Smoked Corned Beef aka Mock Pastrami

[beercuer]

Ah,... the woody aroma of hickory fills the air again! You know how when Saint Patrick's Day comes along, corned beef prices get real cheap?-- Well, that's when I stock up. That's what I'm working on today, but to make mock pastramis out of them. First I de-brined them for two days, then slathered with mustard, rubbed with what the little enclosed spice packets are provided, and blasted 'em with coarse ground pepper. Here's what I got going to the pit:



Now they've been on the pit for awhile, and I still have some ways to go. Tonight is the last game of the regular season for the Lakers, and I want to enjoy a good "sports" dinner. Till later...

[Kenny 13]

Those are gonna be good once they're done.

You concerned about the way the Lakers have closed out the season? NBA season is over for me after tonight since the Hornets don't even make the playoffs. It's been a long, injury riddled season

[beercuer]

Hi, Kenny!

I am quite concerned about the Lakers. They have not been playing championship style BB. But I still have hope. Yeah, personal injuries sure can hurt the team overall. Even so, I think your Hornets could take LA right now, given the chance. But I did not say that. I am obliged to "keep the faith." At least you got the Superbowl!!!

[saltfly]

Kobe should be in jail.

Go Flyers and Phillies tonight!

[tex_toby]

I bet that is going to be great, bc! I must admit, I don't remember ever even trying pastrami before. I'd love to have a taste!

The Mavs come on in less than an hour to try and lock in the #2 seed. I'm frying up a little chicken fried chicken for supper!

[beercuer]

Great minds think alike, Tex.-- I fried some chicken drums last night. Served 'em cold. Fried chicken is excellent sports food, hot or cold.

What are we going to do, amigo? I'd like to see Dallas go all the way, but I have to stay true to the Lakers. And Dallas worrues me. Can't stand Nowitzki (please forgive spelling)-- He just does not miss, and is a real troublemaker. But Dallas is very strong this year. I do hope you enjoy your game.

Wish I could share this pastrami with you. Be great to watch the games together. Plan to turn it into hot pastrami sandwiches on Kaiser rolls with potato salad on the side and stuff. Meanwhile,

[tex_toby]

It all depends on which Mavericks show up to play. We have the Jeckel & Hyde team. I'd love to see them do it, but they have their work cut out for them. Although the Lakers have been in a slump, I bet things change real fast when those games start to really mean something.

tex

[DATsBBQ]

Coriander and Black pepper next time, toss the spice packet. I'm sure it will turn out good.

[Kenny 13]

It all depends on which Mavericks show up to play. We have the Jeckel & Hyde team. I'd love to see them do it, but they have their work cut out for them. Although the Lakers have been in a slump, I bet things change real fast when those games start to really mean something.

tex

Tex, I think you said it all right there. Lakers haven't really had anything to play for lately.

[SteerCrazy]

what dats said, spice packet is good if you plan to boil or roast it. Coarse BP, Coriander and I like a shake of granulated garlic when I smoke them, Either way it's good eatin!

[beercuer]

... Several days later,...

Mighty nice of whoever to let me know my post was moved. Sorry I posted in the wrong spot. I merely thought of it as a smoking thing.

DATs & SteerCrazy-- You guys are kidding me, right? Garlic is good (especially fresh minced), but coriander? Coriander can quickly become too overbearing. There is already enough present in the curing solution. If you really want to go the more traditional pastrami route, then ground juniper berries in the rub is for what is called (or alternatively, work in some gin). Please, I have 35 years experience tending the pit, so I ought to know something of which I am talking. In fact, I wrote the definitive "how to" on doing pastrami for another forum. But if coriander floats your boat, go for it, I say.

Anyway, I'll go ahead and share the follow up of my results. May not meet some folks standards, but I was happy with it.

Here is the way it went. These were point, not flat cut, so they had a little mor fat. That's no issue for me.

Here they are when I first put them on the grates:


And here they are just before foiling:



Here is the way it all sliced up. I layered the meat on the Kaiser rolls, wrapped in foil, and heated them in the oven for 15 minutes to get a really good hot pastrami expereience.



At last, here it is plated. I just wuv globs of mustard. I further topped it with the sliced tomatoes and sauerkraut. That's potato salad on the side. Man, that stuff goes good with pastrami. This was a most enjoyable dinner, just right for the game.

[tex_toby]

That looks great, bc. I have never tried anything like that, but I would love to give it a go! I'm sure there may be some regional differences regarding different flavors. That said, send any leftovers to me. I'll dispose of it properly.

tex

[beercuer]

What a guy!-- Thanks, Tex! True enough, pastrami is a very broad definition, merely meaning a preserved meat. Variations are great, even among packaged varieties. Meanwhile, if you get a chance, simply pick up a sample from your market to give it a try. I swear it's addictive. I sure wish I could get some to you without it spoiling. I look to give it a go with Swiss on rye next.

Seeing that you so enjoy your briskets, I bet you'd enjoy curing and smoking one of these from scratch.

[Kenny 13]

Outstanding beercuer! I'm gonna have to give pastrami a try too. I love the deli stuff, but I bet it cannot compare to homemade.

[beercuer]

I thank you, Kenny! And you are absolutely right-- There is something extra special, satisfying, and fresh about homemade, especially if one does not resort to using Tender Quick (if starting from a regular brisket).


The End.