Just like with all the different kinds of products out there, food has varying prices as well. These all depend on many different factors that come into play. Because of this, some ingredients, in particular, are much more expensive than others.
An issue that users regularly have related to these high prices is why pastrami is so expensive. We will be discussing the reasons for this in this detailed guide, so check it out if you’re one of the many people interested in the topic and want to learn more.
Why Is Pastrami So Expensive?
- Brining Pastrami
When it comes to using Pastrami for your dishes, people will notice that the dish has a high price. The main reason behind this is how the cut of meat is prepared. There are several steps that the meat goes through to ensure it is processed properly. The first step is bringing the cut similar to corned beef.
This is done by taking a pan full of water and then mixing salt inside it. The cut of meat will then be submerged inside the solution for some time which helps it in absorbing all of the moisture and salt content. This changes the texture for the type of cut as well as gives it a unique flavor.
- Dried and Seasoned
Pastrami is a famous Romanian dish that is made from beef brisket. However, this is not necessary as people often use other types of cuts for the meat as well. This includes using cuts from turkey or even lamb. The meat used goes through several steps that all help it in gaining a better flavor.
All of the processes used also give the dish a high price. When it comes to the second step that pastrami has to go through, you should note that it is first dried. This is necessary as a brine will give your cut of meat a high moisture ratio.
Removing some of the water content while maintaining the saltiness allows people to add further flavors. Once done, people will then start seasoning their pastrami using a collection of herbs. There are tons of options that you can go for, and the choice usually depends on the user’s personal preferences.
- Smoking Pastrami
Once the cut of meat has been seasoned, people will then move on to smoking it. This is a process that allows people to give their dishes a charred flavor. Tons of recipes require this step and these all have amazing flavors. Considering this, if you are already a fan of smoked meat then trying out pastrami is a great option. The cut will stay inside the grill for some time until the user feels like it has been smoked enough.
The process of smoking revolves around setting up pastrami above a source of heat and using the smoke to give it a unique, tasty texture. It sounds delicious, and it certainly is! However, it’s also very time-consuming and can turn out horribly if done wrong. That’s why smoking pastrami is an expensive endeavor that you’ll have to pay extra for. Many might argue that the end result is worth it for the taste and texture, but that’s for you to decide depending on how much you like it.
- Steaming The Dish
The final step that this cut of meat has to go through is steam. This helps in breaking down the small number of meat fibers left. One common issue that people will notice is that these fibers harden after going through all the different processing methods.
However, steaming the cut will eventually allow it to soften up. If done properly, your pastrami should come out amazing. But, that’s much easier said than done. It’s a sensitive process that inexperienced chefs might fail at, resulting in the entire pastrami being ruined. Keep in mind that even a small mistake during the four steps can cause problems for the dish. Considering this, a dish that requires so much effort before it can be made will have a high price in comparison to another type of meat dish. Now it’s up to you and your tastebuds to decide if it’s worth it or not.