What is Turkey Pastrami? An In-Depth Look at This Delicious Deli Meat

As a lover of delicious deli sandwiches, I’m always intrigued when I come across a type of cured or smoked meat I haven’t tried before. Recently, I discovered turkey pastrami – essentially pastrami made from turkey rather than the traditional beef. I was curious how it compared to classic pastrami and wanted to learn more about how it’s made. Here is an in-depth look at what exactly turkey pastrami is and how it differs from beef pastrami.

The Origins of Pastrami

To understand turkey pastrami, it helps to first examine the origins of traditional pastrami. Pastrami was born out of the Romanian smoked and brined meat called “pastrama”. Romanian Jews who immigrated to America in the 1800s brought their pastrama recipes over. These were adapted to local ingredients, resulting in the pastrami we know today.

Beef navel or brisket is traditionally used for pastrami The meat is brined, partly dried, smoked, steamed, and seasoned, giving pastrami its distinctive flavor and texture. Recipes rely on coarse black pepper, garlic, coriander, and other warm spices. Pastrami became popular in Jewish delis in New York City and beyond

What Exactly is Turkey Pastrami?

As you may have guessed, turkey pastrami is simply pastrami made using turkey meat instead of beef. More specifically, it’s made from turkey breast meat. The turkey is brined, spiced, smoked, and prepared using the same techniques and seasonings as classic beef pastrami – the only real difference is the type of meat.

Many people prefer turkey pastrami because it has a milder flavor compared to beef. It also has a lighter less fatty texture that some find more appealing. Those looking to reduce red meat may enjoy turkey pastrami sandwiches as a healthier alternative.

How is Turkey Pastrami Made?

The process of making turkey pastrami is quite similar to traditional pastrami:

• Brining – The turkey breast is submerged in a salt, sugar, and spice brine solution for 5-7 days. This cures the meat and makes it incredibly moist.

• Seasoning – A spice rub made with ingredients like garlic, mustard seed, coriander, and black pepper is applied to the surface.

• Smoking – The turkey is then hot smoked slowly over wood chips for up to 8 hours to absorb maximum flavor.

• Steaming – A brief steam to finish cooking and tenderize the meat even further.

• Slicing – Once cooled, the turkey is sliced thinly across the grain for sandwiches.

• Packaging – The slices are vacuum-sealed to prevent drying out.

The Differences Between Turkey and Beef Pastrami

While made using the same basic techniques, there are a few noticeable differences between beef and turkey pastrami:

• Fat content – Turkey is much lower in fat and calories compared to beef. The fat marbling in beef pastrami gives it characteristic richness.

• Flavor – Beef pastrami has a more robust, peppery flavor. Turkey pastrami is milder in taste.

• Texture – Beef slices have a looser, tender texture. Turkey slices are denser and tighter.

• Color – Beef pastrami is a deep red with white marbling while turkey is a pink or reddish-pink.

• Price – Turkey pastrami is often cheaper than high-quality beef pastrami.

• Availability – Beef pastrami can be found in most delis, but turkey may require a special order.

Is Turkey Pastrami Healthy?

One of the biggest benefits of turkey pastrami is that it is lower in fat and calories than beef pastrami. A 4 ounce serving of turkey pastrami contains about:

• 80 calories
• 10g protein
• 4g fat
• 530mg sodium

Turkey breast is high in protein, low in cholesterol, and very lean, making it an ideal healthy substitute for beef pastrami. Just be mindful of the sodium content if limiting salt intake.

Buying and Storing Turkey Pastrami

When shopping for turkey pastrami, look for brands clearly marked as 100% turkey with minimal added ingredients. Local delis that produce their pastrami in-house typically offer high-quality options. Major brands like Hebrew National also produce credible turkey pastrami.

Once opened, it will last about 7 days refrigerated. To extend shelf life, slice only what you plan to eat and keep the remaining pastrami stored in vacuum packaging. Freeze for longer term storage.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey pastrami makes an excellent sandwich meat. Layer it with spicy mustard, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread for a flavorful riff on a reuben. It also shines in grain bowls, pasta salads, pizzas, and lettuce wrap sandwiches.

With its milder flavor and lighter texture, turkey pastrami can hold its own against traditional beef pastrami. Its lower fat and calories make it ideal if you are looking for a healthier take on this classic deli meat.