This Corned Beef Spice Packet recipe might come in handy the next time you are cooking corned beef and find that it's missing a spice pack. Or, maybe you just want to add more corned beef spices than that little packet contains.
My Corned Beef Spice Mix includes coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and other herbs and spices to add amazing flavor to your corned beef. Be sure to save some of the brisket to make delicious Reuben sandwiches!
Why This Recipe Works
Making your own Corned Beef Spices couldn't be simpler! Out of my frustration of never having enough spices for my corned beef, I decided to make my own Corned Beef Spice Packet Blend instead.
It took a little investigative work for me to figure out what spices and herbs were included in those tiny little spice packets, but in the end, I do believe I nailed it!
Now I can generously season the corned beef with my home-made spice blend, which really enhances the flavor of the brisket. Now, you can do the same!
How Do You Make A Corned Beef Spice Packet?
So what spices are included in those elusive Corned Beef Spice Packets, and why are they so stingy with them? It depends on who you ask; I decided to do my own investigating.
Upon a quick examination of the spices in the packet, I identified the following spices: crushed bay leaves, coriander, crushed red pepper, peppercorns, anise seeds, and mustard seeds.
Now doesn't that sound simple enough? The next thing I had to figure out was the correct proportions of each of the ingredients. Let's make some together!
Steps to Making Your Own Homemade Corned Been Spice Blend
1. Toast coriander, peppercorns, anise, and mustard seeds in a hot cast-iron skillet for two to three minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add crushed bay leaves and red pepper flakes in the last 30 seconds. You are basically just trying to awaken their flavors. But be careful so that you don't burn them.
3. Pour the contents of the pan into a Spice Mill/Grinder or a Ninja blender. Pulse a few times, but just enough to release the flavors. You should still be able to distinguish between the various ingredients.
4. Store the spice mix in an airtight container until needed. If you make extra seasoning, you can freeze what you don't plan on using right away.
Be sure to use some of the Corned Beef Seasoning to make my Instant Pot Corned Beef!
Corned Beef Spice Options
Besides the spices listed in the recipe, there are other spices that you can add if you're feeling a little adventurous. Consider adding any of the following:
- cloves
- allspice
- cardamom
- cinnamon
If you do decide to add these different spices, I would caution you to go easy at first. This is one of those cases where less is more.
These spices all have intense flavors, so start off with small amounts and adjust the quantity if necessary. I would start with no more than a ¼ teaspoon of each.
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Corned Beef Spice Packet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp coriander
- 2 tsp peppercorns
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp anise seeds
- 4 large bay leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Toast coriander, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and anise seeds in a cast iron skillet for two to three minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add crushed bay leaves and crushed red pepper flakes for the last 30 seconds.
- Pour contents of the pan into a spice mill and pulse a few times to release the flavor of the spices.
- Store in an air-tight container.
- Use as much of the spice mix as you'd like to season your corned beef before cooking.
Sherry says
I had to alter the recipe to fit what I had in stock so I can't give it 5 stars yet. I had to substitute star anise for anise seeds and used ground mustard in place of mustard seed. It was still wonderful! I'm very curious to try it again with the proper ingredients.
Mike says
You gave it 4 stars because you didn't make it as intended? Ok
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Mike, I get comments like this a lot. It comes with being a food blogger, I guess.
Edmund J Goodrow says
I've been doing this for years and I have to say, your spot on. Good eye.
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Ed, sounds like you also have a good eye! 🙂