What's the Difference Between Pastrami and Corn Beef

If you're in your forties, you will never forget that iconic scene from the movie "When Harry meets Sally…" with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. And chances are that, on your first trip to New York, you had to pay a visit to Katz's Delicatessen to try that sandwich that made Sally so delighted…

But even the biggest movie fan doesn't seem to remember a crucial detail. Was it made with corned beef or pastrami? If you also don't remember, then it's time to find the answer.

But before that, we must discuss the differences and similarities between these two legendary types of meat: Corned Beef vs Pastrami.

Contents

• Why Corned Beef and Pastrami Are So Similar?
  • How To Prepare Corned Beef?
  • How To Prepare Pastrami?
• The Best Sandwiches With Corned Beef and Pastrami
• So What about Sally?
• Wanna Be Blown Away By a Sandwich Just Like Sally?
• Final Thoughts

Why Corned Beef and Pastrami Are So Similar?

Corned beef and pastrami are often confused or even considered as two different names to call the same thing.

It's true…

They are both made with cured beef, and once they're cooked, they look pretty similar. Moreover, corned beef and pastrami are the main ingredients of sandwiches that have made the fortune of delis like Katz's for decades.

But here is where the similarities end. The cut of meat, the curing process, the cooking method, and obviously the taste are all different. So, let's find out more about each one of them…

How To Prepare Corned Beef?

Corned beef is prepared using the brisket, which is a cut of beef that can be divided into two parts: the point and the flat. The point cut is generally preferred for corned beef because it contains more fat that keeps the meat moisturized and tender.

A little interesting history…

Corned beef is actually a traditional Irish dish that has become a staple on Saint Patrick's day. Originally other cuts were used, but when the first Irishmen moved to the US, they found that brisket was a lot cheaper, and that's when they changed the recipe.

The same goes for cabbage, which is the most common side that is served with corned beef. It was the cheapest option that they could get their hands on.

OK, so how is it made now?

To prepare corned beef, the meat is cured for five days in a salty brine that contains a mix of spices. It is then boiled for several hours on a low simmer until the meat is tender and juicy.

Once it reaches the desired texture, it is sliced or shredded and served with vegetables on a plate or in a sandwich.

How To Prepare Pastrami?

As opposed to corned beef, pastrami is prepared with a leaner cut of meat. In the old days, the deckle and the navel were the go-to choices, but today brisket is also very common. However, when brisket is used, the flat part is preferred because it's way leaner than the point. And since the cooking process is different, a leaner cut will guarantee a better result.

And where does it hail from?

Pastrami is a Romanian recipe that is derived from a traditional Turkish dish. It doesn't have to be explicitly made with beef, but since this is how it's more commonly known, today we're going to refer to this particular variant.

The meat is again kept in a salty brine for several days, but in this case, more ingredients such as honey and sugar are added. After being partially dried, the meat is then seasoned with more spices and herbs before being smoked.

Here's where it gets interesting…

The cooking process is what really sets pastrami and corned beef apart. Sometimes the cut of meat and the brine can be similar or even identical, but the way that they are cooked makes all the difference.

Before being served, pastrami is also steamed for a few minutes, sliced, and used as the main ingredient of those sandwiches that we all love.

Speaking of sandwiches, do you know what exactly goes in a Reuben? Is it corned beef or pastrami?

Let's clarify…

The Best Sandwiches With Corned Beef and Pastrami

A Reuben is arguably the most popular sandwich. But more than often, when we have one, we don't even know what it is made of. So, when we try to replicate it at home, we're always unsure about what kind of meat to use.

Reuben sandwiches are always made using corned beef. Other ingredients might vary, but the most common are grilled rye bread, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian sauce.

Can you make a Reuben with pastrami?

Sure, you can, but you shouldn't call it a Reuben if you want to avoid confusion. A classic pastrami sandwich comes with grilled rye bread, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles on the side. Even if they look very similar, the sauce is different, and pickles are substituted for sauerkraut.

That seems pretty simple, so why all the confusion?

In my opinion, the confusion comes from the fact that a pastrami sandwich doesn't have a universally accepted name. Somebody calls it a Rachel, but a Rachel is technically a Reuben with pastrami instead of corned beef, and all the other ingredients stay the same.

So What about Sally?

I still owe you an answer from the beginning of this article. So, what was Sally eating in that scene? Was it pastrami or corned beef?

Sorry if this comes as a shock, but it was actually neither. Sally had a turkey sandwich with white bread, coleslaw, and Russian dressing.

Wanna Be Blown Away By a Sandwich Just Like Sally?

The key is in the bread.

And the bread has to be fresh, of course…

Let me tell you what I recommend having to make heavenly bread at home for blow-you-away sandwiches.

Please read my Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker Review for my top fuss-free breadmaking choice. Those who are gluten-sensitive, head to the Best Gluten Free Bread Machine you can buy in 2022.

If you're a traditionalist…

You're going to want to have the Best Wall Ovens, the Best Bread Proofing Baskets, the Best Bread Loaf Pans, or the Best Bread Cloche you can afford. If you're up for milling your own flour, check out the Best Grain Mills to buy for this. Just don't forget, unfinished bread needs to be kept in the Best Bread Box for your climate and counter space.

The filling…

Check out my Presto 01781 23 Quart Pressure Canner Cooker and the Best Salts for Brining for the best results on homemade corned beef. For all your salad, pickle, and sauerkraut needs, head to my reviews of the Best Salad Shooters and the Best Fermentation Crocks currently on the market.

Now you have the makings of a sandwich to die for, and it doesn't even matter what you name it.

OK, back to the differences between corned beef and pastrami…

Final Thoughts

It's easy to understand why corned beef and pastrami are always mistaken. But luckily, they are both so tasty that it's unlikely you'll ever be disappointed if, by mistake, you order one instead of the other.

However, if you made it to this point, you now know exactly what the difference is, and which one to choose according to your preferences.

At last, the long-standing dilemma of Corned Beef vs Pastrami has no more secrets.

Happy juicy sandwich!

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Source: https://www.chefsresource.com/corned-beef-vs-pastrami/

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