Description
This Slow Cooker Pastrami recipe transforms a beef brisket into tender, flavorful pastrami with a robust spice rub and slow cooking method. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, the pastrami is served best sliced thin on rye bread with Dijon mustard, capturing traditional deli flavors at home.
Ingredients
For the Pastrami
- 3-4 pounds beef brisket (preferably flat cut)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
For Serving
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Rye bread (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, mustard seeds, thyme, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly to create an even spice blend.
- Rub the brisket: Press the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, ensuring an even coating that sticks well to the meat for maximum flavor infusion.
- Place in slow cooker: Put the seasoned brisket into the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar around the brisket, avoiding washing off the rub.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook the brisket on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Rest the meat: Remove the brisket from the cooker and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute, which preserves the meat’s moisture.
- Slice and serve: Slice the brisket thinly against the grain to achieve tender, bite-sized pastrami pieces. Serve on rye bread with Dijon mustard, or enjoy the slices as desired.
Notes
- The optional crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use flat cut brisket for easier slicing and better layering of fat and meat.
- Letting the pastrami rest before slicing helps retain juicy texture.
- Serve with classic deli sides like pickles, sauerkraut, or coleslaw for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
