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
STEP 1: Toast coriander, peppercorns, anise, and mustard seeds in a hot cast-iron skillet (affiliate link) for two to three minutes, until fragrant.
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.
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.
STEP 4: Store the spice mix in an airtight container until needed.
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 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.
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
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 Spice Packet Recipe
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.
Rob Normand says
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.
Hilda Sterner says
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! 🙂
Monica says
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!
Hilda Sterner says
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!
Jamie says
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!
Hilda Sterner says
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!
Cheryl T says
This is my go-to recipe for corned beef spices!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you so much, Cheryl.I appreciate the feedback and the review!
Frank Nelson says
What size brisket will this recipe flavor & can you recommend an online site to purchase spices at reasonable prices? Thanks for the recipe.
Hilda Sterner says
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/
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! 🙂
Darlene L Lenard says
Do you add salt to this recipe for corned beef email ldloma382@gmail.com
Hilda Sterner says
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.
Katherine says
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
Hilda Sterner says
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? 😉
Darren Stevens says
Tasted authentic enough for me! Great job.
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Darren, I really appreciate the review!
Rachell says
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
Reba says
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!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Reba, enjoy!!
Amber Lane says
Awesome flavor in my corned beef. The allspice was an extra. Yummy yummy
Heidi says
How many ounces are in a spice packet?
Hilda Sterner says
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.
Heidi says
Thank you! So more spice is better - this is my first time making corned beef and would like my family to love it. 😉
Ray says
Excellent prep notes, releasing the herb oils is
essential !
Ed Steenhorst says
Hi, can I use a mortar and pestle instead of an electric grinder?
TIA
Hilda Sterner says
Definitely!
Brenda Randall says
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.
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you Brenda, I really appreciate your review. Enjoy & Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘️
Rob says
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!
Hilda Sterner says
That actually sounds amazing! I'm going to have to give that a try!
Gloria says
Can I also use dill seasoning or dill pickle juice with the packet?
Hilda Sterner says
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!
Patty Hickman says
Can the packet of spices be used for anything other than pickling or the corned beef?
HildaSterner says
Hi Patty,
Yes, I've used it to pickle vegetables before and they came out great.
Liya says
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.
HildaSterner says
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! 🤗
Jennifer says
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.
HildaSterner says
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!
Victoria Hanson says
?? can I use dry mustard if I don't have mustard seed?
HildaSterner says
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.
Joe O’Sullivan says
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!
HildaSterner says
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!
Kelly Methey says
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!
Esther Nungaray says
Hi Hilda, thanks so much for the recipe. Smoking my first brisket today.. wish me luck. 🙂
HildaSterner says
Good luck, let me know how it goes!
Carol K says
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!
HildaSterner says
Hi Carol,
Comments like yours make my day! I'm so glad I could be of help, enjoy dinner!
Nancy says
I've always kinda guessed what else to put in my corned beef. This was perfect. Will keep this spice mixture for sure.
HildaSterner says
Thank you, Nancy, I really appreciate you stopping by and letting me know your thoughts! 🙂
mzfry says
Wonderful!
HildaSterner says
Thank you for the review!❤️
Cindi says
Can't wait to try it
HildaSterner says
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! 😘
Taher says
What size brisket is this amount of spice mix good for?
HildaSterner says
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.
Meg says
Hello! Do you have a corned beef recipe as well?
Thank you!! ☘️
HildaSterner says
Hi Meg, sure do! The link for it is in the first paragraph. 😉
Neville Croswell says
Is this spice blend for brining or for rubbing on the corned beef just before you
roast it.
HildaSterner says
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!