Turkey Pastrami

Turkey Pastrami

Jesse A Wanskasmith / Getty Images

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 3 hrs
Total: 3 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 32 servings

Turkey pastrami is a low-fat alternative to beef pastrami that tastes just as good. This method is easier than making your own beef pastrami. The difference between pastrami and corned beef is that pastrami is smoked. While beef pastrami starts with corned beef and you have to soak it to remove excess salt, you only need a raw turkey breast, a marinade, rub, and a smoker to make turkey pastrami.

Ingredients

  • 1 quart water

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

  • 3 bay leaves

  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves

  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 2 1/2 pounds turkey breast

  • 1 tablespoon dry juniper berries

  • 1/4 cup coarsely ground black pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in the whole black peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, whole cloves, and garlic. Allow the mixture to cool.

  4. Place the turkey breast in a nonreactive container and pour the cooled mixture over it. Make sure that the turkey breast is completely covered. Cover the container and refrigerate for 48 hours.

  5. Prepare your smoker for a smoke at about 220 F / 105 C for 2 1/2 hours.

  6. Combine the juniper berries and coarsely ground black pepper.

  7. Remove the turkey breast from the brine mixture and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

  8. Cover the turkey breast with the juniper berry and black pepper rub. Make sure you press the rub into the surface of the turkey.

  9. Place the turkey breast in the smoker, skin-side down.

  10. Smoke for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 F / 75 C.

  11. Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and allow it to cool. The turkey pastrami will continue to gain flavor the longer you let it rest.

  12. Slice the turkey pastrami to enjoy for sandwiches or as an entrée. Wrap any leftover turkey pastrami tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
67 Calories
1g Fat
4g Carbs
11g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 32
Amount per serving
Calories 67
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 983mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 11g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 112mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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