Classic New York-Style Pastrami Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of rye bread
  • 1 pound of pastrami, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained
  • 8 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup of butter
  • Pickle spears for serving (optional)
  • Potato chips for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Butter one side of each slice of bread with the butter.
  3. On the other side of 4 slices of bread, spread a tablespoon of Dijon mustard each.
  4. Place a layer of pastrami on top of the mustard, followed by a layer of sauerkraut and then a slice of Swiss cheese.
  5. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side out.
  6. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
  7. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  8. Remove from the skillet and cut in half before serving.
  9. Optionally, serve with pickle spears and potato chips.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use marble rye bread instead of regular rye bread for a different flavor and appearance.
  • Try using turkey pastrami or corned beef instead of traditional pastrami.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the pastrami with sliced tofu or tempeh.
  • Add sliced pickles or pickle relish to the sandwich for extra tanginess.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack.
  • Instead of sauerkraut, use coleslaw or thinly sliced cabbage for a fresh crunch.
  • Spread Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing on the bread instead of Dijon mustard.
  • Grill the sandwich in a panini press or sandwich press to give it a crispy texture.
  • Top the sandwich with caramelized onions or roasted peppers for added flavor.
  • Add a fried egg or avocado slices for a twist on the classic pastrami sandwich.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy a classic, hearty sandwich with this Pastrami Sandwich recipe. This sandwich is loaded with juicy, flavorful pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, all layered between two slices of buttery, toasted rye bread. A smear of Dijon mustard adds an extra kick to each bite. This recipe is easy to prepare and great for a quick lunch or dinner. Best served with a side of pickle spears and potato chips for a complete deli-style meal right at home. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the pastrami sandwich?
    The pastrami sandwich takes about 6-8 minutes to cook, 3-4 minutes on each side.
  2. Can I use a different type of bread?
    Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. However, rye bread is traditional and pairs well with the flavors of pastrami and sauerkraut.
  3. Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
    Yes, if you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with another type of cheese like cheddar or provolone.
  4. Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
    While Dijon mustard adds a unique flavor, you can use regular mustard if that's what you have on hand.
  5. Can I grill the pastrami sandwich instead of using a skillet?
    Yes, you can grill the pastrami sandwich instead of using a skillet. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  6. Can I make the pastrami sandwich in advance?
    It's best to make and serve the pastrami sandwich immediately to enjoy it at its freshest. However, you can assemble the ingredients in advance and cook the sandwiches when you're ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A frying pan or skillet is needed to cook the pastrami sandwiches.
  • Butter knife - Used to spread the butter on the bread slices.
  • Spatula - Helps in flipping the sandwiches while cooking.
  • Cutting board - Used to cut the sandwiches in half before serving.
  • Knife - Needed to slice the pastrami and any additional ingredients if required.
  • Plate - Used to serve the pastrami sandwiches.
  • Optional - Pickle spears - Can be served alongside the sandwich for added flavor.
  • Optional - Potato chips - Can be served as a side dish with the sandwiches.

Origin stories

Pastrami sandwich is a classic dish that hails from the immigrant-filled Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City, more specifically from Katz's Delicatessen, a true institution in this vibrant neighborhood. The sandwich, made with pastrami, a meat product of Romanian origin, was introduced to America by Jewish immigrants. The process of making pastrami involves a long period of brining, drying, seasoning with various herbs and spices, smoking and finally steaming. The result is a mouth-wateringly tender and flavorful meat that forms the heart of this iconic sandwich. The pastrami is typically served on rye bread with mustard, a culinary nod to the Eastern European roots of the Jewish immigrants who brought this beloved dish to America. The pastrami sandwich stands today as a testament to New York's rich cultural and culinary diversity, an emblem of its immigrant history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.