Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

This Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage is made right in your pressure cooker and is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or just a classic meal. This beef brisket is served tender with delicious vegetables.

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This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated.

What is Corned Beef

Are corned beef and brisket the same thing? The short answer is no. Corned beef is brisket that is cured/brined/seasoned first. Corned beef is also used in Reuben sandwiches. Traditional brisket looks like a huge roast and is generally smoked.

Why is it Eaten on St. Patrick’s Day?

According to the Kitchn and Why We Eat Corned Beef on St. Patty’s Day, years ago, the newly immigrated Irish to the US were used to eating salt pork back at home, its nearest counterpart, bacon, was prohibitively expensive in the U.S. Corned beef was much cheaper.

It was paired with cabbage and potatoes because, again, CHEAP!

Where to Buy Corned Beef

I purchased my corned beef at Costco. This is usually my go-to spot for large cuts of meat. Costco will usually only have it around St. Patrick’s Day, so during other times of the year you may have head to a local butcher or ask your local store if they carry it.

Do You Rinse it Before Cooking?

I don’t rinse the corned beef. Many do because the meat has been brined in salt. Rinsing it first will remove any excess salt. The meat has been cured with salt so if you do choose to rinse it, that should not remove the flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Corned Beef

1. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot.
2. Add the corned beef, chicken stock, and garlic to the pot.
3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal. Pressure Cook.
4. Keep the liquid from the beef in the pot. Add the sliced onions, carrots, and cabbage to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes on Manual > High-Pressure cooking.
5. Quick-release the steam when the pot indicates it is finished.
6. Serve the corned beef with the cabbage and carrots.

How Long to Cook

Cook the beef for 90 minutes with a 10 minute natural release of steam.

Do You Put it in the Pot Fat Side Up or Down?

Typically you will find this doesn’t matter. The fat will run throughout both sides of the meat.

Texture/Is it Tender?

Brisket is a tough cut of meat if it isn’t cooked long and slow or in a pressure cooker. When cooking meat in the Instant Pot, you should always allow for a natural release of steam. Do not quick release. A quick release will result in tough meat.

What to Serve with the Dish

Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Southern Style Homemade Cornbread
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Brisket
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Instant Pot Apple Pie Steel Cut Oats
Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Instant Pot Chicken, Seafood, and Sausage Gumbo
Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto with Vegetables and Parmesan

Save your leftovers and make Instant Pot Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches!