Hot Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Slaw Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, let the mustard slaw sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the cabbage to absorb the dressing and softens the sharp edge of the vinegar.

If you enjoy a bit of extra heat, consider adding a small amount of horseradish to the mustard dressing to provide a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the smoky meat.

To ensure the best texture, avoid adding the slaw to the sandwich until the very last second. Adding cold slaw to hot meat too early can cause the brioche to become damp and lose its structural integrity.

If you are serving these to guests, set up a sandwich station so everyone can assemble their own portions, keeping the slaw and the hot meat separate until the final moment.

Variations

• Spicy Deli Pastrami: Add a tablespoon of chopped pickled jalapeños into the mustard slaw mixture to introduce a spicy, tangy dimension that cuts through the rich pastrami fat.
• Russian-Style Pastrami: Spread a thin layer of Russian dressing on the bottom bun before adding the pastrami to provide an extra layer of savory depth and sweetness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover meat and slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat

Reheat the pastrami in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water until warmed through.

If you have leftover components, store the pastrami and the slaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pastrami will maintain its quality for up to three days, while the slaw is best consumed within 24 hours as the cabbage will begin to release moisture and lose its crunch over time.

You can prepare the mustard slaw up to 4 hours in advance and keep it chilled. Do not pre-slice the pastrami if you are not cooking it immediately, as it will dry out faster. Toast the brioche buns just before you are ready to assemble the sandwiches to ensure they remain crisp and fresh.

Serving ideas

Serve this sandwich alongside a crisp pickle spear or a side of potato chips for a classic deli-style meal. The acidity of the pickles complements the richness of the pastrami and the creamy slaw perfectly.

If you want a more substantial meal, a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.

When plating, slice the sandwich diagonally to make it easier to handle and eat. If the sandwich is very tall, use a bamboo skewer to hold the layers together.

Serve immediately while the pastrami is still warm and the cheese is soft, as the temperature contrast between the hot meat and the cool, crunchy slaw is what makes this dish truly special.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Hot Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with Tangy Mustard Slaw

Prep 10 minCook 5 minRest 3 minTotal 18 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 8 oz brisket pastrami, sliced into 1/4-inch slabs
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 brioche buns, buttered and toasted
• 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 tbsp deli mustard
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 spears dill pickles, for serving

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, deli mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Toss everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the meat.
2. Place the thick slabs of pastrami into a large skillet with a small amount of water or broth. Cover with a lid and steam over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Once the fat begins to render and looks translucent, place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meat, cover again, and let it melt until it reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before assembling.
3. Toast the buttered brioche buns until golden brown. Pile the hot, cheesy pastrami onto the bottom bun. Top generously with the prepared mustard slaw and finish with a layer of sliced dill pickles. Place the top bun on the stack, slice in half, and serve immediately while hot.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, mustard, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

24 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

1250 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.