
Welcome to the NY Deli, the culinary haven in Williamsburg, VA, where pastrami sandwiches reign supreme! A melting pot of flavors and traditions, the NY Deli has mastered the art of crafting mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches that leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Join us as we delve into the traditional process of making this extraordinary meat and the meticulous steps involved in preparing these delectable sandwiches.
The Legacy of Pastrami
Pastrami, a celebrated delicacy, originated in Eastern Europe and found its way to the bustling streets of New York City, where it gained immense popularity among Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century. Today, pastrami is a symbol of both culinary finesse and cultural heritage, and the NY Deli in Williamsburg has brought this tradition to Virginia, enchanting locals and tourists alike.
Step 1: Selecting the Finest Cut of Meat
The secret behind NY Deli’s amazing pastrami sandwiches lies in their careful selection of meat. Only the finest and well-marbled cuts of beef are chosen for this process. Commonly, the navel cut or the brisket is preferred due to its rich marbling, which imparts tenderness and flavor to the pastrami.
Step 2: The Brining Process
The magic of pastrami begins with the brining process. The chosen cuts of beef are immersed in a flavorful brine for several days, allowing the meat to absorb a symphony of spices, including crushed peppercorns, coriander seeds, garlic, and paprika. The combination of these spices creates the distinctive and aromatic taste that sets NY Deli’s pastrami apart.
Step 3: The Slow Smoking Ritual
Once the brining process is complete, the meat is skillfully dried and then coated with a spice rub that perfectly complements the flavors developed during brining. The pastrami is then traditionally slow-smoked over a blend of hickory and cherry wood, adding a smoky complexity to the meat’s already vibrant taste.
Step 4: The Perfect Cook
With precision and expertise, the pastrami is cooked at a carefully monitored low temperature until it reaches the pinnacle of tenderness. This slow cooking process ensures that the pastrami retains its moisture while becoming melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Doesn’t that all sound too good to be true? Right here locally in Williamsburg? Well come on down to NY Deli and we’ll serve you up some hot and fresh pastrami on rye or any of our other sandwich delicacies!