Corned Beef Sandwich
The quintessential Jewish deli classic. Tender, salty corned beef is steamed until succulent, piled high on soft rye bread, and slathered with spicy brown mustard. A simple yet incredibly satisfying sandwich.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Steam the Corned Beef
- b.Set up a steamer. Place a steamer basket inside a pot with about 1 inch of water. Ensure the water level is below the basket.
- c.Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- d.Arrange the sliced corned beef loosely in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and steam for 3-5 minutes until the meat is hot, tender, and succulent. This step is crucial for a true deli-style texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Bread
- b.While the beef is steaming, lay out the 8 slices of rye bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Spread approximately 1/2 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Once the corned beef is heated, carefully remove it from the steamer.
- c.Divide the warm corned beef equally among 4 of the bread slices, piling it high in the center.
- d.If using Swiss cheese, place one slice on top of the hot meat. The residual heat will soften it perfectly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Top each sandwich with one of the remaining slices of bread, mustard-side down.
- c.Gently press down on the sandwich. For a classic deli presentation, slice each sandwich in half diagonally with a sharp knife.
- d.Serve immediately with a crisp dill pickle spear on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality, thinly sliced corned beef from a deli counter.
- 2Steaming the meat is the secret to a tender, juicy deli-style sandwich. Don't skip this step!
- 3Be generous with the corned beef; a classic deli sandwich should be piled high.
- 4If you don't have a steamer, you can place the beef in a skillet with a tablespoon of water, cover, and heat on low for a few minutes.
- 5Serve with classic deli sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or potato chips.
Adapt it for your goals.
Reuben Sandwich
Make it a Reuben by using toasted rye bread, adding a layer of drained sauerkraut, and swapping the mustard for Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
Rachel SandwichRachel Sandwich
A variation of the Reuben, the Rachel uses coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and often features pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef.
Different BreadDifferent Bread
While rye is classic, pumpernickel, marble rye, or a sturdy sourdough also work well.
Add insAdd-ins
For extra flavor, consider adding caramelized onions or a slice of raw sweet onion.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Corned beef is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Rich in Iron
This sandwich provides a significant amount of heme iron, a form that is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Provides Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, abundant in corned beef, is vital for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single corned beef sandwich, including the optional Swiss cheese, contains approximately 700-750 calories, depending on the thickness of the bread and the fat content of the beef.