Sandwiches

How to make Pastrami on Rye

Hot peppery pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard and pickles.

What it is

Pastrami on Rye in the kitchen

Pastrami on Rye is hot peppery pastrami piled high on rye bread with mustard and pickles.

Why make it

Make Pastrami on Rye when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Warm the pastrami gently with a splash of water, stock or butter until steaming and supple.

  2. Step 2

    Spread mustard over the rye bread.

  3. Step 3

    Pile the hot pastrami loosely rather than compressing it into a dense block.

  4. Step 4

    Close the sandwiches and cut in half.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately with dill pickles.

    Look for: steaming tender pastrami with distinct peppery edges and sturdy rye Tip: Steam or covered-warm the meat; the goal is hot and juicy, not crisp. Avoid: dry-frying pastrami until it tightens and loses its tenderness
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.