Description

This pastrami sandwich recipe offers a quick, satisfying, and flavorful deli experience at home, perfect for a hearty meal or special lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

2 slices rye bread
170 g (6 oz) thinly sliced beef pastrami
2 slices Swiss cheese
60 mL (0.25 cup) sauerkraut, well drained
30 mL (2 tbsp) Russian dressing
15 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter or neutral oil

Instructions

Toast Rye Bread: Lightly butter or oil one side of each rye bread slice. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast bread butter-side down for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Remove and set aside.
Gently Warm Pastrami: In the same skillet, or using a steamer basket over simmering water, gently heat the pastrami slices for 1-2 minutes until slightly warmed through and tender (avoid drying out).
Assemble Sandwich Base: Spread a generous layer of Russian dressing onto the unbuttered side of one toasted rye bread slice. Pile half of the warm pastrami onto this slice, followed by one slice of Swiss cheese, then the remaining pastrami.
Add Fixings: Top the pastrami with a generous spoonful of well-drained sauerkraut. Drizzle a little more Russian dressing if desired.
Finish and Serve: Place the second slice of toasted rye bread on top, dressing-side down. Serve your homemade pastrami sandwich immediately while warm, cut diagonally.

Notes

Don’t overheat the pastrami; it can dry out quickly. Drain your sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid a soggy sandwich. Ensure cheese is placed directly on warm pastrami for perfect melting. Try turkey pastrami or plant-based alternatives for variations. A panini press can be used for toasting and warming simultaneously for a quick shortcut. For best flavor, use authentic Jewish rye bread and deli-sourced pastrami.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Deli

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich (370 g)
Calories: 900 calories
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 2100 mg
Fat: 57 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 48 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: pastrami sandwich, deli style, homemade, easy lunch, hearty meal, quick dinner, comfort food, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing