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Corned beef being brined in a bowl.
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How to Brine Corned Beef

Learn how to brine corned beef from scratch with a simple, flavorful brine that creates tender, perfectly cured brisket at home.
Course Homemade Staple, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Low Lactose
Keyword beef brisket, brine, brining corned beef, corned beef, corned beef brine, how to brine corned beef
Dietary Needs Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Meat Beef
Prep Time 3 hours
Brining Time 5 days
Total Time 5 days 3 hours
Servings 10 servings
Calories 391kcal
Author Stephanie Lynch

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp pink curing salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp juniper berries
  • 2 tsp table salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup pale ale or apple juice
  • 5 lb beef brisket

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, curing salt, and brown sugar, heating gently and stirring until everything dissolves
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add the black pepper, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, juniper berries, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and the beer or apple juice
  • Let the brine cool completely at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator until the brine is cold
  • Place the beef brisket in a large ziplock bag or glass bowl and pour the cold brine over it
  • Make sure the meat is fully submerged and seal tightly
  • Refrigerate for 5-10 days, flipping the brisket daily to ensure even curing

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 12681mg | Potassium: 785mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 5mg