A pastrami sandwich is almost entirely about the meat, so a well-cured, well-marbled pastrami is the whole game. Steam the sliced meat until it is hot and slack, never microwave it; the steam is what melts the fat and makes it tender enough to fall apart.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Makes2 sandwiches
CuisineDeli
Cost$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2sandwiches
Pastrami
A fatty navel or brisket-cut pastrami is what carries the sandwich; lean cuts go dry.
Can you make Pastrami Sandwich in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Pastrami Sandwich? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Pastrami Sandwich ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Pastrami Sandwich gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Pastrami Sandwich vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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