Pastrami Sandwich Recipe

A classic pastrami sandwich is a staple at any deli counter, especially in the bustling streets of New York City. The delicious sandwich, featuring tender pastrami and Swiss cheese, nestled between slices of toasted rye, is a mouthwatering delight. This recipe is my family favorite, my kids simply adore it, and I love the fact that it’s so easy to make. 

Whether you’re comparing sandwich recipes or craving something different from the usual buffalo chicken sandwiches, the unique combination of melted cheese, savory pastrami, and the distinctive flavor of rye will transport your taste buds to deli heaven. Crafted with care, my sandwich recipe promises to become a lunchtime favorite.

What Is a Pastrami Sandwich?

At its heart, a pastrami sandwich is a marvel of culinary simplicity and flavor. It begins with pastrami meat, which is a highly seasoned, smoked, and steamed corned beef. The meat is sliced thin, piled high on bread, and traditionally served with mustard, creating a sandwich that’s both hearty and delicious.

The pastrami meat boasts a complex flavor profile, with a tender texture that comes from the careful brining and cooking processes. The result is a sandwich that’s rich in taste and steeped in tradition, often hailed as an iconic offering in delicatessens across the globe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pastrami sandwich recipe brings home the flavors that you’ve come to love from your local deli. It offers a delightful twist with the addition of tangy island dressing and fresh tomato slices, enhancing the classic with a pop of freshness. The air fryer option provides a modern method to crisp your sandwich to perfection, making this recipe adaptable to your kitchen’s capabilities.

With the versatility of recipes that allow for personalization, this pastrami sandwich can be tailored to your liking. Whether you’re a fan of traditional tastes or enjoy a bit of innovation in your sandwiches, this recipe offers the perfect foundation for a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable.

You’ll find the process of making this sandwich to be as enjoyable as eating it. The recipe is designed for efficiency, ensuring that even on the busiest of days, you can treat yourself to a scrumptious lunch or dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors, the ease, and the quick cleanup will make this recipe a regular in your meal rotation.

pastrami sandwich recipe

Ingredients

This pastrami sandwich calls for key ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. You’ll need slices of rye bread, with marble rye and pumpernickel rye both being excellent choices for their robust taste. The meat of the sandwich is sliced deli pastrami, which pairs wonderfully with sliced dill pickles for a crunch and zesty kick.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat and complexity, adding a drizzle of chili sauce can elevate the sandwich. The inclusion of Worcestershire sauce contributes a depth of flavor that compliments the pastrami. And if you’re looking to add some freshness, shredded cabbage is a great addition that introduces a new texture to the sandwiches.

Cooking Instructions

Creating the perfect pastrami sandwich begins with preparing your pieces of bread and warm pastrami. The process ensures that each component is ready to contribute its best to the final sandwich, with flavors and textures that meld together seamlessly. Following these instructions will guide you to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Start by toasting the bread to your desired level of crispness, then gently warm the pastrami, allowing it to become tender and even more flavorful. Once these steps are completed, you’re ready to assemble the sandwich, layering each ingredient to create a masterpiece of taste and texture.

Toast the Bread

Begin by taking your 8 slices of rye bread and lightly brushing them with olive oil. Place the slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they reach a golden brown perfection. The toasted rye bread will provide a sturdy and flavorful base for the pastrami sandwich, ensuring every bite has a satisfying crunch.

Alternatively, if you prefer a softer texture, you can toast the pieces of bread in a skillet over medium heat using 2 tablespoons butter. This method gives the bread a delightful buttery flavor and a less crunchy, but still toasty, texture. Either way, the bread is a crucial component that sets the stage for the delicious fillings to come.

Warm the Pastrami

Place your sliced deli pastrami in a skillet over medium heat and warm it gently for about 3 minutes. The goal is to heat the pastrami through without drying it out, maintaining the meat’s tender quality. As the pastrami warms, you can opt to place 4 slices of Swiss cheese on top so the cheese is melted by the time the meat is sufficiently warmed.

For those with homemade pastrami, allow a bit longer, approximately 10 minutes, to ensure the meat is heated evenly. The warm pastrami is the star of the sandwich, and taking the time to warm it properly pays off in the flavor and texture of your final lunch or dinner creation.

Spread the Mustard

Once the bread is toasted and the pastrami is warm, it’s time to spread the mustard. For a classic taste, use 2 teaspoons of yellow mustard on each slice of bread. If you’re a fan of a little extra kick, opt for spicy brown mustard, which adds a robust flavor that pairs excellently with the pastrami sandwiches.

Mustard is more than just a condiment; its tangy flavor complements the savory pastrami and helps to balance out the richness of the melted cheese, making it an integral part of the sandwich’s overall flavor profile. Spread it evenly for the perfect mustard-to-pastrami ratio in every bite.

Top With Sauerkraut

The final step to completing your pastrami sandwich masterpiece is to top it with sauerkraut. After warming the sauerkraut in a pan for about 15 minutes, it will be ready to add a tangy crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender pastrami. It’s a classic topping that truly makes a pastrami sandwich authentic.

Ensure the sauerkraut is evenly distributed across the sandwich, allowing the flavors to meld together. This fermented cabbage not only adds depth to the taste but also offers a delightful texture that complements the other components of the sandwich. With the sauerkraut in place, your pastrami sandwich is complete and ready to enjoy.

pastrami sandwich recipe

Can I Add Something Else to The Sandwich?

If you’re looking to customize your pastrami sandwich, there are plenty of variations and substitutions to consider. Here are a few ideas:

  • Swap out the pastrami meat for corned beef for a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.
  • Add a slice of avocado or some creamy coleslaw for a touch of creaminess and extra layers of flavor.
  • Consider using a different type of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a new taste experience.

Feel free to experiment with different toppings and condiments to find the combination that suits your palate. The beauty of sandwich-making is the endless possibilities for customization, allowing each sandwich to be a unique creation.

How to Store Pastrami Sandwiches?

  • To maintain freshness, wrap sandwiches in parchment paper.
  • Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or wrap them again in aluminum foil.
  • Store wrapped sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • When ready to enjoy again, reheat the sandwich in a skillet with a little olive oil to restore warmth and texture.
  • Reheating helps bread regain its toasty edge and pastrami become tender once more.
  • Homemade sandwiches should always be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and preserve ingredient quality.

Tips for the Best Pastrami Sandwich

  • Select 2 slices of rye bread for robustness and flavor.
  • Toast the bread until crispy enough to hold the weight of the warmed pastrami.
  • Optionally, add a slice of pepper jack cheese over the pastrami in a frying pan set over medium-high heat and melt for about 2 minutes.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard on one piece of bread; alternatively, use Russian dressing for a tangy twist.
  • Layer slices of pastrami generously to make the sandwich hearty.
  • Top the pastrami with ¼ cup of tart sauerkraut for a burst of flavor in each bite.
  • Optionally, add crunch and freshness with a cup of coleslaw or sliced dill pickles.
  • Prepare a quick side like potato salad, pasta salad, or French fries to complement the sandwich.
  • Feel free to experiment and customize according to your taste preferences.

Wrap-Up: Pastrami Sandwich Recipe

A pastrami sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that come together to create a satisfying experience. When you take the time to assemble the sandwich carefully, paying attention to the balance of ingredients like the cream cheese and tart sauerkraut, you elevate a simple lunch to something extraordinary. With the right techniques and a few special touches, you can make a sandwich that rivals those found in the best delis.

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