Pastrami ? from a n00b

freshmeat

Smoke Blower

Original poster

Oct 3, 2009

122

10

• Apr 6, 2010

• #1

Does it matter if piece is flat or point?

I have never frozen deli meat. Can I freeze pastrami after smoking it? Foodsaver the entire piece or slice and freeze?

Thanks

 

meat hunter

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Feb 3, 2009

1,720

14

• Apr 6, 2010

• #2

You wouldn't want to use the point for Pastrami, too fatty, but it does make for some killer burnt ends.

Yes, you can freeze pastrami quite well, either whole or like I do, sliced and put into food saver bags.

 

caveman

Master of the Pit

SMF Premier Member

Feb 5, 2010

1,798

15

Lakewood, Ca - In Front of a Weber 22.5 Smoker

• Apr 6, 2010

• #3

Freezing them is the greatest thing because after you smoke & freeze em, you will be able to enjoy your strami anytime you like. Reheating in the plastic bag for defrosting in a pot of warm water is good as well. Ditto on the idea of using the flat as opposed to the point. Throw up some qview so we can check you out during the process. Good luck.

 

ellymae

Master of the Pit

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 21, 2009

1,391

90

Southeastern PA

• Apr 6, 2010

• #4

I prefer flats, but have done points when that is all i can get. And yes - it freezes great! I agree with Caveman - digging into the freezer and finding Q is a good thing!

 

cowgirl

Legendary Pitmaster

OTBS Member

Oct 2, 2007

7,644

48

Oklahoma

• Apr 7, 2010

• #5

I corn whole briskets... flat and point in one hunk.
What I don't use after smoking gets frozen whole...not sliced. It keeps it's moisture better when frozen whole. IMO

 

mballi3011

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 12, 2009

14,477

58

• Apr 7, 2010

• #6

I'm kinda with cowgirl on this one I corned the whole brisket and then smoke the whole thing and then eat till I almost got pastrami coming out my ears then I freeze what I couldn't eat. I freeze it sliced personally.

 

q dawg

Smoke Blower

Jan 11, 2010

79

10

• Apr 7, 2010

• #7

Quite a few folks prefer point, just because of the fat....adds more flavor.....I have tried them both for CB and Pastrami and got to say I agree, I likes the points better......of course some folks I've seen trim their pastramis so all the outer crust is gone before slicing it up......that to me is a good part of the flavor.....everyone to their own taste I guess !!!

Q Dawg

 

macbillybob

Meat Mopper

Jan 31, 2010

166

10

San Antonio Texas

• Apr 7, 2010

• #8

I brined a whole brisket before St. Patrick's Day. Cut it in half and used the point half for Corned Beef. That was the best I had ever had.

Used the flat half (I did not separate these at the fat layer, simply cut in half) for Pastrami. It was ok but I can do better.

Bought a trimmed brisket today which is mostly the flat. It is going into the brine this afternoon and will be smoked for Pastrami. I heard that the secret to tender Pastrami is that you have to steam it for 3 hours or so after it has smoked and rested.

We'll see here in a week or so.