Pastrami is a deliciously spiced, smoked beef that’s usually served on rye bread with mustard. It can be eaten plain or as part of a sandwich.
Pastrami is made by curing raw beef in spices and flavors such as garlic, salt, coriander seed, peppercorn, allspice berries, and juniper berries. After curing, the meat is usually smoked and cooked.
If you are making pastrami at home or picked some up from your local deli, you’ll want to know how long it will last before spoiling.
Homemade pastrami will last 1 to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Commercially made pastrami from the deli will last 3 to 5 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Restaurant-bought pastrami can last 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator. It is also important to note that leaving pastrami out at room temperature for more than 2 hours is not recommended as it can spoil.
This guide outlines how long pastrami will last and what you should do to ensure you are always eating pastrami that tastes great.
How Long Does Pastrami Last in the Fridge?
When it comes to pastrami, you have three main options: deli pastrami, homemade pastrami, and restaurant pastrami. Let’s discuss how long each type will last in the fridge.
Sliced deli pastrami will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. This is because delis usually pre-pack their pastrami and do not sell it raw.
Homemade pastrami will last for about 1 to 3 days in the fridge after being cooked. When you make your own pastrami, you are cooking it fresh, which typically gives it less shelf life.
Restaurant pastrami will last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. This is because restaurant pastrami is typically pre-cooked and then frozen.
So, the takeaway from this is that deli pastrami will last the longest in the fridge, while homemade pastrami will last the shortest. However, all forms of pastrami will eventually spoil, so it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later.
You should keep pastrami in the fridge at all times at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food safe. If your fridge is not at this temperature, you can use a refrigerator thermometer to measure it.
If traveling with pastrami, you should also keep it in a cooler bag or with cold or frozen items. This will help keep the pastrami at a safe temperature and prevent spoiling.
Opened vs. Unopened Pastrami
When it comes to storing pastrami, there is a big difference between opened and unopened packages.
Opened packages of pastrami should be eaten within 3 to 5 days. This is because the meat will have been exposed to the open air and could spoil.
Unopened packages of pastrami can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. This is because the meat has not been exposed to the air and is less likely to spoil.
Vacuum-sealed packages of pastrami can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months.
So, if you are not going to eat all of your pastrami within a few days, it’s best to vacuum-seal it and store it in the freezer. This will help extend the shelf life and prevent spoiling.
How Long Does Turkey Pastrami Last?
Now that we know how long regular pastrami lasts in the fridge, let’s discuss turkey pastrami.
Turkey pastrami will last for about 4 to 5 days in the fridge after being cooked. This is because turkey does not have as much fat as beef, so it doesn’t spoil quite as quickly.
Just like regular pastrami, you should keep turkey pastrami in the fridge at all times at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep food safe.
How Long Does Pastrami Last in the Freezer?
If you want to store pastrami in the freezer, it will last for about 3 to 6 months. Again, this depends on whether it is deli pastrami, homemade pastrami, or restaurant pastrami.
The best way to thaw pastrami is in the fridge. This will take about 1 to 2 days, depending on the size of the pastrami. Once thawed, you can reheat and eat the pastrami as usual.
You can also thaw pastrami in cold water. This will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, again depending on the size of the pastrami. Once thawed, you can eat the pastrami as usual.
How Long Does Pastrami Last After the Expiration Date?
The expiration date on pastrami is typically about 3 to 4 days after being thawed. However, this will depend on the type of pastrami and how you store it.
If you have deli pastrami, it will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge after the expiration date. You should always ask the deli the expiration date for their pastrami before purchasing it.
Again, it is best to eat pastrami sooner rather than later. If you are unsure if your pastrami has gone bad, there are a few things to look out for.
How to Tell if Pastrami is Bad
If you are unsure if your pastrami has gone bad, there are a few things to look out for.
1. Check the expiration date. If it is more than five days past the expiration date, the pastrami is more likely to be bad.
2. Check the color of the pastrami. If it is brown or gray, the pastrami isn’t safe to eat.
3. Check the texture of the pastrami. If it is slimy or sticky, the pastrami has probably gone bad.
4. Smell the pastrami. If it smells sour or rancid, the pastrami has gone bad.
If you see any of these signs, it is best to throw out the pastrami. Eating bad pastrami can cause health issues, which can be very dangerous.
Best Way to Store Pastrami
Storing pastrami properly is just as important as keeping any other type of meat. Here are some tips on how to store pastrami:
- Wrap pastrami tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper.
- Place pastrami in the fridge on a lower shelf
- Use sealed containers or bags to store pastrami in the fridge/freezer
- Avoid storing pastrami near other strong-smelling foods
These tips will help you keep your pastrami fresh and delicious.
How to Heat Up Pastrami
Now that you know how long pastrami lasts, let’s discuss how to heat it before eating.
Pastrami in the Oven
For the best results, we recommend heating pastrami in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pastrami on a baking sheet. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is heated through.
Microwaving Pastrami
You can also heat pastrami in the microwave. Place the pastrami on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it is heated through.
Once the pastrami is heated, you can eat it as usual. We recommend serving it with some mustard and rye bread.
Steaming Pastrami
Steaming is also a great way to heat pastrami without drying it out. Simply place the pastrami in a steamer basket and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until your liking.
You can also eat pastrami cold. This is common for those who get pastrami from the deli. If you want to eat pastrami cold, we recommend slicing it thinly, so it’s easy to eat.
Pastrami in an Instapot
If you have an Instapot, you can use it for warming up pastrami. Heat on high pressure for 3 to 5 minutes or until the desired temperature.
It is best to put water in the bottom of the Instapot and then place the pastrami on the rack that comes with it.
Using a Pan to Heat Pastrami
If you don’t want to use the oven, microwave, or Instapot, you can always use a pan. Place the pastrami in a pan over medium heat for 1 to 3 minutes, or until it is heated enough to serve.
Pastrami can lose heat quickly, so it is helpful to have everything else ready before heating the pastrami.
Processed vs. Unprocessed Pastrami
When most people think of pastrami, they think of deli meat. This is usually processed pastrami made from beef that has been cured and smoked.
Processed meat usually has additives and preservatives, which can make it last longer and change the taste.
Unprocessed pastrami doesn’t use any additives or preservatives, and it is made from beef that has been smoked.
This meat is usually not as shelf-stable as processed pastrami, but it can taste much better.
Which one you choose is up to you, but we recommend trying both types to see which you like best.
Deli meat is fast and easy for most of us to get a hold of, but it is not always the healthiest.
Unprocessed pastrami can take a long time to make and can be difficult for someone who has never made it before.
Some restaurants and delis will make their own pastrami, so it is always worth asking.
This way, you can get the best of both worlds, fresh pastrami that is delicious without extra time cooking it yourself.
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Best Way to Eat Pastrami
There are many ways to eat pastrami, but our favorite is on rye bread with mustard. This classic sandwich is simple and delicious.
If you want to change things up, you can also try:
- Wrapping pastrami in a tortilla with some cheese for a quick and easy burrito
- Slicing pastrami thinly and eating it on crackers with cheese
- Making a pastrami melt by adding some cheese to your sandwich
- Eating pastrami on its own as a quick snack
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless. Get creative and enjoy your pastrami however you like it best.
Conclusion
Pastrami is a delicious and versatile meat that you can enjoy in many different ways. We hope this guide has helped you understand how long pastrami lasts and how to reheat it.
Remember that it will only last for a few days in the fridge, so be sure to use it quickly.
You can eat pastrami cold or hot, and it can be a great addition to many different recipes. Get creative and enjoy your pastrami while it is fresh.
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