what kind of meat is pastrami

Pastrami is a type of deli meat typically made from beef, most commonly from cuts such as beef brisket, beef navel (part of the plate), or beef deckle (shoulder cut). The meat is first cured in a brine, then coated with a mix of spices like garlic, black pepper, coriander, mustard seeds, and paprika, and finally smoked and steamed. This process results in a highly seasoned, tender smoked meat often served thinly sliced in sandwiches, especially on rye bread. Pastrami originated as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration and has roots in Romanian and Turkish traditions.