Classic New York Deli Pastrami Sandwich (Professional Recipe)

PIMS 04 November

 

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Difficulty Level: Easy

Classic New York Deli Pastrami Sandwich

Few sandwiches are as iconic as the Classic Deli Pastrami Sandwich. Originating from New York's famous Jewish delicatessens,

This sandwich features tender, peppery pastrami piled high on fresh rye bread with spicy brown mustard.

The meat is gently steamed until warm and incredibly juicy, creating the perfect balance of smoky,  savory, and spicy flavors.

Whether served traditionally or with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut,

This deli favorite delivers an authentic taste of New York in every bite.


Ingredients

For the Sandwich

  • Sliced Deli Pastrami, 1½ Pounds (680 Gram)  
  • Fresh Jewish rye Bread or Seeded rye Bread, 8 slices
  • Spicy Brown Mustard, 4 Tablespoons
  • Unsalted Butter, 2 Tablespoons (Optional, for Toasting)
  • Swiss Cheese, 8 Slices (Optional)
  • Sauerkraut, Drained, 1 Cup (Optional)
  • Dill Pickle Spears, For Serving

Homemade Russian Dressing (Optional)

  • Mayonnaise, ½ Cup
  • Ketchup, 2 Tablespoons
  • Prepared Horseradish, 1 Tablespoon
  • Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Teaspoon
  • Sweet Pickle Relish, 1 Teaspoon
  • Paprika, ½ Teaspoon
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

Mix all ingredients until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Steamer basket or steaming pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Step 1: Steam the Pastrami

The hallmark of a true deli sandwich is properly steamed pastrami.

Bring about 2 inches of water to a gentle simmer.

Place the sliced pastrami into a steamer basket.

Cover tightly and steam for 15–20 minutes, or until the meat becomes hot, tender, and juicy.

Do not boil the meat directly in water, as this can wash away its rich flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

For authentic deli style:

Serve the rye bread fresh and soft without toasting.

For extra texture:

Lightly butter both sides and toast on a skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden while keeping the inside soft.

Step 3: Warm the Swiss Cheese (Optional)

If making a melted version:

Place Swiss cheese over the hot pastrami during the last minute of steaming or cover it briefly in a skillet until melted.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread about 1 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard on one slice of rye bread.

Pile approximately 6–8 ounces of hot steamed pastrami onto the bread.

The meat should be generously stacked high—the signature look of a classic deli sandwich.

Optional additions:

  • Swiss cheese
  • Sauerkraut
  • Russian dressing

Top with the second slice of rye bread.

Press gently without flattening the sandwich.


Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the sandwich diagonally.

Serve immediately with:

  • Dill pickle spear
  • Potato chips
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato salad
  • French fries

Chef's Professional Tips

1. Use Quality Pastrami

Choose hand-sliced pastrami from a reputable deli whenever possible. Freshly sliced meat has superior texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged options.

2. Steam—Don't Microwave

Steaming preserves moisture and creates the tender, juicy texture found in authentic New York delis.

3. Use Fresh Rye Bread

A good Jewish rye bread with a slightly chewy crust and soft interior complements the rich pastrami perfectly.

4. Keep It Simple

Traditional deli sandwiches rely on high-quality ingredients.

Pastrami, rye bread, and mustard are often all you need.

5. Stack Generously

Don't skimp on the meat.

A proper deli pastrami sandwich is known for its generous layers.

Optional Variations

New York Classic

  • Rye bread
  • Steamed pastrami
  • Spicy brown mustard

Pastrami Reuben

  • Rye bread
  • Pastrami
  • Swiss cheese
  • Sauerkraut
  • Russian dressing
  • Grilled until golden

Hot Pastrami Melt

  • Toasted rye
  • Pastrami
  • Swiss cheese
  • Caramelized onions

Spicy Pastrami

  • Pepper Jack cheese
  • Jalapeños
  • Chipotle mayonnaise

Storage

Refrigerate

Store leftover pastrami in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Freeze cooked pastrami for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Steam for 5–8 minutes until heated through.

Avoid microwaving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Traditional Sandwich)

  • Calories: 720 kcal
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 2,150 mg
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Chef's Final Note

The secret to an authentic deli pastrami sandwich is restraint:

Let premium pastrami shine.  

Steam the meat until its tender and aromatic, layer it generously on fresh rye bread, and finish with spicy brown mustard.

Every bite should deliver a balance of smoky spices, juicy beef, tangy mustard, and hearty rye—the unmistakable taste of a true New York deli classic.

PIMS

Posted by PIMS