Homemade Pastrami Recipe

Homemade Pastrami Recipe Pastrami is a smoked, seasoned meat (traditionally made from beef brisket) that has a deep, peppery flavor. It's the star of many deli sandwiches but can easily be made at home with minimal ingredients if you're following a recipe. By using a basic dry rub and mastering smoking techniques, you’ll achieve a rich pastrami perfect for slicing. Ingredients: 3-4 lbs beef brisket (flat or point cut) 4 tbsp kosher salt 4 tbsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp ground coriander 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tbsp paprika 1 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 cup water (for steaming) Instructions: 1. Prepare the Brisket: Trim the fat cap of the brisket, leaving about 1/4-inch of fat for flavor and moisture. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the dry rub adheres well. 2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and mustard seeds. Thoroughly coat the brisket with the dry rub, ensuring every side is evenly covered. Gently press the spices into the meat. 3. Cure the Meat (Optional): Wrap the brisket tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24-48 hours. This allows the seasoning to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum flavor. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step and proceed to smoking.