pastrami for my brother

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thebarbequeen

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Aug 22, 2010
877
12
Renton, WA
Smoked up a couple pastramis for my brother's birthday gift. He was really happy about it! I can't find my notes on these, so I'll remember the best I can. They came out really good!! I usually just rinse the corned beef (use good quality store-bought), but I did soak them overnight this time to see if it made a difference. It didn't really seem to, but if I have the time, I'll soak rather than just rinse from here out.  After soaking, I rinsed and patted dry, then smeared with a bit of golden mustard mixed with horseradish sauce. I REALLY like what the horseradish adds, did it last time and this time confirmed it. Then I mixed up the spices that came with the corned beef, and added some of this:

da62ec7b_pastrami_050111_1383_edited-1.jpg


These packets are from Uwajimaya grocery store, they have some amazing combinations and I thought this one sounded good for pastrami.  I'm doing it again next time, for sure! I ran all the spices in the grinder just a bit.

69ca1c7a_pastrami_050111_1382.jpg


I've been taking them up to around 160-170, then foiling to 190 or so.  The bottom one got dripped on, it's actually nice and dark too. I don't remember what I had cooking over it, I think it was sausage for more corn chowder.

fa5cd1f2_pastrami_050111_1379.jpg


I've been haunting craigslist and ebay for a slicer, I want thin deli pastrami!  I steamed them in the oven for quite a while, then overnight in the fridge before slicing.

ea7f0941_pastrami_050511_1376.jpg


all wrapped up and ready for the freezer. This was the tastiest batch yet. I managed to get it smokier, I don't remember if it was all cherry or a combo. I usually use a combo, could be cherry and pecan.

340ec97a_pastrami_050511_1377.jpg


thanks for looking! 
beercheer.gif
 
Looks really good!  I like to soak my corned beefs to get some of the salt out.  The pastrami rub seems to put back in any flavor I might have lost in the process.

Good luck and good smoking.
 
Wow that looks great Barbie. Sorry I missed this one until now 
 
Aww, THANKS everybody for your kind words!   I haven't tried your rub yet Fishwrestler - looks like I need to!  My brother is a real foodie, and LOVES a good deli pastrami sandwich; he was so excited when I gave him his present, my sister-in-law was a little "you gave him lunch meat for his birthday??" and my mom said, "but it's PASTRAMI!"  That's my family...
 
 
Nice job Barbe.... question: where did you buy the corned beef, that is some great looking stuff.
Got these at QFC,  it's part of the Kroger chain, but more "upscale" than Fred Meyer's. These say distributed by Tyson, Certified Angus Beef. They're actually a bit more "bargain brand" then I have sometimes gotten, but they were really good looking. I stocked up after St.Patty's day.  Still have 2 left in the freezer.
 
 
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