This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Philadelphia. Their marketing office shared the basic ingredients with us. From there, we created this spot-on copy, including our version of the secret coleslaw topping.
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the art of the sandwich—the Ultimate Pastrami Sandwich. This towering creation is a testament to the timeless allure of deli classics, combining the smoky, tender perfection of pastrami with an array of mouthwatering accompaniments that elevate it to new heights of deliciousness.
Picture thick, succulent slices of perfectly seasoned and smoked pastrami, piled high on fresh, artisanal bread. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat enveloped in a crusty exterior. The pastrami’s rich, smoky flavor dances on the taste buds, enhanced by the interplay of tangy mustard, crisp pickles, and the creaminess of Swiss or provolone cheese.
The Ultimate Pastrami Sandwich is a celebration of deli culture, paying homage to the legacy of Jewish immigrant communities that brought their culinary traditions to new lands. It captures the essence of the bustling delicatessens, where skilled sandwich artisans crafted culinary masterpieces to satisfy the cravings of hungry patrons.
PREP: 25 MIN. + STANDING
BAKE: 5 MIN
MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup sugar, divided
- ½ cup cider vinegar, divided
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 3½ cups frozen waffle-cut fries
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound sliced deli pastrami
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 slices Italian bread (¾ inch thick), toasted
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup each of sugar and cider vinegar. Add shredded cabbage and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and let it stand for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bake the waffle-cut fries according to the package directions.
- Drain the cabbage and transfer it to a bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining sugar, remaining cider vinegar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the cabbage and toss to coat the coleslaw.
- On an ungreased baking sheet, divide the sliced pastrami into four stacks. Top each stack with a slice of provolone cheese.
- Bake the pastrami and cheese stacks at 450°F for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Place the pastrami and cheese stacks on four slices of toasted Italian bread.
- Layer the waffle-cut fries, coleslaw, and thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the pastrami.
- Finish assembling the sandwiches by adding the remaining slices of toasted Italian bread on top.
- Serve the pastrami sandwiches immediately and enjoy this delectable creation.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve this delicious pastrami sandwich immediately for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Pair it with pickles or potato chips for a complete meal.
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust the quantities accordingly based on your desired number of servings.
