Name: Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 pound corned beef; 4 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces; 1 medium onion sliced into wedges; 2 teaspoons pickling spice; water (enough to come halfway up the sides of the beef in the pan); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain Pommery mustard; 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish

If you love comfort food with a little kick, this Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender, slow-roasted corned beef gets a sweet and tangy horseradish mustard glaze that brings just the right balance of heat and flavor.

A large, golden-brown glazed ham sits in the center of a metal baking tray with a shiny, slightly crispy outer layer showing a mix of warm amber and pinkish hues. Around the ham, there are thick carrot pieces with a bright orange color and soft white onion segments that have a slightly caramelized look, both spread unevenly but closely surrounding the meat. The tray has visible roasted juices and pepper specks glistening, giving a rich and savory appearance. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this recipe a handful of times, especially when I want a comforting meal that’s full of Irish charm but with a spicy twist. The glaze magically transforms the corned beef, making every bite exciting and satisfying.

Slow roasting: Ensures the corned beef becomes fork-tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors around it.
Perfect glaze: Combines sweetness from brown sugar and a spicy kick from horseradish for bold flavor.
Simple ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh veggies to keep things approachable.
Great for gatherings: This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, perfect for family dinners or holidays.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, look for a good-quality corned beef brisket with the fat cap intact – it’s key for juicy, flavorful meat. Fresh carrots and onions add natural sweetness and body, while the mustard and horseradish in the glaze bring that spicy zing that keeps you coming back for more.

Flat lay of a whole raw corned beef brisket with a thick fat cap, fresh peeled orange carrots cut into chunky pieces, a medium yellow onion sliced into wedges, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse pickling spice with visible mustard seeds and peppercorns, a small white bowl filled with brown sugar crystals, another small white bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with whole grain mustard showing visible mustard seeds, and a small white bowl of creamy white prepared horseradish, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corned beef: The star of the dish, providing rich, savory, and tender meat after slow roasting.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and absorb the cooking liquid’s flavors beautifully.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and balances the robustness of the meat.
Pickling spice: Classic seasoning blend that enhances traditional Irish flavors.
Water: Keeps the corned beef moist and tender during the long roast.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze, helping it caramelize nicely on the beef’s fat cap.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and smooth texture to the glaze.
Whole grain Pommery mustard: Brings texture and a mild sharpness with the mustard seeds.
Hot prepared horseradish: Packs heat and a distinctive bite essential for the spicy glaze.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own flavor twists. Feel free to experiment with the glaze intensity or the veggies surrounding your beef to make it truly yours!

Variation: For a milder heat, I swap out the hot prepared horseradish with a milder version or even creamy horseradish sauce. It still delivers that zing but is more approachable for the spice-sensitive in the family.
Seasonal veggies: Instead of just carrots and onions, try adding parsnips or turnips for an earthy sweetness that complements the glaze beautifully.
Gluten-Free twist: This whole recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just be sure your mustard choices don’t include any additives with gluten!
Make it smoky: If you love a smoky edge, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze can create a new depth of flavor that’s unforgettable.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate on a white marbled surface, with five thick slices of pink cooked meat arranged in a slightly overlapping row on the right side. On the left side of the plate, there is a mix of cooked orange carrots and translucent white onions, all glossy with seasoning. A two-pronged metal fork is lifting one slice of the meat. A green and white striped cloth napkin appears near the top left corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Preheat for Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow roasting temperature is key to turning that 4-pound corned beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. While the oven warms, remove the corned beef from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels—getting rid of excess moisture helps the glaze stick beautifully later.

Step 2: Nestle in Veggies and Spice Things Up

Place the corned beef fat side up in a roasting pan with sides at least 2 inches high. Surround it with your peeled and cut medium carrots and sliced onions for a cozy vegetable bed. Pour in water just until it reaches halfway up the beef's sides—this keeps the meat moist without stewing it. Don’t forget to add the pickling spice packet into the water; it infuses the whole dish with aromatic, savory notes. Just be sure the spices don’t sit directly on the meat so they don’t overpower the flavor.

Step 3: Slow Roast Until Tender

Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil to trap moisture, then slide it into the oven. Let it roast slowly for about 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat feels very tender—think about how it easily pulls apart with a fork. This low heat method breaks down the connective tissues, making every bite luscious and juicy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Horseradish Glaze

While the beef is roasting, combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain Pommery mustard, and 1 tablespoon hot prepared horseradish in a small saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar melts and it thickens into a lovely shiny glaze. This bold blend adds sweet, tangy, and spicy layers that really make the corned beef pop.

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize for a Beautiful Finish

Once your corned beef is tender, take it out of the oven and transfer the cooked onions and carrots to a bowl to keep warm. Crank the oven up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for glazing. Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap on the corned beef in a crosshatch pattern—this helps the glaze soak in and caramelize perfectly. Brush the horseradish glaze generously over the fat cap, then return the beef uncovered to the oven for about 15 minutes. Look for that bubbly, caramelized finish—it's pure deliciousness in the making.

Step 6: Slice and Serve the Showstopper

Bring your Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe to the cutting board and let it rest briefly so the juices settle. Then slice carefully against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices for the most tender bites. Serve alongside the roasted carrots and onions for a hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Enjoy!

Top Tip

These tips will make your Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe turn out perfectly tender, flavorful, and impressively glazed every time. Trust me, a few key techniques can elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.

Don’t Skip Scoring the Fat Cap: Scoring the fat before applying the glaze lets the sweet and spicy flavors sink in deeper and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully without burning.
Keep the Beef Partially Submerged: Adding enough water to come halfway up the corned beef keeps it moist and tender during the long roasting time—this really makes a difference in texture.
Make the Glaze Ahead: Prepare the spicy horseradish glaze while the beef cooks so it’s perfectly silky and ready to slather on when it’s time to finish the roast.
Rest Before Slicing: Let your corned beef rest for 5 to 10 minutes after roasting. This locks in the juices, giving you tender, juicy slices that hold together well.

How to Serve Spicy Glazed Corned Beef Recipe

A large piece of raw pink meat with a thick layer of pale fat on top sits in a silver pan filled with sliced orange carrots and white onion wedges, set against a white marbled surface. Above the meat, a woman's hand holds a small white bowl filled with mixed seasoning seeds, positioned as if about to sprinkle them onto the meat. The scene shows rich textures from the smooth fat to the fresh vegetables and the shiny metal pan, all captured clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the sliced corned beef to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A few dollops of creamy horseradish sauce on the side complement the glaze’s tang and heat perfectly. You can also add thinly sliced pickled red onions for a bright, acidic contrast.

Side Dishes

This hearty Irish-inspired main pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy colcannon. Steamed green cabbage or roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nice earthiness and crunch. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious glaze and pan juices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Spicy Glazed Corned Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen corned beef will maintain the best quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the corned beef slices in foil and warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the meat moist. Alternatively, you can reheat slices covered in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild horseradish instead of hot prepared horseradish?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less spicy glaze, substituting mild horseradish will still give you great flavor without as much heat.

What if my corned beef doesn’t come with a pickling spice packet?

No worries! You can use store-bought pickling spice or make your own mix using mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns, and a bay leaf for a similar aromatic boost.

Is it necessary to cover the roasting pan with foil during the initial roasting?

Yes, covering the pan helps retain moisture and gently tenderizes the beef during the slow roasting process, resulting in juicier meat.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Definitely! Making the glaze ahead means it’s ready to brush on as soon as the beef finishes its initial roast, saving time and ensuring smooth application.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Glazed Corned Beef is one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth and joy to the table. The tender meat, the vibrant glaze with just the right kick, and those simple, rustic vegetables all combine into a meal that feels like a festive hug. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, I hope this recipe becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen. Happy cooking—and enjoy every flavorful bite!