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diy spice essentials: dry pastrami rub

Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
Wichita, KS

Pastrami is a labor of love. If you make it from scratch from a brisked (navel is the best cut), it can take up to ten days, or you can purchase a corned beef from your butcher and cut that down to about 3 days. Granted, most of that time is spent waiting; your total participation in the project is probably less than two hours. The question is do you want to ruin the whole thing with some store-bought spice rub… The answer is a resounding NOOOOO! This rub has heat and sweet, perfectly balanced to compliment that beautiful, corned beef. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

yield serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For diy spice essentials: dry pastrami rub

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 2 Tbsp
    coconut sugar
  • 2 Tbsp
    whole black peppercorns
  • 1 Tbsp
    fresh coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp
    ancho chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp
    whole coriander seeds
  • 1 Tbsp
    coriander powder
  • 2 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 2 tsp
    onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp
    whole yellow mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp
    mustard powder

How To Make diy spice essentials: dry pastrami rub

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    Because homemade spices and condiments do not contain any preservatives, it is important to store them properly. Non-reactive (glass) containers with tight-fitting lids are a must. If I am making a dry spice, I love to use old spice bottles that I have run through the dishwasher. If I am doing homemade sauces, I love using Weck jars. They are all glass, come in all sizes and shapes, and have excellent leakproof lids. If you shop online, you can go to Amazon, and type in “Weck Jars” and you will find a ton of them. Dry spices should be kept in a cool space, away from sunlight (spice cabinet), and sauces, in most cases, should be stored in the fridge. If properly stored, this dry spice should last 8 – 10 months.
  • 3
    If making pastrami is new to you, here is a recipe that works for me. Just substitute the spice mix in the recipe for this one and follow on from there. Easy/Peasy. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/main-course-beef/homemade-pastrami.html
  • 4
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • 5
    Take the seeds (whole black peppercorn, whole coriander seeds and whole yellow mustard seeds), place them into a spice grinder, and give them a few one-second bursts.
  • 6
    The goal is not to grind them to a powder, just make them chunky. A good pastrami rub has some rough ground spices… not all powders.
  • 7
    If you do not have a spice grinder, you can always cover them with a few paper towels, and give them a few good whacks with a heavy skillet.
  • 8
    Mix the chunky spices with the powders.
  • 9
    Store in an airtight non-reactive container until needed.
  • 10
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 11
    Use on a good, corned beef, and smoke to make yummy pastrami. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    12
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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