traditional pastrami sandwich recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional pastrami sandwich recipe

I have always been a fan of the traditional pastrami sandwich recipe. It’s a classic dish that never fails to impress. The combination of thinly sliced pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard on rye bread is a match made in heaven.

My family and I love this recipe for its simplicity and flavor. We often make it for lunch or as a quick dinner option. It’s also perfect for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never gets old. The key to making a great pastrami sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the pastrami.

Look for a thick-cut pastrami with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will ensure that your sandwich stays moist and flavorful throughout. Another important aspect is to use a good mustard.

I prefer a spicy mustard like Dijon or whole-grain mustard to add an extra layer of flavor. Finally, don’t be shy with the cheese – a good amount of melted Swiss cheese will tie the whole dish together.

Traditional Pastrami Sandwich

4.7 from 556 votes

A classic New York-style pastrami sandwich features tender, juicy pastrami on rye bread with a tangy mustard sauce. This recipe serves four people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pastrami

2 lbs beef brisket
2 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground allspice

For the Sauce

1/2 cup yellow mustard
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

4 rye bread
1 small onion
1 small pickle

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 250°F.
2Trim the fat from the beef brisket and pat it dry with paper towels.
3In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, ginger, cumin, and allspice.
4Rub the spice mixture evenly over the brisket, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
5Wrap the brisket tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
6Place the brisket, fat side up, in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
7Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
8Place the dish in the preheated oven and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 160°F.
9Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
10Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.
11Slice the brisket thinly against the grain.
12Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
13Return the brisket to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
14Remove the pastrami from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
15While the brisket is cooking, prepare the mustard sauce.
16In a small bowl, combine the yellow mustard, horseradish, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
17Mix well until smooth.
18Thinly slice the onion and the pickle.
19To assemble the sandwiches, spread a generous amount of mustard sauce on one slice of rye bread.
20Layer the pastrami slices on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
21Top with sliced onions and pickles.
22Spread a thin layer of mustard sauce on the second slice of rye bread and place it on top, sauce side down.
23Slice the sandwich in half and serve.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Slow cooker
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, you can cook the pastrami in a smoker instead of the oven. Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Pastrami Sandwich Works

The traditional pastrami sandwich is a classic recipe that is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch or served at family gatherings and special occasions.

This recipe is also versatile and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, it is best to do so in a low-temperature oven or toaster oven to prevent the pastrami from drying out. You can also serve the pastrami sandwich with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pastrami Sandwich

Q: What type of bread should I use for the pastrami sandwich?

I recommend using a dense, chewy rye bread for the best results. The rye bread will hold up well to the juicy pastrami and melted cheese.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese instead of Swiss?

While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even American if you prefer.

Q: How do I keep the pastrami moist?

To keep the pastrami moist, make sure to slice it thinly and serve it immediately after grilling or broiling.

Q: Can I make the pastrami sandwich ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to grill or broil them just before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe is not vegetarian-friendly due to the presence of meat.

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