If you’ve ever opened a package of corned beef and felt underwhelmed by the tiny spice packet inside, this homemade blend is about to change everything. With bold aromatics and perfectly balanced spices, this DIY seasoning delivers a richer, more customizable flavor that transforms your corned beef into something truly memorable.
This quick and easy mix comes together in minutes and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Lightly toasting the spices unlocks their natural oils and intensifies their flavor, giving your corned beef a deeper, more robust profile whether you’re cooking it in the oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: About 4 tablespoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon anise seeds (not star anise)
- 4 large bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add coriander seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and anise seeds. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Add the bay leaves and crushed red pepper flakes during the final 30 seconds of toasting to gently release their flavors.
- Transfer the toasted spices to a spice mill, coffee grinder, or blender. Pulse briefly just until the spices are lightly crushed—avoid turning them into a fine powder.
- Pour the seasoning into an airtight spice jar using a funnel. Store until ready to use.
- Use as much or as little of the seasoning as desired to flavor your corned beef before cooking.