Pastrami

Pastrami is a flavorful, tender cut of beef that's been brined, seasoned with a spice rub (often including black pepper, coriander, and garlic), smoked, and finally steamed to perfection. It's a staple of Jewish delis, particularly famous in New York City, and is most iconic when piled high on rye bread to make the classic pastrami sandwich.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Pastrami is a high-protein food, with a typical serving providing over 20 grams of protein, but it's also high in fat and sodium. A standard 3-ounce serving contains roughly 200-250 calories, making it a rich and satisfying, but not lean, meat option.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	214 kcal
Protein	16.2 g
Carbs	1.2 g
Fat	15.6 g
Fiber	0.1 g
Sugar	0.8 g
Sodium	1050 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Selenium	22 mcg
Cholesterol	65 mg

Per 3 oz (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, pastrami is a cornerstone of the American Jewish deli tradition, representing a culinary journey from Romanian immigrants to a beloved national sandwich. Nutritionally, the smoking and steaming process not only develops its deep, complex flavor but also helps break down connective tissue, making a tough cut of meat incredibly tender.