Beef Pastrami Ribs
Turn rich beef ribs into bold, deli-style pastrami with a deep cure, peppery crust, and slow smoke. Perfect for slicing thick and serving hot off the board.
Ingredients
- Beef Ribs (plate ribs preferred)
- 1/3 cup Kosher Salt
- 3 tbsp Pickling Spice
- 2 tbsp Pink Curing Salt (Prague Powder #1)
- 1 gallon Water (or enough to fully cover ribs)
For the Pastrami Rub (after brine)
- 4ย tbspย fresh coarsely ground black pepper
- 2ย tbspย coriander powder
- 1ย tspย mustard powder
- 1ย tbspย paprika
- 2ย tspย garlic powder
- 2ย tspย onion powder
Instructions
1๏ธโฃ Brine
- In a large container, combine water, kosher salt, pickling spice, and pink curing salt. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Place ribs in a brining bag or food-safe container.
- Pour brine over ribs until fully submerged.
- Seal and refrigerate for 7โ10 days, flipping once daily to ensure even curing.
2๏ธโฃ Rinse & Dry
- Remove ribs from brine.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess cure.
- Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Place uncovered in the fridge for 12โ24 hours to develop a tacky surface (pellicle) for better smoke adhesion (optional but recommended).
3๏ธโฃ Season
- Lightly coat ribs with a binder (mustard or beef tallow).
- Generously apply pastrami rub, pressing it firmly onto all sides.
4๏ธโฃ Smoke
- Preheat smoker to 250ยฐF.
- Use oak, hickory, or cherry wood.
- Smoke ribs until internal temperature reaches 165โ170ยฐF (about 4โ5 hours depending on size).
5๏ธโฃ Wrap & Finish
- Wrap ribs tightly in butcher paper or foil.
- Return to smoker and cook until internal temperature reaches 200โ203ยฐF and ribs are probe tender.
6๏ธโฃ Rest & Slice
- Remove from smoker and rest wrapped for at least 1 hour.
- Slice between bones or carve across the grain.
- Serve hot and enjoy that smoky, peppery pastrami flavor.
๐ฅ Pro Tip: Chill overnight after cooking for ultra-clean slices, then reheat gently before serving for true deli-style pastrami ribs.

