Subway’s Big Hot Pastrami sandwich has satisfied many a craving with its peppery, smoky meat layered on fresh bread. But when it comes to the pastrami itself, the question lingers – is it really made of pork, not beef?
With conflicting internet chatter and a lack of transparency, it’s natural to wonder about the true contents of this sandwich shop staple In this article, we’ll slice through the confusion and get to the bottom of Subway’s pastrami
A Crash Course on Pastrami
First, a quick pastrami primer. Pastrami originated in Romania as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration. It involves seasoning, brining, smoking, and steaming beef to give it a distinctive spicy, smoky flavor.
Traditionally, pastrami comes from beef plate, brisket or navel. Top delis use premium beef cuts to make authentic artisanal pastrami. Mass-produced pastrami may contain pork or turkey to reduce costs.
On sandwiches, pastrami is often paired with rye bread, mustard, and pickles. The classic Reuben features pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
The Meat of the Matter: Pork or Beef in Subway’s Pastrami
The exclusive answer: Subway’s pastrami contains 100% beef, not pork, according to the company.
Some speculated it was made from cheaper cuts like pork due to its fatty marbling and milder flavor compared to gourmet deli pastrami. However, Subway has confirmed their pastrami is:
- Made from premium beef brisket, not lower-cost pork.
- Slow-cooked to enhance tenderness.
- Crafted with spices like garlic, coriander, and black pepper to give it flavor subtleties.
While custom-cured artisan pastrami relies on premium beef cuts, Subway uses brisket – an affordable cut that’s still beef through and through. This keeps costs down while providing a satisfying, meaty sandwich.
Why Pastrami’s Meat Matters
Knowing for certain that Subway’s pastrami is 100% beef is useful for several key reasons:
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Religious diets – Judaism and Islam prohibit pork, making beef pastrami acceptable.
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Vegetarian/vegan – Beef confirms the sandwich isn’t vegetarian, but also isn’t obscured by mystery meats.
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Red meat health concerns – If limiting red meat, beef pastrami allows tracking intake.
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Food sensitivities – Those avoiding pork due to allergies or intolerances know it’s safe to eat.
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Quality expectations – Tasting fatty, lower-grade pastrami won’t confuse if beef brisket is known.
Subway actively promotes its pastrami as “tender, juicy, pepper-crusted beef” showing transparency around its ingredients. This empowers customers to enjoy the sandwich aligned with their dietary needs and preferences.
Healthier Substitute Meats and Cheeses
While Subway’s pastrami brings the beef, some may wish for slimmer sandwich options. Here are some easy health-conscious substitutions:
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Turkey pastrami – Offers a leaner take on deli flavors.
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Rotisserie chicken – Lower in saturated fat than red meat.
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Veggie patty – A meatless option packed with flavor.
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Provolone cheese – Milder taste than cheddar with less fat.
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Swiss cheese – Creamy, smooth cheese with fewer calories than cheddar.
Customizing your toppings and cheeses allows you to healthify your pastrami sandwich while maintaining delicious flavor.
Should You Avoid Subway’s Pastrami Altogether?
While Subway’s pastrami makes no attempt to emulate upscale artisan deli meats, it satisfies cravings with its tender beef brisket and spice-infused flavor.
There’s no need to avoid it altogether unless you:
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Are vegetarian or vegan – the beef makes it non-compatible.
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Have certain religious dietary restrictions on beef.
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Are limiting intake of saturated fats or processed meats – standard with all deli and cured meats.
For most pastrami lovers, though, Subway’s sandwich hits the spot any time that smoky, peppery, meaty flavor calls your name. Just opt for leaner cheeses and toppings to lighten it up.
The Verdict on Subway’s Big Hot Pastrami
Hopefully this investigation has cleared up any confusion around whether Subway’s Big Hot Pastrami contains pork. While some pastrami can include pork, Subway’s uses only beef brisket slow-cooked to tenderness.
It may not offer gourmet deli quality, but Subway’s pastrami still satisfies when those smoky, spicy flavors come calling. Just be sure to customize cheeses and toppings to suit your dietary preferences.
So next time a pastrami craving hits, you can visit Subway knowing for sure you’ll savor the flavor of 100% beef.
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FAQ
What meat is Subway pastrami?
Is pastrami made of pork?
Is Subway’s cold cut trio pork?
What kind of meat is pastrami considered?
Does subway have pastrami?
Pastrami, straight up, is delicious. Pastrami, in a deli, also can be scary fatty. But at Subway, the pastrami is super-lean and trending toward dry. It’s been sliced off-campus and waits, at room temp, next to the ham and turkey and other sandwich meats at the front of the Subway assembly line. Subway doesn’t have rye bread.
Is pastrami made from pork?
True pastrami is made from beef. However, the term ‘pastrami’ may also be used to refer to the preparation technique. In such cases, it might not be made from pork but instead from other meats like turkey. So, when you come across ‘pastrami’ that’s not made from beef, it’s likely to be turkey pastrami.
What type of meat is used to make pastrami?
The meat used to make pastrami is the beef plate, which is taken from below the ribs. However, the brisket, which sits adjacent to the plate, can also be used. To turn the beef plate, also known as the short plate, into pastrami, the meat is first cured in a salt brine.
Does Subway offer a big hot pastrami sandwich?
Subway offers a Big Hot Pastrami Sandwich (6 inch). The sandwich contains Subway’s version of Pastrami, which is a seasoned cousin of Corned Beef. After a disappointing experience with a Reuben Sandwich from another fast food chain, the reviewer felt that fast food cured beef deserved another chance.