How to Prepare Beef Salami

by Daniel Fritsche December 19, 2022

Making your own beef salami at home can be a fun and rewarding project, and it's easier than you might think! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time and patience, you can create a delicious snack that's perfect for on-the-go munching or sharing with friends.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own beef salami:

Begin by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground beef, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and curing salt (such as Prague Powder #1). You will also need beef casing, which can be purchased at a specialty meat market or online.
In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Divide the mixture into two equal parts and shape each part into a log. Place the logs on a sheet of plastic wrap, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This will help the flavors to meld and the logs to firm up.
When you are ready to make the salami, rinse the beef casing under cold water and soak it in a bowl of warm water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to soften it and make it easier to work with.
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Unwrap the logs of beef mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the logs in the oven for 1 hour, or until they are firm to the touch.
While the logs are baking, prepare the beef casing. Cut the casing into lengths that are long enough to accommodate the length of your beef logs.
Once the logs are finished baking, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place one of the logs into the beef casing and tie off the ends using butcher's twine. Repeat with the second log.
Hang the salami in a cool, dry place for at least 2 weeks to allow it to dry and cure. During this time, the salami will develop a firm texture and a deep, savory flavor.
Once the salami is dry and cured, it is ready to be enjoyed! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

And there you have it! With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy homemade beef salami that's full of flavor and perfect for snacking. Happy cooking!