3lbsbeefcut into 1 - 1 ½ inch cubes (brisket or inside round)
Curing Mix:
500mgascorbic acid(Vitamin C)*, pounded to a powder (see Notes)
½teaspoonprague powderpink curing salt #1 (see Notes)
1tablespoonkosher or sea salt
1tablespoonsugar
For Cooking:
1tablespoongarlic powder
1tablespoononion powder
2cupswater
1pack Knox unflavored gelatinoptional
Instructions
Place the cubed meat into a large bowl. Combine the curing mix into a small bowl and evenly sprinkle over the meat. Mix very well with clean hands, making sure every single beef cube is coated. Transfer to a lidded food container and refrigerate (back of the fridge - coldest part) for 3 days. Stir once or twice during the whole time to distribute the curing mix well.
Wash, rinse and drain the meat thoroughly to remove the excess salt. Place the meat in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Add the onion powder, garlic powder and water then stir to combine.
Close the pressure cooker and position the lid to Sealing. Set on Manual for 50 minutesand natural release after 15 minutes.
***If cooking stovetop, bring mixture (except the Knox gelatin) to a boil then lower the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork tender. Add ½ cup more water if the liquid is drying up.
Scoop out the meat to a plate and shred using 2 forks. Strain the broth with a fine sieve and reserve 1 ½ to 2 cups of the liquid. If not using gelatin, mix in the broth to the meat. Corned beef is now ready to be portioned for later use.
(If using gelatin:) Measure ½ cup of the broth and let cool to room temperature. Sprinkle the gelatin on the cooled liquid (½ cup) then stir to combine. Set the Instant Pot to Saute. Add the gelatin mix to the remaining liquid (in the inner pot) and bring to a boil. Put the shredded beef back into the pot and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn the heat off.
Corned beef is now ready to be cooked as you please. Portion into desired amount and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze until ready to use.
Notes
*Use the plain, unflavored ascorbic acid (500mg) that can be found at any drugstore. **Prague Powder can be bought on Amazon. Make sure you buy the right one (pink curing salt #1), as pictured above.