DIY Charcuterie: How To Make Pastrami Jerky

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Learn everything you ever wanted to know about jerky in all its forms — meat, fish and vegetable-based (and beyond). Pick up a copy of this new collection of recipes from all over the world by some of the country's most foremost authorities on charcuterie. This pastrami jerky goes everywhere you go!

Who doesn't love a solidly stacked pastrami sandwich outfitted with all the trimmings? But demolishing one whole can be coma inducing. Here is a portable, pastrami-spiced jerky to satisfy those pesky cravings when you just can't commit to the whole sandwich.

Reprinted with permission from Jerky: The Fatted Calf's Guide to Preserving and Cooking Dried Meaty Goods

DIY Charcuterie: How To Make Pastrami Jerky
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This pastrami jerky goes everywhere you go! Grab a spice blender and some brisket and get ready to make your own charcuterie.
Prep Time
30
minutes
Cook Time
2
hours
Servings
1
pound
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seed
  • 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard seed
  • 2 pounds well-trimmed beef brisket
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsmoked Spanish paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Directions
  1. In a dry skillet over low heat, toast the coriander, peppercorns, cumin, and mustard until fragrant. Allow to cool to room temperature. Using a spice grinder, pulverize to a fine powder.
  2. Place the sliced beef in a shallow bowl or container. Season with the salt, then add the ground spices, the brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne. Using your hands, mix well to evenly coat the slices. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow the sugar and salt to dissolve, then mix again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
  3. When you are ready to dry the beef, remove the meat from the refrigerator. Place the slices on the racks of your dehydrator, making sure that no slices are overlapping. Set the temperature to 145˚F. Insert the racks into the dehydrator, leaving as much space as possible between them. Dehydrate for about 2 1∕2 hours, until the slices are firm but still pliable, rotating the racks front to back halfway through to ensure even drying.
  4. Allow the pastrami jerky to cool at room temperature. Transfer to a covered container that allows a bit of air flow and store in a cool, dark place for up to 4 weeks.
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