Pastrami is a cured and smoked meat product typically made from beef but also sometimes made from pork lamb mutton or turkey. The beef used for pastrami is typically a cut from the beef navel which is the plate-cut beef brisket. The navel is trimmed of excess fat and certain muscles and is seasoned before being smoked and cooked.
The origins of pastrami are somewhat disputed with multiple countries and regions claiming to be the birthplace of the popular meat. However most historians agree that pastrami was first created in Romania in the late 1800s. Romanian shepherds would cure meats with a combination of spices and smoked them over an open fire. These shepherds would then bring the cured meats with them on their travels and the popularity of pastrami soon spread throughout Europe.
It is believed that pastrami made its way to the United States in the late 1800s when Romanian immigrants began opening delis in New York City. These delis would sell cured meats similar to those the immigrants had enjoyed back home. Pastrami quickly became a popular item on deli menus and remains one of the most popular sandwich meats to this day.
If you’re wondering where the name “pastrami” comes from it is most likely derived from the Romanian word “pastramă” which refers to a type of dry-cured meat. So next time you’re enjoying a delicious pastrami sandwich remember to thank the Romanian shepherds for their delicious invention!
What part of the cow does pastrami come from?
The pastrami comes from the cow’s navel area.
How is pastrami traditionally prepared?
It is generally rubbed with a garlic-infused spice mix then smoked and steamed.
Where did the tradition of making pastrami come from?
Pastrami was originally created by Romanian Jews.
What type of meat is used to make pastrami?
Beef is the most common type of meat used to make pastrami although it can also be made using pork lamb turkey or chicken.
How long does it take to make pastrami?
It typically takes between 7 and 10 days to make pastrami.
What are the most common spices used to make pastrami?
Garlic coriander mustard seed pepper and sugar are some of the most common spices used to make pastrami.
What is the difference between pastrami and corned beef?
Corned beef is made from a similar cut of meat as pastrami but it is not smoked or steamed and it does not contain the same spices.
What is the calorie content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 140 calories.
What is the fat content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
What is the protein content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 20 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 380 mg of sodium.
What is the carbohydrate content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 3 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the sugar content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 1 gram of sugar.
What is the fiber content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 0 grams of fiber.
What is the cholesterol content of pastrami?
A typical serving of pastrami (3 oz) contains approximately 30 mg of cholesterol.
