Corned beef into Pastrami

[danbono]

Hi All I was thinking with corned beef going on sale, for St padddy's day,what is the best way to turn it into Pastrami
Thanks Dan

 

[smokin peachey]

Good morning Dan. I was thinking of trying to do the same today. I’m thinking a good soak to remove some salt and then black pepper and coriander was recommended to me last night. I will be watching to see how yours turns out.

 

[foamheart]

The biggest taste modifier that I fine missing from corned beef to pastrami other than smoke is the juniper berries. I just don't believe it can be called pastrami without juniper berries. Like chili powder is to a pot of chili.

And yes folks around here buy lots of corned beef cryo-pacs the first couple a times. But then you'll attempt some of your own corned beef/pastrami and like bacon you'll wonder why no one told you about this as a kid. You'll be spoiled for life. Seems I saw BDSkelly getting his set up awhile back for this year. Its not a load of work, just pre-thought and patience.

 

[BigTurtle]

Watching intently.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Soak the meat a couple hours if you wish. I have had some that were really salty and some that were good to go from the package. The thread below is what I have used for the last couple of years, With the Juniper. It is kind of a cross between NY and Montreal Style. Real tasty, especially when the Corned Point is Fatty like in the pics. It fried up like Beef Bacon...JJ

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/corned-point-to-pastrami.121220/

 

[BigTurtle]

Soak the meat a couple hours if you wish. I have had some that were really salty and some that were good to go from the package. The thread below is what I have used for the last couple of years, With the Juniper. It is kind of a cross between NY and Montreal Style. Real tasty, especially when the Corned Point is Fatty like in the pics. It fried up like Beef Bacon...JJ

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/corned-point-to-pastrami.121220/

Thx for that. Got pig on smoking right now but I already have the juniper berries that I can grind and all the other spices. Appreciate the link.

 

[gary s]

Love those Juniper Berry's ......

Gary

 

[ironhorse07]

Soak the meat a couple hours if you wish. I have had some that were really salty and some that were good to go from the package. The thread below is what I have used for the last couple of years, With the Juniper. It is kind of a cross between NY and Montreal Style. Real tasty, especially when the Corned Point is Fatty like in the pics. It fried up like Beef Bacon...JJ

https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/corned-point-to-pastrami.121220/

I have used your pastrami rub, it is excellent.

 

[WaterRat]

Hey All, I'm doing the same here with a store bought corned beef - $1.89/lb is hard to pass up - I have two flats, 3.2 and 3.6 lbs. Should I completely remove the fat cap? It's not real thick on these, less than a 1/4" and very even across. Have then soaking now, will rinse late tonight, rub and into the reefer till Thursday morning. I wanted to smoke Friday but the weather is looking crappy.

 

[gmc2003]

1/4 inch leave it on, and enjoy.

Chris

 

[WaterRat]

1/4 inch leave it on, and enjoy.

Chris

Sounds good. Thanks, Chris

 

[motocrash]

I think everybody is jumping the gun,don't they go on sale the 18th or 19th.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Sales are hit or miss. In the stores I have shopped the last 5 years, Corned Beef went on sale once. I have heard stories of $.99/lb sales after the holiday, just no where I lived. Locally they put the Corned Beef at $2.99 for Points, my preference, and ;$3.99 for Flats. These are a $1 off the normal price during the year. The store makes money on all the other odds and ends folks by coming in for their on sale Corned Beef...JJ

 

[motocrash]

I have heard stories of $.99/lb sales after the holiday

That's what it's been here for years,hoping it's more of the same this year.

 

[sandyut]

I soaked mine overnight - might have been 24 hours and that was just enough. next time I will soak longer for less salt.

Where can I get juniper berries??? NM - Amazon has them of course.

I bought two flats on sale a Kroger this week! cant wait.

 

[chef jimmyj]

If your Kroger is in a populated area, they may have them. Virtually any online Spice shop like Myspicesage, SpicesInc, SpicesEtc, will carry them. Don't go crazy! 1oz is A LOT and they do lose their flavor in a year of storage...JJ

 

[sandyut]

I have found Kroger in SLC to be a big let down when it comes to anything out of the ordinary. I dont even look their for stuff like this. its sad, but all i can figure is there is little demand here [trying to say that without offending anyone from here - to be clear we live here not from here ;) ]. Amazon will have me a small jar by Friday.

 

[wickedpigeon]

Whether you are making pastrami from scratch or just looking to add juniper berries, I can’t recommend the Spice House enough. This place has great spices. https://www.thespicehouse.com/recipes/corned-beef-brine-recipe

 

[yankee2bbq]

I soaked mine overnight - might have been 24 hours and that was just enough. next time I will soak longer for less salt.

Where can I get juniper berries??? NM - Amazon has them of course.

I bought two flats on sale a Kroger this week! cant wait.

I looked all over our small city for juniper berries, then I tried the health food store. They had them. In a bulk bin. Buy whatever you needed.

 

[ironhorse07]

I looked all over our small city for juniper berries, then I tried the health food store. They had them. In a bulk bin. Buy whatever you needed.

X2 on the health food store. I needed some one time and didn't want to wait for them to ship and that was the only place in town I could find them. The price was reasonable too.