Are you a fan of Subway’s pastrami sub? Have you ever wondered what exactly pastrami is and where it comes from?
There has been some speculation and confusion surrounding Subway’s pastrami, with some questioning whether it is made from pork or beef.
In this article, we will dive into the world of pastrami and explore the origins of this deli meat. We’ll also take a closer look at Subway’s pastrami sub and what makes it unique.
So, whether you’re a die-hard pastrami fan or just curious about this popular sandwich, keep reading to learn more.
Is Subway Pastrami Pork?
Let’s start by addressing the question on everyone’s mind: is Subway pastrami made from pork or beef?
The answer is simple: Subway’s pastrami is made from beef. This deli meat is typically made from beef brisket or bottom round, which is brined, seasoned, smoked, and steamed to create its distinct flavor and texture.
While some may have speculated that Subway’s pastrami could be made from pork, this is not the case. In fact, pastrami made from pork is not a common variation of this deli meat and is not typically found in traditional delis.
So, if you’re a fan of Subway’s pastrami sub but have been hesitant to try it due to concerns about pork, rest assured that it is made from beef.
What Is Pastrami?
Pastrami is a type of deli meat that originated in Asia Minor and has become a staple in Eastern European and American Jewish cuisine. It is typically made from beef brisket or bottom round, although lamb, pork, chicken, or turkey can also be used. The process of making pastrami involves brining the raw meat, partially drying it, seasoning it with herbs and spices, smoking it, and then steaming it to create its distinct flavor and texture.
Pastrami was developed as a way to preserve meat before the invention of refrigeration. It is often served on rye bread with mustard, pickles, and sometimes coleslaw in a variant of a Reuben sandwich. The meat can also be used in other dishes such as salads or as a topping for pizza.
While pastrami is a popular deli meat, it can vary in quality and flavor depending on the cut of meat used and the seasoning and smoking process. At Subway, their pastrami is sliced off-campus and held at room temperature next to other sandwich meats. The pastrami is super-lean and trending towards dry compared to traditional deli pastrami. However, Subway’s Big Hot Pastrami sub has received positive reviews for its generous portions of flavorful pastrami paired with pickles and mustard on freshly baked bread.
The History Of Pastrami
Pastrami may be a quintessential Jewish deli meat in the United States, but its origins can be traced back to Asia Minor. The word “pastrami” comes from the Turkish word “pastırma,” which refers to a food made from beef brisket that is brined, partially dried, seasoned with herbs and spices, smoked, and steamed.
Originally, pastrami was created as a way to preserve meat before the invention of refrigeration. It was a common food in Eastern European cuisine and American Jewish cuisine, as well as New York City cuisine.
The classic New York deli meat made from cured, smoked, and spiced beef was an innovation of Romanian immigrants who came to the United States in the late 19th century. However, pastrami’s history goes beyond beef and further back in time than the 19th century.
Pastrami was traditionally made from either sheep or pork, but pork is not a common variation of this deli meat and is not typically found in traditional delis. Today, pastrami is primarily made from beef, although lamb, pork, chicken or turkey can also be used.
Pastrami’s popularity has only continued to grow over time. Subway recently launched their own version of the classic sandwich with their Big Hot Pastrami sub. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Jewish deli sandwich or prefer Subway’s take on this iconic meat, one thing is for sure – pastrami has a long and rich history that continues to be celebrated today.
Pastrami: Pork Or Beef?
Pastrami is a deli meat that is traditionally made from beef brisket or bottom round. However, some recipes may use lamb, pork, chicken, or turkey. The meat is first brined in a salt solution, then seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices such as mustard seed, garlic, black pepper, coriander, and fennel seed. After the seasoning is applied, the meat is smoked at a low temperature until fully cooked.
While pork pastrami does exist, it is not a common variation of this deli meat and is not typically found in traditional delis. In fact, most delis that offer pastrami will use beef brisket or bottom round as the primary cut of meat. This is because these cuts are more flavorful and tender than other cuts of beef.
So, if you’re wondering whether Subway’s pastrami is made from pork or beef, the answer is clear: it’s made from beef. If you’re looking for a pork-based sandwich at Subway, you may want to consider their pulled pork or ham options instead.
The Making Of Subway’s Pastrami
Now that we’ve cleared up any confusion about the type of meat used in Subway’s pastrami, let’s take a closer look at how it’s made.
Subway’s pastrami starts with a real brisket, just like all quality corned beef and pastrami. Brisket is a fatty piece of meat, and just like with steak, it is the fat that produces the flavor. The brisket used for Subway’s pastrami generally comes from a cow.
The process of making pastrami involves several steps. First, the brisket is brined, which means it is soaked in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices for several days. This brine helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
After brining, the brisket is seasoned with a blend of spices such as black pepper, coriander, and garlic. It is then smoked to give it a smoky flavor and steamed to finish cooking and make it tender.
Once the pastrami is fully cooked, it is sliced thinly and served on freshly baked bread. At Subway, customers can customize their pastrami sub with a variety of toppings and sauces.
While Subway may not be a traditional deli, they take pride in using quality ingredients to create their pastrami sub. So next time you’re at Subway and craving something savory and delicious, give their pastrami sub a try.
Subway’s Pastrami Sub: What Sets It Apart
Now that we’ve established that Subway’s pastrami is made from beef, let’s take a closer look at what sets their pastrami sub apart from other deli-style sandwiches.
First and foremost, Subway’s pastrami sub is a convenient and affordable option for those craving the flavors of a classic deli sandwich. While traditional delis may offer more options for bread and toppings, Subway’s pastrami sub can be customized with a variety of vegetables, sauces, and cheeses to suit individual tastes.
Another factor that sets Subway’s pastrami sub apart is the lean cut of meat used. Unlike some traditional delis where pastrami can be fatty and greasy, Subway’s pastrami is sliced thin and lean, making for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, Subway’s pastrami sub is heated in their turbo oven, which helps to soften the meat and melt the cheese for a gooey, satisfying sandwich experience.
While some purists may argue that nothing beats a classic pastrami sandwich from a traditional deli, Subway’s pastrami sub offers a convenient and tasty alternative for those on-the-go or looking for a more affordable option.
Tips For Enjoying A Perfect Pastrami Sandwich
Now that we’ve cleared up any confusion about the type of meat used in Subway’s pastrami sandwich, let’s talk about how to enjoy a perfect pastrami sandwich.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that a pastrami sandwich is all about the meat. Look for a deli that uses high-quality beef and takes the time to properly brine, season, smoke, and steam it. This will ensure that your pastrami is flavorful and tender.
When it comes to toppings, there are a few classic options that pair well with pastrami. Swiss cheese and sauerkraut are popular choices, as is Russian dressing. If you’re making your own sandwich at home, consider using rye bread with seeds for added texture and flavor.
If you’re ordering a pastrami sandwich at Subway or another fast food restaurant, keep in mind that the options for toppings may be limited. Mustard is a common condiment used on pastrami sandwiches and can help add some moisture to the meat. If spicy brown mustard isn’t available, opt for a milder yellow mustard instead.
Finally, consider doubling up on the meat if you’re really craving that pastrami flavor. This will give you more of that salty, chewy goodness in every bite.
Whether you’re enjoying a pastrami sandwich at a traditional deli or grabbing one on-the-go at Subway, these tips will help you make the most of this classic deli meat.
