Venison Pastrami

[Buck36]

Lilsmoker's pastrami pics were incredible. This is now on my to do list for the weekend. I didn't want to hijack the other thread so I thought I would ask here. Do you think I could use a venison backstrap for pastrami?

It is a different cut but it is as lean as a brisket. I was planning to cut the backstrap in half down the length of it. I figured it would be a long thinner cut, that way I could be assured the cure could fully penetrate the all of the meat.

Do you see any problems with doing this? I hate to waste a backstrap if I can help it. However, it does give me an excuse to hunt a little more if it doesn't work!!!

[LilSmoker]

Hi Buck, i think the backstrap of venison would be fine for your pastrami, i have made pastrami from many various cuts of meat, and it has always turned out fine.

I even used a nice beef roasting joint that my wife bought for a sunday roast a few months ago, it turned out absolutely delicious! very very tender, although i got told off for stealing the joint, my wife had to admit that the pastrami was one of the best i've ever done  ;D

I would say just make sure that the meat is not too thick, and is not carrying too much fat, this way the cure will penetrate more easily, you could also add a day or so to the cure time if you feel the meat is a little too thick. But generally i think you'll be fine.

I would be very interested in your results.

Regards.........LilSmoker

[Habanero Smoker]

I agree with LilSmoker.

Any cut can be made into pastrami. A common definition of pastrami is "highly seasoned cured meat". Even cuts with a lots of fat can be made into pastrami. Many people use the point section of brisket to make pastrami.

[Piker]

I just finished some pastrami using elk meat. The pieces were odd shaped but very lean so I did not cure too long or smoke too long everything worked out great.

[LilSmoker]

Sounds interesting Piker, any pics or did the whole lot get devoured before the camera was found?  ;D ;)

LilSmoker

[Piker]

I have been threatining to learn how to post pictures will learn asap

[deb415611]

I have been threatining to learn how to post pictures will learn asap

Piker -- here link  on how to post pictures from the faqs on the recipe site


http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showpost.php?p=768&postcount=11