Pastrami on Rye
A quintessential New York deli experience you can create in your own kitchen. This iconic sandwich piles tender, peppery pastrami high on classic rye bread, complemented by a sharp, spicy brown mustard and an optional layer of melted Swiss cheese. Grilled to perfection, it's a simple yet profoundly satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Steam the Pastrami
- b.Place a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced pastrami in a loose pile.
- c.Pour 2 tablespoons of water into the side of the pan, avoiding pouring it directly onto the meat.
- d.Immediately cover the skillet with a lid and let the pastrami steam for 2-3 minutes. This process gently heats the meat and makes it incredibly tender and juicy. Once heated, remove the pastrami from the skillet and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Bread
- b.While the pastrami is steaming, lay out the 8 slices of rye bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Spread a generous layer of spicy brown mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Divide the hot, steamed pastrami evenly among 4 slices of the mustard-spread bread, piling it high for an authentic deli-style feel.
- c.If using, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the hot pastrami; the residual heat will begin to melt it.
- d.Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, mustard-side down, to complete the sandwiches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Sandwiches
- b.Wipe out the skillet used for the pastrami. Lightly spread the softened butter on the outer sides (top and bottom) of each assembled sandwich.
- c.Place the sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat.
- d.Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the Swiss cheese (if using) is fully melted. Avoid pressing down on the sandwich.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for one minute. This allows the fillings to set slightly.
- c.Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
- d.Serve immediately with a crisp, whole dill pickle on the side for the classic deli experience.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender pastrami, steaming is the most crucial step. Do not skip it or try to microwave the meat.
- 2Use high-quality, thick-cut rye bread. It provides the necessary structure to hold the generous amount of pastrami without becoming soggy.
- 3Ensure your butter is fully softened to room temperature. This allows for easy spreading without tearing the delicate bread.
- 4Don't be shy with the pastrami. A true deli-style sandwich is piled high with meat.
- 5For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly toast the rye bread before assembling the sandwich.
Adapt it for your goals.
The Reuben
Transform your sandwich into a Reuben by swapping the mustard for Russian or Thousand Island dressing and adding a generous layer of drained sauerkraut on top of the pastrami before grilling.
The RachelThe Rachel
A popular variation of the Reuben, the Rachel uses coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and often features turkey pastrami.
Bread ChoiceBread Choice
While rye is classic, this sandwich is also delicious on pumpernickel, marble rye, or a sturdy sourdough bread.
Add Caramelized OnionsAdd Caramelized Onions
Add a layer of sweet, savory caramelized onions on top of the pastrami for a gourmet touch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pastrami is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Beef pastrami is a good source of B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12 and Niacin. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, nervous system health, and the formation of red blood cells.
Provides Key Minerals
This sandwich offers important minerals like zinc, which supports immune function, and iron, which is vital for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing anemia.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Pastrami on Rye sandwich, as prepared in this recipe with Swiss cheese, contains approximately 700-850 calories, primarily from the pastrami, bread, and butter.