Pastrami!
- The Bear Pit
- 47 Replies
This method is very similar to what I do here, at our house. And yes, we do start with our own 'base spice blend' as opposed to purchased package. Then the brisket is 'wet brined' for a few weeks in a sealed bag. It is kept in the refrigerator, and taken out, mixed/sloshed around, then flipped over each day.This is what I use for a rub as well. it is tasty. Whether it is what Katz does is unknown.
The method given is not how Katz does it. I have tried it, and it does not produce the same level of pastrami available at Katz. They explained it to me at a high level on one of my many visits. First, they brine it for several weeks. After brining, they apply the rub. Then they smoke the meat for a LONG period. I believe that smoking is less about cooking than it is about giving the meat the right flavor. I believe that they use a cold smoke process because it takes days. They may use electric smokers. They then boil the smoked meat to cook it. Then, they steam it behind the counter before cutting and serving.
I have not tried to replicate this at home yet, but it has always intrigued me.
And yes, we too 'cold smoke' ours, when we make the pastrami. (corned beef is boiled) We have never had a complaint about our stuff.
But there is more that goes into that 'wet brine', I can say that for sure.