Pastrami Melt Recipe
Make Pastrami Melt Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Pan / Butter
Optional garnish / serving
Method
Sandwich
- 1
Prep bread and spread
Bring butter to room temperature if not already. Lay the two sourdough slices on your work surface. On one slice spread the Dijon mustard evenly (about 1 tablespoon). On the other slice spread mayonnaise (about 1 tablespoon).
- 2
Layer pastrami and cheese
Pile the 6 oz of thinly sliced pastrami evenly on top of the mustard-spread slice. Distribute the pastrami so the meat slightly overlaps and covers the slice. Place 3 slices of Swiss cheese over the pastrami, arranging to cover the meat. If using pickles, lay 3–4 thin pickle slices on top of the cheese or beneath the cheese as you prefer.
- 3
Assemble sandwich
Place the mayonnaise-spread slice of bread mayo-side down onto the layered pastrami and cheese to close the sandwich. Press gently to compress the filling for even grilling.
Pan / Cook
- 4
Heat skillet
Place a heavy skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and swirl to coat; the oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
- 5
Butter bread and cook first side
Evenly butter the outside faces of the sandwich with the softened unsalted butter (about 1 tablespoon per side). Once the skillet is warm (it should sizzle faintly when butter touches), place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook on medium-low for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Lower heat if browning too fast.
- 6
Flip and press
Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich. If you want extra even melting and a compact sandwich, press gently with a spatula or use a heavy pan (or a sandwich press) for 1–2 minutes while the second side cooks. Continue cooking another 3–4 minutes until the second side reaches a deep golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- 7
Finish and rest
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 1 minute to set the melted cheese slightly. This makes slicing neater.
Serve
- 8
Cut the sandwich diagonally or down the middle. Serve immediately with a dill pickle spear and 2 tablespoons coleslaw or Russian dressing on the side, if desired.