Well now, if you’re lookin’ to make somethin’ that’ll make your whole house smell good and get folks talkin’, let me tell ya, apricot glazed corned beef is a mighty fine choice. Now, you ain’t gotta be no fancy chef to make it either, so don’t go worryin’ your head. I’m gonna tell ya just how to get it done without any fuss, just like the good ol’ days when we used to cook up good meals without all them gadgets and gizmos. Grab what you need, and let’s get to it!
Ingredients you need:
- 1 corned beef brisket (about 3 to 4 pounds, don’t get too picky, just pick a nice one)
- 3 cups of water (don’t go drinkin’ it, just use it for cookin’)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (you ain’t makin’ no dessert, just sweetenin’ it up a bit)
- 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar (this gives it a little zing, so don’t skip it)
- 2 cloves of garlic (or more if you love garlic like I do, it’ll make your house smell real nice)
- ½ cup of apricot preserves (now this is the magic part, don’t be shy with it)
- 2 tablespoons of mustard (I like Dijon, but you use whatever you got)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat, throw it in, otherwise skip it)
How to make it:
First off, you gotta take that corned beef outta its little bag and throw away that liquid it’s been sittin’ in. Ain’t no need for that, it’s all salty and soggy. Put the meat into a big ol’ dish that can go in the microwave or your oven if you’re old-fashioned like me. You know, somethin’ that’ll hold it steady so it don’t slide around too much.
Now, let’s talk sauce. In a bowl, mix together your apricot preserves, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all up till it’s nice and smooth. You’ll smell that sweetness comin’ through, and trust me, it’s gonna taste real good. Now, pour that mixture all over the top of your corned beef. Don’t be shy, cover it real nice. The sugar in the apricot preserves is gonna help that meat get a nice glaze, and the mustard’s gonna give it a little kick.
Next thing, you need to microwave it. Set the microwave to a medium-high heat and cook the meat for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s nice and hot all the way through. If you got yourself a bigger hunk of meat, you might need to cook it a little longer. Just keep an eye on it and give it a check with a fork to make sure it’s tender.
If you ain’t got a microwave, don’t worry! You can do this in the oven. Just cover that corned beef with some foil, stick it in a preheated oven at 325°F, and let it roast for about 2-2.5 hours. Give it a basting now and then with the sauce so it don’t dry out. When it’s all done, you’ll have yourself a real tasty, tender meal that’ll have folks askin’ for seconds.
What to serve with it:
Now, don’t just go shovin’ that corned beef on a plate by itself. You gotta give it somethin’ to go with. If you’ve got potatoes, you can boil ‘em up and mash ‘em. Ain’t nothing wrong with a little mashed potatoes. Or maybe you got some cabbage you’ve been workin’ with. A nice slaw or some roasted veggies will do the trick too.
And if you wanna get fancy, throw a little parsley on top for color. Makes it look like you put some effort into it, even if you didn’t. Folks won’t mind, they’ll be too busy enjoyin’ that sweet and savory goodness!
Some tips for the best corned beef:
- Don’t skip the vinegar! It helps balance out all that sweetness from the apricot preserves, and gives the dish a nice, tangy flavor.
- Let the corned beef rest a little after you take it out of the microwave or oven. It’ll keep all the juices inside, so when you slice it, it’ll be tender and juicy.
- If you don’t like the apricot preserves, you can use peach or even plum if that’s what you got. Ain’t gotta be strict about it.
Well, that’s about all there is to it! Simple, sweet, and a little bit spicy, just like a good meal should be. Whether you’re makin’ it for a Sunday dinner or just want somethin’ special to throw together for the family, this apricot glazed corned beef is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your folks’ faces light up. You won’t regret it, I promise ya that!
Tags：[apricot glazed corned beef, corned beef recipe, easy dinner, microwave corned beef, apricot mustard glaze, simple recipes, corned beef cooking tips, homemade corned beef]
