, the heat will tenderize the beef and let the flavors set in. After baking, discard the accumulated liquid; this keeps your dish from feeling soggy and prepares the beef for that sweet glaze.
Step 4: Whip Up the Glaze
Mix together 1 cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce in a small bowl. This blend is where all the magic happens—the apricot’s fruity sweetness, brown sugar’s caramel richness, and soy sauce’s savory umami combine into a luscious glazing sauce that will coat the beef perfectly.
Step 5: Glaze and Final Bake
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the corned beef. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Basting the beef occasionally with pan drippings helps form a shiny, sticky, and flavorful crust that makes this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the corned beef rest a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender and juicy. Slice against the grain for the best texture, then serve warm to enjoy that perfect pairing of tender meat and sweet glaze.
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color that brightens this hearty dish. For a little extra flair, cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick without overpowering the glaze.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted carrots pair beautifully with the rich glaze and tender beef. For something green and crisp, steamed green beans or a simple cabbage slaw bring a balance of textures and flavors that complement the savory-sweet profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try serving your glazed corned beef thinly sliced on crusty bread for a delicious sandwich, perhaps accompanied by a dollop of mustard or horseradish sauce. Alternatively, diced leftovers tossed into a warm grain bowl with roasted veggies can turn this recipe into a completely new, yet just as tasty, meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover glazed corned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy quick, flavorful meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your leftovers longer, glazed corned beef freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to preserve moisture. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, basting occasionally with any saved glaze or pan juices to keep the beef juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of preserve for the glaze?
Absolutely! While apricot preserves add a fantastic flavor and sweetness, peach or orange marmalade also make great alternatives that will give your Glazed Corned Beef Recipe a unique twist.
Is it necessary to rinse the corned beef before cooking?
Yes, rinsing removes excess brine which can be overly salty. This step helps ensure your corned beef cooks to a well-balanced flavor without being too salty.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Cook the rinsed beef with water on low for about 8 hours, then apply the glaze and broil for a few minutes to get that sticky crust. It’s an easy way to let the beef cook slowly while you’re out.
What can I do with the leftover glaze?
The leftover glaze is too good to waste. Use it as a dipping sauce, brush it on roasted vegetables, or stir it into rice or noodles for an extra burst of flavor.
How thick should I slice the corned beef?
Slice the corned beef about ¼-inch thick and always against the grain for the most tender bites. Thinner slices tend to be more flavorful and easier to eat, especially with the glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is truly a showstopper that will become one of your go-to comfort meals. It’s wonderfully easy, wonderfully delicious, and full of flavor that invites everyone back for seconds. Give it a try and watch how this classic dish takes center stage at your table!
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Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Corned Beef recipe transforms a classic corned beef cut into a flavorful, tender dish with a sweet apricot glaze. Perfectly baked to retain moisture and enhanced with a rich blend of apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this recipe makes an impressive main course that’s both comforting and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Corned Beef
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed
- 1 cup water
For the 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 ease cleanup.
- Prepare Corned Beef: Place the rinsed corned beef into the prepared baking dish and pour in 1 cup of water. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote even cooking.
- Initial Baking: Bake the covered corned beef in the preheated oven for 2 hours. After baking, carefully remove the foil and drain off the liquid from the baking dish, discarding it to reduce excess saltiness and moisture.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are fully blended, creating a sweet and savory glaze.
- Apply the Glaze: Evenly spread the prepared glaze over the surface of the corned beef, ensuring it is well coated to enhance flavor and caramelization during the final bake.
- Final Baking: Return the glazed corned beef to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Baste the beef occasionally with the pan drippings to keep it moist and develop a glossy, flavorful crust.
- Serve: Remove the corned beef from the oven and let it rest for several minutes. Slice the meat against the grain into thin pieces. Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Rinsing the corned beef helps reduce excess saltiness.
- Covering with foil during the initial bake traps steam to tenderize the meat.
- Glazing towards the end prevents burning of the sugar in the glaze.
- Slicing against the grain yields more tender slices.
- Leftover corned beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Optional: Serve with mustard or horseradish sauce for added zing.
