This tasty Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket is a winner! It combines sweet brown sugar with zesty Dijon mustard, making every bite flavorful and delicious.
Cooking this brisket fills my kitchen with the best smell! I love serving it with veggies for a hearty meal that’s both easy and satisfying on busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of the dish. Look for a brisket with a spice packet included for an extra flavor boost. If you can’t find corned beef, you can try making your own brine for a different flavor, or use a different cut of beef, but the taste will vary.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a sharp, tangy flavor. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use yellow mustard for a milder taste, or spicy brown mustard for an extra kick. I find that honey mustard can also work well if you want a sweeter glaze.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives your glaze a rich sweetness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses or honey for that deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is another good alternative for a more natural option.
Spices: The whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds can be substituted with pre-ground spices if you don’t have whole ones. Although, I love the texture and flavor of crushed seeds—they add a wonderful crunch!
How to Simmer Brisket Perfectly?
Simmering brisket is key to achieving that tender texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, rinse the brisket under cold water to wash away excess brine and saltiness. Pat it dry.
- Place the brisket in a large pot with the quartered onion, smashed garlic, bay leaves, and spice packet. Cover it with enough water to submerge the meat.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure it’s bubbling lightly without boiling over.
Remember, the longer you simmer, the more tender it becomes! Use a fork to test if it’s tender—if the fork goes in easily, it’s ready for glazing.
How to Make Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brisket:
- 3-4 lbs corned beef brisket (with spice packet if available)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups water (or enough to cover brisket)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, coarsely crushed
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
For Serving:
- Celery stalks or greens (for serving/lining the plate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket takes about 15 minutes to prep, then 2.5 to 3 hours to simmer the brisket until it’s tender. Once it’s done simmering, you’ll spend around 20-30 minutes roasting it with the glaze. Plan for a total of about 3 hours and 15 minutes for cooking, plus a 10-minute resting time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Brisket:
Start by rinsing the corned beef brisket under cold water. This helps to remove some of the excess brine that can make the meat too salty. After rinsing, pat it dry with paper towels to get rid of any dripping water which can interfere with flavor later.
2. Simmer the Brisket:
Next, place the brisket in a large pot. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, and the spice packet if you have one. Cover everything with about 4 cups of water, or enough to ensure the brisket is completely immersed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the brisket is fork-tender. Just check on it occasionally while it simmers.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Dijon Glaze:
While the brisket is simmering, grab a small bowl to prepare the glaze. Combine the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, whole grain mustard (if using), crushed black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well until it forms a coarse, sticky glaze that’s ready to bring a punch of flavor to your brisket.
4. Preheat the Oven:
When your brisket is tender and smells amazing, it’s time to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for roasting.
5. Glaze and Roast:
Carefully remove the brisket from the cooking broth and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the onion, garlic, and bay leaves from the pot. Place the brisket in a roasting pan or baking dish. Use the glaze you made earlier to spread an even layer over the top and sides of the brisket. Make sure it’s well coated for maximum flavor!
6. Roast:
Pop the glazed brisket in the oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the glaze caramelizes nicely without burning. You want that beautiful crust on top to bring out the best flavors!
7. Rest and Slice:
Once the brisket is nicely roasted, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so that every slice is just bursting with flavor.
8. Serve:
Finally, slice the brisket thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices on a serving platter lined with fresh celery stalks or greens to add some crunch and color. Optionally, spoon any delicious pan juices over the meat for extra flavor. Enjoy your mouthwatering Brown Sugar Dijon Corned Beef Brisket with sides like roasted potatoes, cabbage, or a fresh salad!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, while corned beef brisket is traditional for this recipe, you can use other cuts such as a round roast or a shoulder picnic. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly until the meat is tender.
What If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
No worries! You can substitute Dijon with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or spicy brown mustard for a bit more spice. If you have honey mustard on hand, it can also add a sweet twist to the glaze.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, just place the rinsed brisket along with the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and spices. Cover with water, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until tender. After that, glaze and roast it in the oven for 20-30 minutes to achieve the caramelized crust!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat, adding some broth to keep it moist.
