Pastrami is a beloved deli meat, known for its tender texture and bold smoky flavor. But what goes into creating this flavorful meat? The traditional process of making pastrami involves curing, seasoning, and smoking, transforming a simple cut of beef into the delicious sandwich favorite we know today. Join us this month as one of your favorite roast beef shops explores each step of this time-honored process!

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut

Pastrami is typically made from the navel cut of beef, which is prized for its fat content and ability to stay juicy during long cooking processes. Some variations use brisket, another cut known for tenderness. The key to great pastrami is selecting a cut with enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Curing the Meat

Curing is essential in making pastrami, as it preserves the meat while imparting flavor. The meat is submerged in a brine made of water, salt, sugar, and curing agents like sodium nitrite, which help retain the pink color and prevent spoilage. The meat cures for 5 to 14 days, allowing it to absorb the brine’s flavors and soften.

Step 3: Seasoning with Spices

Once cured, the meat is coated with a spice rub that defines pastrami’s signature taste. Common spices include black pepper, coriander, garlic, and mustard seed. This spice crust not only adds bold flavor but also helps lock in the meat’s juices during cooking. A generous application of spices ensures every slice has a distinct pastrami bite.

Step 4: Smoking the Meat

After seasoning, the pastrami is smoked slowly over hardwood, such as hickory or oak, for several hours. This step gives pastrami its signature smoky flavor. The slow smoking process tenderizes the meat as the fat renders and infuses the cut with rich, smoky undertones.

Step 5: Steaming and Slicing

After smoking, pastrami is steamed to make it even more tender. Steaming takes one to three hours, ensuring the meat remains moist and juicy. Finally, the pastrami is thinly sliced against the grain, giving it the perfect tender texture for sandwiches.

Bill & Bob’s Famous Roast Beef | MA Roast Beef Shops

Whether you’re craving a pastrami sandwich or something else, rest assured that we have plenty of delicious options at one of our roast beef shops. To explore our menu options, check out our website for more information, or stop in for a bite to eat today!

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