Turkey Pastrami Recipe

Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 turkey breast, skin-on, 2 1/2-lb
  • Brine:
  • 1 qt water
  • 1/2 cup tightly-packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • Dry spice mix:
  • 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp dried juniper berries
  • Dry rub:
  • 1/3 cup crushed dried juniper berries
  • 1/4 cup coarsely-ground black pepper

    • Instructions:

    1. In a small sauce pan, combine water, sugar and salt; bring to a boil, stirring until solids dissolve.
    2. Remove from heat and add dry spice mixture.
    3. Let cool.
    4. In a nonreactive container pour cooled brine mixture over turkey breast until completely covered.
    5. Refrigerate, covered, for 48 hours.
    6. Preheat oven to 250 F.
    7. Remove turkey from brine and rinse under cold water.
    8. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
    9. Using the palms of your hands, press 2/3 of dry rub mixture onto skin side of breast.
    10. Press remaining mixture onto other side.
    11. Place breast on a rack, skin-side down and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
    12. Cool and wrap tightly in plastic.