How to Make Pastrami Spice Mix at Home: Simple Recipe & Expert Tips

How to Make Pastrami Spice Mix at Home: Simple Recipe & Expert Tips
Close-up of pastrami spice mix ingredients in a wooden spoon

What is Pastrami Spice Mix?

Pastrami spice mix is a savory blend of spices used to cure and flavor pastrami meat. It's also versatile for other dishes like brisket, ribs, roasted vegetables, and popcorn. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home:

  • 3 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1.5 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: ½ tsp juniper berries

The History of Pastrami Spice Blend

The origins trace back to Ottoman Turkey as "pastirma," later adapted by Romanian Jews in the 1800s using beef brisket. This blend evolved into the iconic New York deli staple, balancing heat, citrus, and smokiness for authentic flavor.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Ingredient Flavor Contribution Common Use Ratio (%)
Black Pepper Heat, bite 30%
Coriander Seed Citrusy, floral 20%
Fennel Seed Sweet, anise-like 15%
Mustard Seed Earthy, tangy 10%
Paprika Color, mild sweetness 10%
Garlic Powder Umami, savory backbone 10%
Juniper Berries (optional) Woody, gin-like 5%

How to Use Pastrami Spice Mix Beyond Meat

  • Brisket Rub – Apply generously before smoking for deep, deli-style flavor
  • Roasted Vegetables – Toss carrots or cauliflower with olive oil and spice mix before roasting
  • Popcorn Seasoning – Lightly spray with butter and sprinkle for a savory twist
  • Hummus Boost – Stir 1 tsp into hummus for a smoky, umami-rich dip
  • Grilled Cheese Upgrade – Rub on bread before pan-frying for crispy, flavorful crust
Spiced grilled cheese sandwich with pastrami spice mix on a plate

DIY Pastrami Spice Mix Recipe

Make your own blend in 10 minutes for fresher, customizable flavor:

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1.5 tbsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: ½ tsp juniper berries

Instructions

  1. Toast whole spices in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Cool slightly, then grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  3. Mix in paprika and garlic powder thoroughly.
  4. Store in an airtight container away from light for up to 6 months.
Homemade pastrami spice mix in a glass jar

Top 5 Store-Bought Pastrami Spice Mixes Reviewed

Product Name Main Features Best For Recommended Use Occasion
McCormick Gourmet Pastrami Seasoning Balanced, ready-to-use, consistent flavor Beginners and casual cooks Brisket, sandwiches, burgers Weeknight dinners, quick lunches
Badia Spiced for Success – Pastrami Rub Organic, no preservatives, fresh aroma Health-conscious users Home smoking, grilling Backyard BBQs, family meals
Blue Ribbon Seasonings Authentic Pastrami Rub High-quality, coarse texture, deep flavor Pro home chefs and foodies Slow-smoked meats, deli-style cuts Deli parties, gourmet events
Penzeys Spices – Pastrami Seasoning Vibrant, full-bodied flavor, customizable portions Experienced cooks and tinkerers Custom curing, rub blending Food gifts, DIY kits
Stubb's Original Pastrami Rub Smoky, robust, bold finish BBQ lovers and pitmasters Smoking ribs, brisket, pork shoulder Competitions, weekend grilling
Various pastrami spice mix jars displayed on a shelf

Pro Tips for Storing and Using Pastrami Spice Mix

  • Grind Fresh – For peak flavor, grind whole spices just before use
  • Toast Before Applying – Enhance aromatics by toasting spices on raw meat before searing
  • Start Light – This blend is potent; begin with 1 tsp per pound of meat and adjust
  • Pair with Fatty Cuts – Brisket, short ribs, or pork shoulder balance the spice intensity perfectly
  • Try Dry Brining – Coat meat with spice mix and refrigerate overnight for deeper penetration
Hands applying pastrami spice mix to a piece of meat

Why This Spice Mix Belongs in Your Pantry

Pastrami spice mix transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Whether you're curing pastrami, seasoning vegetables, or upgrading snacks, this versatile blend delivers authentic deli flavor with minimal effort. Keep it stocked for quick, flavorful meals anytime!

Sophie Dubois

Sophie Dubois

A French-trained chef who specializes in the art of spice blending for European cuisines. Sophie challenges the misconception that European cooking lacks spice complexity through her exploration of historical spice traditions from medieval to modern times. Her research into ancient European herbals and cookbooks has uncovered forgotten spice combinations that she's reintroduced to contemporary cooking. Sophie excels at teaching the technical aspects of spice extraction - how to properly infuse oils, create aromatic stocks, and build layered flavor profiles. Her background in perfumery gives her a unique perspective on creating balanced spice blends that appeal to all senses. Sophie regularly leads sensory training workshops helping people develop their palate for distinguishing subtle spice notes and understanding how different preparation methods affect flavor development.