Learn to make pastrami, a flavorful Italian dish perfect for sandwiches or special occasions. Ideal for food lovers!

Pastrami

Pastrami is a rich and flavorful dish; born from Jewish-American culinary tradition, it is now recognized worldwide as an icon of street food. This creation requires time, patience, and great attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. Beef, particularly the brisket, after a long marinade and slow cooking, becomes so tender it melts in your mouth, releasing its bouquet of aromas.

Our version of pastrami is designed for home cooking, featuring a preparation that is accessible to everyone yet capable of delivering all the intense and aromatic character of this specialty. You can enjoy it as a main dish, perhaps accompanied by roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables, or you can follow the New York tradition and sandwich it between two slices of toasted bread with mustard and pickles to create the famous pastrami sandwich. It’s perfect for dinner with friends, a Sunday lunch, or to wow your guests with something truly special. You can serve pastrami hot or cold; in the latter case, it’s an excellent choice for buffets or picnics.

If you’re looking for more beef street food recipes, try:

• Beef Sandwich with Cabbage Salad and Crispy Potatoes
• Stuffed Arepas with Meat
• Florentine Steak
• Tacos with Meat
• Sicilian Ravazzate

Ingredients

• 3 lbs of beef brisket
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of paprika
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
• Optional: mustard and pickles for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the salt, sugar, black pepper, paprika, minced garlic, and crushed coriander seeds.
2. Rub the mixture generously over the beef brisket, ensuring it is well-coated.
3. Place the brisket in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for about 5-7 days, turning occasionally.
4. After brining, rinse the brisket under running water to remove excess salt and spices.
5. Preheat your smoker or oven to 225°F (107°C).
6. Cook the brisket low and slow for about 6-8 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
7. Remove from heat and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve as desired, either hot or cold, with mustard and pickles for a classic sandwich!

Total Time

Approximately 7-10 days (including brining time) + cooking time

Cuisine

Italian