Corned beef is a big favorite for many, and the right Corned Beef Seasoning can make all the difference. Making this seasoning at home is easy and lets you pick the flavors you love. Follow this simple recipe to get your corned beef tasting just right every time!
Ever started cooking corned beef and realized you’re missing the spice packet? Or felt that the spices in the packet just weren’t enough? You’re not the only one. Many people face this problem.
Corned beef is a favorite dish for many. And while a lot of us get a small spice packet with our corned beef, making your own seasoning can be even better. If you like doing things yourself and adding your own touch to food, this corned beef seasoning recipe is perfect for you. And if you’re looking for ways to cook your corned beef, check out the instant pot corned beef recipe and dutch oven corned beef recipe with cabbage, carrots, and baby potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Always Ready: Missing a spice packet or feeling it’s not enough? Make your own corned beef seasoning! No more relying on store packets. With this recipe, you get the flavor you want.
- Personal Touch: Making your own seasoning means you know exactly what’s going into your food. No more mystery ingredients!
- Versatility: This seasoning isn’t just for corned beef. You can use it in other dishes to add a unique flavor.
Key Ingredients
Black Peppercorns give a spicy kick, and you can adjust the amount to your liking. Mustard Seeds are essential for the seasoning’s unique taste, while Coriander Seeds bring a hint of citrus. If you enjoy some extra heat, add Red Pepper Flakes. Cloves and Cardamom Pods contribute a warm, slightly sweet touch, and a Cinnamon Stick adds a gentle warmth. Dried Bay Leaves provide a mild herbal flavor, and Ground Ginger rounds it all off with a bright and zesty twist.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Corned Beef Seasoning Blend
- In a dry pan over medium heat, add black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cloves, cardamom pods, and the pieces of cinnamon stick.
- Toast the spices for about 1 minute. Keep stirring so they don’t burn. This step makes the spices smell really good.
- Move the toasted spices to a spice grinder. Add the crumbled bay leaves and ground ginger.
- Grind everything until it’s a bit rough. If you want it smoother, grind it for a longer time.
Tip!
How to Use the Seasoning:
- If you’re making corned beef from scratch, rub the seasoning all over the beef.
- Cook your beef as you normally would, either in the instant pot or dutch oven.
Additional Spice Options
While the recipe provided gives your corned beef a classic and flavorful touch, there’s always room for experimentation. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, consider adding any of the following to your seasoning mix:
- Allspice Berries: They bring a combination of flavors – like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Fennel Seeds: They have a sweet, licorice-like taste.
- Juniper Berries: These can add a fresh, pine-like flavor.
- Mace: This has a flavor profile similar to nutmeg but is more delicate.
Remember, these spices have strong flavors. Start with a small amount, maybe a ¼ teaspoon, and adjust according to your preference.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust to Taste: The best part of homemade seasoning is that you can change the ingredients to what you like. For example, if you prefer a milder flavor, use less mustard seeds.
- Grinding: Make sure all the ingredients are ground well so the flavor is even.
- Experiment: Feel free to add or take away ingredients based on what you like. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or skip them altogether.
Storing Tips
The best way to keep your homemade corned beef seasoning is in a container that’s sealed tight. Put it in a cool, dry spot where the sun doesn’t shine on it. While you can keep the seasoning for as long as you want, it’s best to use it within 6 months. After that, the flavors might not be as strong.
To store it for even longer, you can freeze it.
FAQs About Corned Beef Seasoning
It’s a mix of spices including crushed bay leaf, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns. Some people also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Yes, you can grind the spices to your preferred consistency. Whether you like it coarse or finely ground, it’s up to you.
If you tried and loved this recipe, please take a moment to rate and review it below. Your feedback helps others and is greatly appreciated. And if you want to keep this recipe handy for future use, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Corned Beef Seasoning Blend
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Pan
- spice grinder
- Airtight Container
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for added heat
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick broken into at least 2 pieces
- 4 Dried bay leaves crumbled
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- In a dry pan over medium heat, add black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cloves, cardamom pods, and the pieces of cinnamon stick.
- Toast the spices for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure they don't burn but become fragrant. This process helps to bloom the spices, releasing their full aromatic potential.
- Once toasted, transfer the spices to a spice grinder. Add in the crumbled bay leaves and ground ginger.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a coarse texture. If you prefer a finer consistency, blend for a longer period.
- Storage: Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use as needed, especially for flavoring corned beef briskets.
Notes:
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- This blend can also be used as a rub for other meats or incorporated into stews and soups for added flavor.
- This spice blend does not contain any salt. Given that corned beef is traditionally quite salty, there usually isn’t a need for extra salt. However, if you find it necessary, feel free to add salt according to your personal preference.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Sharina says
This is a life saver! Kids love corned beef, and this homemade seasoning is a must! Aside from it is so easy and quick to make, it tastes way better, full of flavors!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thank you, Sharina! That is so amazing to hear!
Jade says
My first time trying spices on corned beef and wow it was amazing. A new twist which is a keeper, added to my list of corned beef recipes.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Jade! Thank you for the kind review!
Matt says
I love this seasoning blend and indeed it is perfect with corned beef. Super easy to make too, just measure the ingredients and into the spice grinder or blender/food processor.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thank you, Matt, for the great review! I’m so glad to hear that you loved this seasoning!
Donna Creamer says
This is almost the exact recipe I use for our corned beef. The difference is that I use one teaspoon of brown mustard seeds and one of the yellow seeds. We really enjoy the extra mustard seed flavor.