Salami From Scratch

Prep: 1440 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful homemade salami featuring beef, curing salt, liquid smoke, and spices, perfect for charcuterie boards or sandwiches, appealing to meat lovers and home charcutiers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. ground beef
  • 1/4 c. curing salt
  • 2 Tbsp. liquid smoke
  • 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. pepper or 2 tsp. whole black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate until next day.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content, ideally around 80/20. If you prefer a spicier salami, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Be cautious with curing salt; it's essential for flavor and preservation, but too much can be harmful. Ensure your mixture is well combined to achieve even flavor throughout. If you like, you can experiment with spices or herbs to customize your salami, similar to variations found in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the salami thinly and serve it on a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, olives, and crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Zapp Burgers for a hearty meal or can be added to sandwiches and salads for extra flavor. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store the prepared salami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, freezing it for up to three months. Thaw frozen salami in the refrigerator overnight before use. To reheat, slice and warm gently in a skillet over low heat without adding oil, preserving its flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Salami From Scratch contains roughly 152 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (417% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

152 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 29.7g 11% DV
Fiber 16.1g 58% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 64.7mg 3% DV
Potassium 1255.8mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 1.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 375.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 69.8mg 5% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of meat for this salami?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork or a mix of pork and beef to create different flavor profiles. Just be mindful of the fat content, as it affects the texture and moisture of the salami. Experimenting with various meats can yield delicious results, similar to traditional Italian salami.

How do I know when my salami is ready to eat?

The salami is ready to eat after it has been refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. If you have cured it correctly, it should also have a slightly firmer texture. You can taste a small piece to check for seasoning and adjust if necessary, but it is safe to eat after the initial refrigeration.

What can I do with leftover salami?

Leftover salami can be used in various dishes. Try adding it to pasta dishes like Beef And Noodles Au Gratin or incorporating it into breakfast scrambles. You can also chop it up for use in soups or stews, enhancing their flavor, or simply enjoy it cold as a snack with cheese and bread.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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