Saturday, March 1, 2025

Lower Sodium Corned Beef

NOTE: this makes far more than a small family can use in one meal.

Yes, you can buy it in the store with lower sodium but I guarantee you that this is MUCH lower in sodium. And it isn't that difficult to make.

  • One beef brisket, roughly 4 pounds
  • 12 ounces (one bottle) of dark beer 
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1-1/2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 12 juniper berries
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1-1/2 tsp dill seeds
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 5 cardamom seeds
  • 1 tsp ground mace

  1. Place the brisket in a large pot. (If you have a slow cooker, you can use this too and cook lower and slower.)
  2. Mix the beer, sugar, and spices in a large bowl.
  3. Pour the beer and spice mixture over the brisket.
  4. Add water to cover.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low. 
  7. Cover and cook until the meat is tender to the fork (about 2.5 to 3 hours).
  8. Remove the brisket, leaving behind the liquid and the spices.