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Savory Homemade Sandwich Deli Meat Recipe for Easy Flavorful Lunches

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This savory homemade deli meat recipe offers a tender, flavorful alternative to store-bought deli slices, perfect for quick lunches and meal prep with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • A few drops of liquid smoke

Instructions

  1. Mix the seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
  2. Prepare the meat: Trim excess fat from pork shoulder or chicken breast. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat, pressing gently to cover every surface. Add a few drops of liquid smoke and rub evenly.
  3. Wrap and cure: Wrap the seasoned meat tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal it. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors marry and cure.
  4. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  5. Cook the meat: Remove meat from fridge and unwrap. Place on roasting pan or baking dish. Cook in preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on meat size and type.
  6. Rest before slicing: Remove meat from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Slice thinly: Using a sharp knife, slice the meat as thin as desired for sandwiches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness. Chill cooked meat for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner, thinner slices. Leftover deli meat keeps up to 5 days refrigerated in airtight container or can be frozen with parchment paper between slices. Liquid smoke is optional but recommended for smoky flavor. Slow cooker method: cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade deli meat, sandwich meat, pork shoulder deli, chicken breast deli, easy lunch recipe, savory deli meat, meal prep, low carb, gluten free

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/savory-homemade-sandwich-deli-meat-recipe-for-easy-flavorful-lunches/