I come from New York. I have had some of the best pastrami in the world. I now live in Florida and still get some great pastrami. But, I had to try my own. I bought a cryo vac corned beef, about 3 lbs. I soaked it in water for 24 hours to release some salt. I then rubbed it with a rub from this site and let it sit 24 hours in frig. I then smoked it at 225 for 15 hours, IT 190.
I sliced a piece to taste it. It was tasty,not salty and a bit dry. Was it done? NO! THE SECRET TO GREAT PASTRAMI IS TO STEAM IT. Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. More moisture, better color, tenderizes and brings out the flavor.
So after leaving it in frig overnight, I steamed it for an hour. Should have been 2 but we got hungry...oh well. I think you can see the difference in the photos. It was fantastic. My 3 lb corned beef ended up at 1.6 lb cooked.
That being said, I will probably go to the deli restaurants for the sandwiches. For literally a few bucks more I get excellent pastrami with all the trimmings and no work.
BTW the first pic is the meat after soaking it for 24 hours
I sliced a piece to taste it. It was tasty,not salty and a bit dry. Was it done? NO! THE SECRET TO GREAT PASTRAMI IS TO STEAM IT. Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. More moisture, better color, tenderizes and brings out the flavor.
So after leaving it in frig overnight, I steamed it for an hour. Should have been 2 but we got hungry...oh well. I think you can see the difference in the photos. It was fantastic. My 3 lb corned beef ended up at 1.6 lb cooked.
That being said, I will probably go to the deli restaurants for the sandwiches. For literally a few bucks more I get excellent pastrami with all the trimmings and no work.
BTW the first pic is the meat after soaking it for 24 hours