Pastrami sandwiches are a delicious and flavorful treat that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner. Made with tender and juicy pastrami, this sandwich is packed with savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. The key to a great pastrami sandwich lies in the quality of the pastrami and the way it's prepared. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the simple steps to create a mouthwatering pastrami sandwich that you can make at home.
Get ready to indulge in a classic favorite that's sure to be a hit with friends and family!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This pastrami sandwich recipe is an absolute delight for several reasons. Firstly, the star of the sandwich is the flavorful and tender pastrami. Pastrami is typically made from beef brisket that has been cured with a blend of spices, then smoked and steamed to perfection. The resulting meat is rich, smoky, and incredibly tender, offering a burst of savory goodness in every bite. The combination of spices used in the curing process, such as black pepper, coriander, and garlic, adds layers of complex flavors that elevate the taste of the pastrami even further.
Secondly, this recipe incorporates a perfect balance of complementary ingredients that enhance the pastrami's flavor profile. The sandwich typically includes rye bread, which adds a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet note to the overall taste. Additionally, the sandwich is often served with mustard, which provides a zesty and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the pastrami. Other common accompaniments like pickles or sauerkraut add a refreshing and crunchy element that balances the textures and adds a touch of acidity.
Ingredients
Pastrami - This is a kind of meat product usually made from beef. It's cured and then smoked to provide a distinct and flavorful taste. If pastrami isn't available, you could substitute it with corned beef or smoked turkey.
Rye Bread - Rye bread is a type of bread made with various proportions of flour from rye grain. It offers a slightly sour taste which complements the pastrami. A good substitute can be a hearty whole grain bread.
Swiss Cheese - This cheese is recognized by its mild, nutty flavor, and its slices are perfect for sandwiches. Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese can be used as a substitute.
Sauerkraut - This is fermented cabbage. It provides a tangy crunch to the sandwich that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Coleslaw can work as a substitute if you don't have sauerkraut.
Russian Dressing - A piquant American dressing that's made from mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and other spices. You can substitute it with Thousand Island dressing, which is slightly sweeter but will still work well.
Tips
- Always toast the bread slightly. It provides a crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy due to the dressing.
- Thinly slice the pastrami for easy eating. It should be thick enough to provide flavor, but thin enough to bite through easily.
- Layer the ingredients evenly. This ensures that you get a bit of everything in each bite.
- Warm the pastrami and melt the cheese. This can be done in a skillet or in the oven. It enhances the flavors and provides a nice contrast to the cool sauerkraut and dressing.
- Make sure to drain your sauerkraut well. This will prevent the excess liquid from making your sandwich soggy.
How to Serve
Pastrami sandwiches are traditionally served warm, with the cheese melted and the sauerkraut and dressing providing a cool contrast. They make for a hearty lunch or dinner and can be paired with a variety of sides.
- Pair it with a pickle: A classic dill pickle on the side is a traditional accompaniment to a pastrami sandwich, offering a crunchy and tangy counterpoint to the rich sandwich.
- Serve with coleslaw: A side of fresh coleslaw can add a nice crunch and lightness to balance the richness of the pastrami sandwich.
- Add some chips: A side of your favorite chips can add an extra crunchy element to your meal. Whether you prefer plain potato chips, kettle cooked, or even some flavored variety, they all work well.
Similar Recipes
Pastrami Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1 pound pastrami thinly sliced
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained
- ½ cup Russian dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place 4 slices of rye bread on a baking sheet. Layer each slice with pastrami, then a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts and the pastrami is heated through, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top each sandwich with sauerkraut and a generous amount of Russian dressing.
- Finish with the remaining slices of rye bread.
- Slice each sandwich in half before serving. Enjoy your pastrami sandwich while it's warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always toast the bread slightly. It provides a crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy due to the dressing.
- Thinly slice the pastrami for easy eating. It should be thick enough to provide flavor, but thin enough to bite through easily.
- Layer the ingredients evenly. This ensures that you get a bit of everything in each bite.
- Warm the pastrami and melt the cheese. This can be done in a skillet or in the oven. It enhances the flavors and provides a nice contrast to the cool sauerkraut and dressing.
- Make sure to drain your sauerkraut well. This will prevent the excess liquid from making your sandwich soggy.
Just tried this sandwich and wow, it's so good!!!