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    You Are Here Home » Spice and Seasoning Recipes

    Published: Feb 22, 2019 Updated: Jul 5, 2020 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 67 Comments

    Corned Beef Spice Packet Recipe

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    corned beef spices pin

    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.

    corned beef spices in a jar

    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!

    spices in a cast iron pan

    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!

    spice jars on a wooden cutting board

    Steps to Making Your Own Homemade Corned Been Spice Blend

    STEP 1: Toast coriander, peppercorns, anise, and mustard seeds in a hot cast-iron skillet (affiliate link) for two to three minutes, until fragrant.

    corned beef spices being toasted in a pan

    STEP 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.

    spices in a cast iron pan

    STEP 3: Pour the contents of the pan into a Spice Mill/Grinder or a Ninja blender (affiliate link). Pulse a few times, but just enough to release the flavors. You should still be able to distinguish between the various ingredients.

    spices in container

    STEP 4: Store the spice mix in an airtight container until needed.

    corned beef spices in a spice grinder

    Be sure to use some of the Corned Beef Seasoning to make my Instant Pot Corned Beef!

    raw corned beef with spices

    Corned Beef Spice Options

    Besides the spices listed in the recipe, there are other spices that you can add to your corned beef seasoning if you're feeling a little adventurous. Consider adding any of the following:

    • whole cloves
    • allspice berries
    • cardamom pods
    • cinnamon sticks

    If you do decide to add the spices mentioned above, 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.

    corned beef spices in a jar with a blue background

    If you enjoy making your own spices and seasonings, you may be interested in learning how to make your own Biryani Spice, Pork Rub, and DIY Shawarma Seasoning Blend.

    Recipe Expert Tips

    • This recipe makes enough corned beef seasoning to fill a regular-sized spice jar. You will not use the entire amount to season your corned beef.
    • Store leftover corned beef spices in an air-tight spice jar.
    • If you decide to make extra corned beef seasoning, you can freeze what you don't plan on using right away.
    • If you prefer milder recipes, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or leave it out entirely.

    Related Recipes

    • Easy Biryani Spice Blend Recipe
    • Baharat Recipe (Middle Eastern Spice Mix)
    • Dukkah Spice Egyptian Recipe
    • Drying Orange Peels and How to Use Them

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    corned beef spices in a jar

    Corned Beef Spice Packet Recipe

    Don't you get annoyed with that tiny "spice packet" that's included with corned beef? Me too, so let's make our own!
    4.75 from 64 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Spices
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Servings: 4 Tablespoons
    Calories: 20kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon coriander
    • 2 teaspoon peppercorns
    • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
    • 1 teaspoon anise seeds
    • 4 large bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon 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.  

    Notes

    • This recipe makes enough corned beef seasoning to fill a regular-sized spice jar. You will not use the entire amount to season your corned beef.
    • Store leftover corned beef spices in an air-tight spice jar.
    • If you decide to make extra corned beef seasoning, you can freeze what you don't plan on using right away.
    • If you prefer milder recipes, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes, or leave it out entirely.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    More Spice and Seasoning Recipes

    • Santa Maria Seasoning
    • Pork Rub For Pulled Pork and Ribs
    • Za'atar Substitute Spice Blend

    Sharing is caring!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rob Normand says

      March 17, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      I buy the pre brined and season corned beef brisket, and that little packet they give you is pointless. I made this recipe, but ground it to powder and just added 1 TBS to the water my beef was cooking in. Seems like a lot of spice at first but it flavors everything really well without being overpowering. LOVE IT.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 17, 2022 at 5:38 pm

        Thanks, Rob, so glad you enjoyed it! I accidentally overground the last batch of spices that I made. I actually liked that better. I'm glad you also enjoyed it, thank you so much for the review! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Monica says

      March 16, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I made corned beef for the first time a few weeks ago as a trial run for St. Patrick's day and am making it again for tomorrow. The spice packet that comes with the corned beef is so small so I did a search for spices for corned beef. It is too late for me to make my own spice blend for tomorrow's corned beef as I don't have all the spices on hand and want to get it started first thing tomorrow morning in the slow cooker before I head to work. I can't wait to make this spice blend for my next try. It looks perfect!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 16, 2022 at 5:13 pm

        Hi Monica,
        The recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare so it's not too late. Make a quick run to the store to get what you need, good luck!

        Reply
    3. Jamie says

      March 12, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      I only used 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes, and had to sub powdered coriander for the seeds, but this is the BEST recipe for corned beef I've found, and I've tried about 20 since the packet got so absurdly small.
      This tasted like my moms' and it was excellent, especially on this wet and nasty night.
      Thank You for posting this recipe, I love it, and will keep it!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 12, 2022 at 7:19 pm

        Hi Jamie, What a sweet review, thank you! I'm so happy that you finally found a recipe that matched your mom's recipe. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Cheryl T says

      July 21, 2021 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      This is my go-to recipe for corned beef spices!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        July 21, 2021 at 7:49 pm

        Thank you so much, Cheryl.I appreciate the feedback and the review!

        Reply
        • Frank Nelson says

          January 19, 2022 at 6:13 am

          5 stars
          What size brisket will this recipe flavor & can you recommend an online site to purchase spices at reasonable prices? Thanks for the recipe.

          Reply
          • Hilda Sterner says

            January 19, 2022 at 6:43 am

            Hi Frank,
            When I make this recipe, I use a tablespoon or so to season an average-sized brined corned beef brisket. Just enough to give it a decent coating on both sides. If you are purchasing an unseasoned/brined brisket, it will have to be brined first. You can follow this recipe for the brining recipe then boil the meat instead of smoking it. https://hildaskitchenblog.com/recipe/smoked-pastrami-a-beginners-guide/

            Reply
    5. Sherry says

      April 15, 2021 at 4:11 am

      4 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Mike says

        June 02, 2021 at 3:07 pm

        You gave it 4 stars because you didn't make it as intended? Ok

        Reply
        • Hilda Sterner says

          June 02, 2021 at 3:12 pm

          Hi Mike, I get comments like this a lot. It comes with being a food blogger, I guess.

          Reply
    6. Edmund J Goodrow says

      April 02, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      I've been doing this for years and I have to say, your spot on. Good eye.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        April 03, 2021 at 7:10 am

        Thanks, Ed, sounds like you also have a good eye! 🙂

        Reply
      • Darlene L Lenard says

        October 03, 2021 at 11:29 am

        Do you add salt to this recipe for corned beef email ldloma382@gmail.com

        Reply
        • Hilda Sterner says

          October 03, 2021 at 2:05 pm

          Hi Darlene,
          I usually use this to add more flavor to corned beef that's already salted. I haven't made corned beef from scratch yet, but plan to soon. I will be adding salt at that point. I hope that helps.

          Reply
    7. Katherine says

      March 20, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      Your recipe looks excellent! How much of each spice did you use? Sometimes with seasonings I can go by the seat of my pants, but most often I need the exact quantity. Thank you

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 20, 2021 at 1:49 pm

        Hi Katherine,
        Thanks for the comment and the review! The exact measurements are on the bottom of the page in the recipe card. Does that earn me 5 stars instead of 4? 😉

        Reply
    8. Darren Stevens says

      March 18, 2021 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      Tasted authentic enough for me! Great job.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 18, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks, Darren, I really appreciate the review!

        Reply
    9. Rachell says

      March 18, 2021 at 8:46 am

      I was in a hurry to get this in the crockpot and didnt read directions...i used all ingredients to my recipe, hope this turns out..ugh

      Reply
    10. Reba says

      March 17, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      Oh my! The corned beef is cooking right now and the spice packet smells SOOOO good! I can hardly wait, thanks so much Hilda. This is definitely NOT pickling spices. Much better!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 17, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        Thank you, Reba, enjoy!!

        Reply
    11. Amber Lane says

      March 17, 2021 at 6:43 am

      4 stars
      Awesome flavor in my corned beef. The allspice was an extra. Yummy yummy

      Reply
    12. Heidi says

      March 16, 2021 at 9:42 pm

      How many ounces are in a spice packet?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 17, 2021 at 7:09 am

        I've never weighed the spice packet, but I weighed an approximate amount of my corned beef spices and it weighed 1/2 an ounce. It might be even less. This is why I make my own and am generous with it.

        Reply
        • Heidi says

          March 17, 2021 at 8:04 am

          Thank you! So more spice is better - this is my first time making corned beef and would like my family to love it. 😉

          Reply
    13. Ray says

      March 14, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent prep notes, releasing the herb oils is
      essential !

      Reply
    14. Ed Steenhorst says

      March 14, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      Hi, can I use a mortar and pestle instead of an electric grinder?

      TIA

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 14, 2021 at 3:18 pm

        Definitely!

        Reply
    15. Brenda Randall says

      March 14, 2021 at 8:12 am

      5 stars
      This is great -especially if the corned beef you find is not seasoned ! you can make your own and brine for a couple days ahead or you can grind these into a powder and rub the brisket down and let soak in a day ahead if possible then cook as needed- in pressure cooker in beef broth.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 14, 2021 at 8:22 am

        Thank you Brenda, I really appreciate your review. Enjoy & Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘️

        Reply
    16. Rob says

      March 04, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Great recipe. I like to take my corned beef a step farther after boiling by slathering with honey mustard and broiling till a nice crust develops....yum!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 04, 2021 at 2:14 pm

        That actually sounds amazing! I'm going to have to give that a try!

        Reply
    17. Gloria says

      October 22, 2020 at 3:22 pm

      Can I also use dill seasoning or dill pickle juice with the packet?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        October 22, 2020 at 3:29 pm

        Although I've never tried it, I imagine dill would go great with any corned beef recipe. I'd love to hear how it goes!

        Reply
    18. Patty Hickman says

      August 01, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      Can the packet of spices be used for anything other than pickling or the corned beef?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        August 01, 2020 at 8:19 pm

        Hi Patty,
        Yes, I've used it to pickle vegetables before and they came out great.

        Reply
    19. Liya says

      April 26, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      5 stars
      I came across Hilda’s blog while browsing for a great corned beef recipe. I have always wanted to make homemade corned beef but never had the time coz work has been so demandingly busy ( always a great excuse). After moving to a new home last Christmas, I have discovered that I have a slow cooker that has been sitting in the garage for a long time. I have decided to make corned beef and tried the spice recipe of Hilda and oh my gosh!!!!! It was the best home made corned beef I ever had. My husband liked it so much that he even asked me to make it again. Thanks again Hilda for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        April 26, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Liya,
        Thank you so much for coming back and rating/reviewing the recipe. I really appreciate it and I'm glad that both you and your husband like the recipe so much. See you on Instagram! 🤗

        Reply
    20. Jennifer says

      April 15, 2020 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      I'm making a corned beef today and I measured the spice packet. 1/2 tbsp. I like a bit more spiciness to my beef, so I always added a few extra peppercorns and whole cloves to it. This recipe sounds great. A side note: if you don't want to purchase the ingredients separately, Ball (the canning people) makes a pickling spice that's identical to the packet. I found it in the canning section at Walmart.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        April 15, 2020 at 7:14 am

        Thanks, Jennifer! I hope you enjoy your corned beef. Which reminds me that I still have one somewhere deep in my freezer. I might have to dig it up today. Take care and stay safe!

        Reply
    21. Victoria Hanson says

      March 21, 2020 at 11:35 am

      ?? can I use dry mustard if I don't have mustard seed?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 21, 2020 at 11:53 am

        Hi Victoria,
        You can do whatever you want, this is America! But seriously, I'd leave it out of the mixture, and use the spice mix as-is for now then add the mustard seeds to the remaining spices when you get some. I would hesitate to add dry mustard because sometimes salt is added to the powder and corned beef is already salty enough. Or you can taste the dry mustard to see if it's salty, and if not, you can just sprinkle some on the corned beef. Later you can add the mustard seeds to the remaining spices.

        Reply
        • Joe O’Sullivan says

          May 02, 2020 at 12:37 pm

          Hilda,
          Would this be the same answer for the coriander. I got powdered coriander at the store and then realized it actually called for seeds (no internet in the store).
          Also, they did not have red pepper flakes, so would either a little less cayenne or chili powder work? (I have paprika and cumin in hand, so if I could somehow use one or both of them, it would be great.
          Thanks!

          Reply
          • HildaSterner says

            May 02, 2020 at 2:34 pm

            Hi Joe, I haven't tried replacing the ingredients you mentioned, but the powdered coriander should be fine. Also, if you don't have red pepper flakes, you could try to use a smaller amount of cayenne, as you mentioned. However, I wouldn't use chili powder. It would impart a flavor that's not commonly associated with corned beef. Good lucK!

            Reply
    22. Kelly Methey says

      March 17, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      So good to have this recipe since the packet they include is so tiny! Great idea giving your followers this recipe! We so appreciate you!

      Reply
    23. Esther Nungaray says

      March 17, 2020 at 8:15 am

      5 stars
      Hi Hilda, thanks so much for the recipe. Smoking my first brisket today.. wish me luck. 🙂

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 17, 2020 at 8:20 am

        Good luck, let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    24. Carol K says

      March 16, 2020 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Thank you thank thank you. This is simply heavenly ( I added a half stick crushed cinnamon), aromatic.
      I have to make my corned beef and cabbage from scratch as I cannot consume nitrates and nitrites that they put into the pre- seasoned briskets. It is simmering right now and I am looking forward to dinner!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 16, 2020 at 10:02 am

        Hi Carol,
        Comments like yours make my day! I'm so glad I could be of help, enjoy dinner!

        Reply
    25. Nancy says

      March 16, 2020 at 8:24 am

      5 stars
      I've always kinda guessed what else to put in my corned beef. This was perfect. Will keep this spice mixture for sure.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 16, 2020 at 8:30 am

        Thank you, Nancy, I really appreciate you stopping by and letting me know your thoughts! 🙂

        Reply
    26. mzfry says

      March 14, 2020 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 14, 2020 at 3:05 pm

        Thank you for the review!❤️

        Reply
    27. Cindi says

      March 05, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      Can't wait to try it

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 06, 2020 at 6:59 am

        Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 😘

        Reply
    28. Taher says

      March 05, 2020 at 4:31 pm

      What size brisket is this amount of spice mix good for?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 05, 2020 at 6:32 pm

        This makes enough to fill a jar and use as needed. The packet that is usually included with the brisket is around 1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. So basically you can add as much as you need, depending on the size of the brisket.

        Reply
    29. Meg says

      February 26, 2020 at 3:13 pm

      Hello! Do you have a corned beef recipe as well?

      Thank you!! ☘️

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        February 26, 2020 at 4:10 pm

        Hi Meg, sure do! The link for it is in the first paragraph. 😉

        Reply
    30. Neville Croswell says

      November 23, 2019 at 10:24 am

      Is this spice blend for brining or for rubbing on the corned beef just before you
      roast it.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        November 23, 2019 at 10:44 am

        Hi Neville, it can be used both ways. Especially when you consider pre-packaged corned beef is usually brined in a similar spice mix and then there's an additional tiny packet included to rub on the meat prior to cooking. Feel free to use it as a brine, or rub some on the brisket prior to cooking, or both. Enjoy!

        Reply

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