Yes, when cooking corned beef in a slow cooker, it is generally recommended to cover it with water or another liquid. Slow cookers work by simmering food at a low temperature over an extended period, and having enough liquid ensures the meat stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
The water or liquid used can be plain water, beef broth, or a combination of water and other flavorful liquids like beer or apple juice. Additionally, many traditional corned beef recipes call for adding spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor, and the liquid helps distribute those flavors throughout the meat.
Here's a basic guide for cooking corned beef in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- Corned beef brisket
- Spice packet (usually comes with the corned beef)
- 4-6 cups of water or enough to cover the meat
- Optional: additional seasonings like garlic, onion, black peppercorns, etc.
Instructions:
- Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess brine.
- Place the rinsed meat in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the included spice packet over the meat. If you like, you can add extra spices and seasonings at this point.
- Pour enough water or liquid over the meat to fully cover it.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for about 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the brisket and your slow cooker's settings.
- When the corned beef is fully cooked, it should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Optionally, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage during the last couple of hours of cooking to make a complete meal.
Remember that slow cookers retain moisture very well, so you usually won't need as much liquid as you would when cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. If in doubt, it's always better to start with a bit less liquid and add more if needed during the cooking process.