Goose Pastrami Recipe | Wild Game Cook

Published on January 15, 2024
Duration: 14:59

This guide details the process of making goose pastrami, from trimming and curing the wild game meat to smoking it to perfection. It emphasizes the importance of proper curing times, developing a pellicle for better smoke adhesion, and achieving the correct internal temperature for a safe and delicious final product. The recipe includes specific measurements for a dry cure and spice rub, along with instructions for smoker setup and monitoring.

Quick Summary

To make goose pastrami, trim goose breasts, apply a dry cure mix (including pink curing salt, kosher salt, pepper, and spices) for at least 36 hours, wash, dry, and develop a pellicle by refrigerating uncovered. Smoke at 160°F until internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Goose Pastrami
  2. 00:04Ingredient Overview
  3. 00:10Pink Curing Salt Importance
  4. 00:46Trimming Goose Breasts
  5. 01:52Preparing for Brine
  6. 02:36Weighing Goose Breasts
  7. 02:49Calculating Cure Amount
  8. 03:30Making the Salt Brine Mix
  9. 03:52Spice Blend Preparation
  10. 04:46Incorporating Dry Cure
  11. 05:17Massaging Cure into Meat
  12. 05:48Curing Time and Refrigeration
  13. 07:47Post-Cure Washing
  14. 08:26Drying and Pellicle Development
  15. 09:19Overnight Fridge Rest
  16. 09:30Pellicle Formation
  17. 09:41Smoker Setup and Preheat
  18. 09:47Binder Preparation
  19. 10:04Spice Rub Formulation
  20. 10:49Applying Binder and Rub
  21. 11:14Transferring to Smoker
  22. 11:18Probe Placement
  23. 11:26Target Smoking Temperature
  24. 12:16Managing Smoker Hot Spots
  25. 12:51Monitoring Internal Temperature
  26. 13:01Pulling Pastrami from Smoker
  27. 13:15Resting and Texture Check
  28. 13:44Checking Cure Penetration
  29. 13:55Serving Suggestions
  30. 14:16Storage and Gifting
  31. 14:41Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients for making goose pastrami?

Essential ingredients include goose breasts, pink curing salt for preservation and color, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, caraway seed, celery seed, sugar, and thyme for the dry cure. A binder like brandy, red wine, or stock is used before applying the spice rub.

How long should goose breasts be cured before smoking?

Goose breasts should be cured in a dry rub for at least 36 hours, or potentially 24 hours for smaller birds, to ensure the cure penetrates fully to the center of the meat. This is followed by washing and a drying period.

What is the ideal smoking temperature and internal temperature for goose pastrami?

The smoker should be preheated to 160°F (71°C). The goose pastrami is smoked until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C) to ensure it's safely cooked while remaining tender.

What is a pellicle and why is it important for smoked meats?

A pellicle is a sticky, tacky surface that forms on meat after it's washed, dried, and refrigerated. It's crucial for smoking because it allows the smoke and spice rub to adhere better, resulting in a more flavorful and visually appealing final product.

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