The pastrami sandwich is a true icon in American deli culture, known for its bold, smoky, and peppery flavors. What really takes this classic sandwich to the next level is the variety of condiments that enhance or balance the richness of the pastrami, transforming a simple sandwich into a flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re adding traditional condiments like mustard and pickles or exploring more creative choices like chipotle mayo or tahini, the right combination of flavors will elevate your sandwich experience.
This guide will walk you through all the best condiments to pair with pastrami, providing you with both traditional and modern options to help craft the perfect pastrami sandwich that suits your taste. Whether you stick with the classics or experiment with new, creative flavors, you’re sure to build a sandwich that’s perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
Mustard: The Quintessential Pastrami Pairing
Mustard is the most iconic condiment for a pastrami sandwich. Its tangy, spicy, and slightly bitter flavor cuts through the richness of the pastrami, providing balance and contrast.
Spicy Brown Mustard
This is the classic mustard for a pastrami sandwich. The bold, earthy flavor of spicy brown mustard holds its own against the robust taste of pastrami. It’s the go-to choice in many New York delis, where spicy brown mustard and pastrami on rye are synonymous with tradition.
Yellow Mustard
A milder option, yellow mustard is ideal for those who prefer a subtler flavor. Its tangy, slightly sweet taste complements pastrami without overpowering it. Yellow mustard is also smoother and less intense, making it a great option for people who want a simpler sandwich.
Dijon Mustard
For those seeking a gourmet twist, Dijon mustard is a more refined choice. Its creamy texture and subtle spice make it a sophisticated option that pairs beautifully with pastrami. The smooth, slightly sweet flavor of Dijon is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their sandwich.
Want to explore the history and varieties of mustard? Visit Serious Eats.
Creamy Condiments: Mayonnaise and Russian Dressing
While mustard is the traditional choice, many people love adding creamy condiments to their pastrami sandwich for a smoother texture and richer flavor.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise may not be the first condiment you think of for a pastrami sandwich, but it adds a creamy richness that complements the smoky pastrami. Its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the meat, and it works well with other tangy or spicy condiments like mustard or horseradish.
To take it up a notch, try flavored mayos like garlic aioli or herb-infused mayonnaise, which add depth and complexity to the sandwich.
Russian Dressing
A classic in Reuben sandwiches (which often swap pastrami for corned beef), Russian dressing is a creamy, tangy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. This condiment provides a sweet and sour contrast that enhances the pastrami’s peppery flavor (CondimentBucket).
If you prefer a creamier, more indulgent sandwich, Russian dressing is a great option. It complements sauerkraut or coleslaw, which we’ll discuss later.
Thousand Island Dressing
Similar to Russian dressing, but slightly sweeter due to more relish, Thousand Island dressing is another creamy option. This dressing is often found on West Coast versions of pastrami sandwiches, where it adds a tangy sweetness that offsets the smoky, rich meat.
For a delicious homemade Russian dressing recipe, check out The Kitchn.
Horseradish: For Heat and Depth
If you like some heat, horseradish is the perfect condiment to pair with pastrami. This spicy, tangy root adds a punch of flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat. It’s especially popular with people who love bold, intense flavors in their sandwiches.
Prepared Horseradish
Prepared horseradish is grated and mixed with vinegar, offering a sharp, peppery kick that intensifies the pastrami’s flavor. Just a small amount of horseradish can elevate the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients.
Horseradish Sauce
For a milder option, horseradish sauce (which combines horseradish with mayonnaise or sour cream) provides the same spicy bite but with a creamier texture. This condiment adds both flavor and richness, making it an ideal choice for those who want a balance of heat and creaminess.
Horseradish pairs especially well with spicy brown mustard or Russian dressing for a complex, bold sandwich.
Pickled Additions: Pickles, Sauerkraut, and More
No pastrami sandwich is complete without the addition of something pickled. The briny, tangy flavors of pickles and sauerkraut bring out the savory richness of the pastrami and provide a refreshing crunch.
Dill Pickles
Dill pickles are a must-have in many classic pastrami sandwiches. The vinegar and salt in the pickles cut through the fattiness of the meat, while the crunchy texture adds a satisfying bite (CondimentBucket)
. Dill pickles are perfect for those who love a sharp, acidic contrast to the smoky pastrami.
Bread and Butter Pickles
For a sweeter alternative, bread and butter pickles provide a sugary contrast to the pastrami’s savory flavor. These pickles offer a more complex flavor profile and pair well with creamy condiments like Thousand Island dressing or mayonnaise.
Sauerkraut
A staple in Reuben sandwiches, sauerkraut is a great addition to any pastrami sandwich. The fermented, tangy flavor adds complexity and freshness to the rich pastrami, while its crunchy texture provides balance. Sauerkraut is typically paired with Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing for a classic deli sandwich experience.
For more creative ways to use pickles and sauerkraut, visit Food & Wine.
Cheese: Melting Perfection
While cheese isn’t always included in a pastrami sandwich, it can add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the strong, smoky flavor of the pastrami without overpowering it.
Swiss Cheese
The most common choice for pastrami sandwiches, Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and melts beautifully. It’s especially popular in Reuben sandwiches, where it pairs well with both pastrami and sauerkraut.
Cheddar
For a sharper, more intense flavor, cheddar is a great option. Its bold taste contrasts with the pastrami, adding an extra punch to the sandwich. Cheddar works particularly well when melted over the pastrami.
Provolone
Provolone is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mild, creamy cheese to complement your pastrami sandwich. Its smooth texture melts beautifully, making it an ideal addition to both hot and cold sandwiches. Provolone’s mild flavor provides a subtle creaminess without overpowering the robust, smoky flavors of the pastrami, allowing the meat to remain the star of the dish.
If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Pepper Jack cheese is a fun alternative. This cheese combines the same creamy qualities of provolone but with the added benefit of spice, thanks to the pepper flakes. It adds both creaminess and a spicy edge, making it perfect for those who like to introduce heat into their sandwiches without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
Fresh Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado
Adding fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomato to your pastrami sandwich can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the meat and condiments.
- Lettuce: Adds crunch and lightness to the sandwich, balancing the heavier flavors of pastrami and creamy condiments.
- Tomato: Provides sweetness and juiciness, making the sandwich feel fresher and more balanced.
- Avocado: For a modern twist, adding avocado introduces a creamy, buttery texture that pairs well with pastrami. It also adds healthy fats, making your sandwich more nutritious.
These fresh toppings not only lighten the sandwich but also provide a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Condiment Twists: International Flavors
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating international flavors into your pastrami sandwich. These creative condiments add new dimensions to the classic sandwich.
Tahini Sauce
A Middle Eastern twist, tahini sauce brings a nutty, rich flavor to the sandwich. This sesame-based sauce complements pastrami’s peppery notes while adding a unique creaminess.
Pomegranate Seeds
For a burst of sweetness and tartness, try adding pomegranate seeds. These little gems add a fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory, smoky pastrami.
Chipotle Mayo
If you like smoky flavors, chipotle mayo adds both heat and depth to your pastrami sandwich. The smoky, spicy kick of chipotle complements the pastrami without overpowering it.
Conclusion: Building the Perfect Pastrami Sandwich
The versatility of a pastrami sandwich is what makes it so beloved. Whether you stick to classic condiments like mustard and pickles, or experiment with creative additions like tahini or chipotle mayo, the key to crafting the perfect sandwich lies in balancing flavors. The bold, smoky pastrami demands condiments that can either complement its richness or cut through it with tang and spice.
By combining rich, tangy, and spicy elements, you can create a sandwich that’s layered with flavor and texture. Each bite becomes an experience, with the smoky pastrami playing off the crisp crunch of pickles, the creamy smoothness of mayo, or the tangy punch of mustard. Explore different combinations of condiments, fresh toppings, and cheeses to discover your favorite variation of this deli classic.
No matter which way you build it, the perfect pastrami sandwich is one that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Enjoy experimenting, and relish the joy of every bite. For more side dish ideas, check out Hadley Recipes.