If you’re craving a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors, this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender corned beef, slow-baked to perfection and finished with a glossy apricot glaze that adds a delightful sweetness and depth to every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of umami, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with something familiar yet special. This dish is a fantastic way to transform classic corned beef into a show-stopping centerpiece that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build rich flavor, tender texture, and an irresistible glaze. From the hearty corned beef itself to the sweet apricot preserves and a splash of soy sauce for balance, every component plays an essential role.
- Nonstick cooking spray: This keeps your baking dish ready for easy cleanup and prevents sticking during the slow bake.
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed: The star of the show, rinsing removes excess brine for a better flavor balance and tender texture.
- 1 cup water: Provides moisture to keep the beef juicy as it bakes low and slow.
- 1 cup apricot preserves: Adds luscious sweetness and creates the signature glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the glaze with deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps it brown.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a savory note that balances the glaze’s sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, so your corned beef won’t stick and the cleanup is effortless later on. This preparation step ensures a smooth cooking process and a beautifully roasted finish.
Step 2: Place and Cover the Corned Beef
Put the rinsed corned beef into your prepared baking dish, fat side up if it has one. Pour in 1 cup of water, which will help keep the meat tender as it cooks. Then, cover the whole dish tightly with foil. This wrapping traps steam and flavor, allowing the corned beef to slowly soften over the two-hour baking period.
Step 3: Bake Covered for Two Hours
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake the corned beef covered for about 2 hours. During this time, the meat becomes wonderfully tender. Once done, carefully remove the foil and drain off the cooking liquid—this step readies the beef for the next stage of glazing and caramelizing.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the apricot preserves, brown sugar, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This glossy glaze is the magic touch that transforms the corned beef, balancing sweetness with savory notes and giving it that irresistible shiny coating.
Step 5: Spread the Glaze on the Beef
Using a spoon or a brush, generously spread the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the corned beef. This layer will caramelize and lock in incredible flavor during the final bake, creating a beautiful crust that’s both sweet and savory.
Step 6: Final Bake Uncovered
Return the glazed corned beef to the oven, this time uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Baste occasionally with the pan drippings to deepen the flavor and develop a lovely glaze that’s sticky and delicious. Keep an eye on it so the glaze doesn’t burn but becomes nicely caramelized.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the baking finishes, let the corned beef rest for a few minutes. This little wait allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice stays moist and tender when you carve it against the grain—making every bite melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight the rich, sweet notes of the glazed corned beef, try garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions. These simple green touches add a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables complement this Glazed Corned Beef Recipe perfectly. Crisp green beans or a tangy coleslaw can also cut through the richness, creating a balanced meal full of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices of the glazed corned beef on toasted rye bread with mustard and pickles for an elevated sandwich. You could also cube the meat and toss it into a warm salad or grain bowl, letting the glaze shine alongside fresh, crisp ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover glazed corned beef tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Slice the corned beef, place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Alternatively, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel for short intervals to keep the meat moist and the glaze intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit preserve for the glaze?
Absolutely! While apricot preserves bring a lovely balance of sweetness and subtle tartness, you can experiment with peach, orange marmalade, or even fig preserves. Each will give a slightly different but delicious flavor to your glaze.
Is it necessary to rinse the corned beef before cooking?
Rinsing the corned beef helps reduce excess salt from the brining process, which can make the dish overly salty. It also cleans off any surface brine residue, resulting in a more balanced and tender final dish.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Slow cooking corned beef with a glaze requires a bit of adaptation, but generally, cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours with water, then add the glaze in the last half hour uncovered to let it caramelize slightly.
What can I do if I don’t have soy sauce?
If you’re out of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce or tamari can be good substitutes. They bring a similar umami depth to the glaze, just adjust the quantity to taste since they differ slightly in saltiness and flavor intensity.
How thick should I slice the corned beef when serving?
Slice the corned beef about ¼ inch thick against the grain for tender, easy-to-chew pieces. Thinner slices bring out the glaze’s sweetness in each bite, while thicker ones are great if you prefer a meatier texture.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is a winner in my book every single time. It’s wonderfully simple to make but delivers impressive flavor and a tender, fall-apart texture that feels like eating a special occasion meal. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how delicious glazed corned beef can be!
Print
Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Corned Beef recipe features tender, slow-baked corned beef enhanced with a sweet and savory apricot glaze. The beef is first baked covered to retain moisture, then glazed and baked uncovered to develop a flavorful, caramelized crust. Perfect for a hearty main dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 ½ pounds corned beef, rinsed
- 1 cup water
Glaze
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Corned Beef: Place the rinsed corned beef into the prepared baking dish. Pour 1 cup of water around the beef to keep it moist during cooking, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Initial Baking: Bake the covered corned beef for 2 hours at 350°F. This slow baking helps tenderize the meat. After the time has elapsed, carefully remove the dish from the oven and drain off the cooking liquid.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Apply the Glaze: Evenly spread the apricot glaze all over the surface of the baked corned beef, coating it completely to add sweetness and flavor.
- Final Baking: Return the glazed corned beef to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes at 350°F, occasionally basting with the pan drippings to enhance moisture and glaze thickness.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let the corned beef rest for a few minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve warm.
Notes
- Rinsing the corned beef removes excess salt and brine for a milder flavor.
- Covering during the first bake traps moisture ensuring tender meat.
- Glazing adds a delicious sweet-savory crust that complements the beef.
- Basting during the final bake prevents the glaze from drying out.
- Letting the beef rest helps juices redistribute for a juicier bite.
