Learn how to recreate the iconic pastrami on rye from Katz's and Carnegie Deli at home. Tips and recipe inside.
Let's be real for a second. Standing in a cramped NYC deli at 1 PM on a Tuesday, sandwiched between a Wall Street trader yelling into his AirPods and a tourist trying to photograph their towering pastrami on rye, is a rite of passage. The romance of Katz's, the iconic energy of Carnegie Deli—it's a quintessential part of the New York experience. But you don't need a plane ticket or two hours to wait in line to capture that magic. You can replicate the bold, unapologetic flavors of a perfect pastrami on rye right in your own kitchen.
Why New York Pastrami is Special
The secret lies in the beef cut, the spice rub, and the steaming process. New York delis use the navel cut, which is fattier and more flavorful than brisket. Then it's rubbed with a blend of coriander, black pepper, garlic, and other spices, smoked, and finally steamed to tender perfection. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth meat with a peppery crust.
- Katz's Delicatessen – 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
- Carnegie Deli – 854 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (reopened in 2023)
- Russ & Daughters – 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 (for pastrami to go)
How to Recreate It at Home
You won't need a huge smoker. Many home cooks use a combination of store-bought smoked pastrami and a steaming step. Here's a simplified approach:
- Buy a 2-3 pound pre-smoked pastrami from a butcher or online (try Snake River Farms or Wild Fork Foods).
- Steam it for 2-3 hours in a covered pan with a cup of water or beer until fork-tender.
- Slice thinly against the grain using a sharp knife or deli slicer.
- Pile high on fresh rye bread from a local bakery, with a smear of spicy brown mustard (like Gulden's).
Serve with a half-sour pickle and a side of house fries. For an authentic touch, wrap the sandwich in wax paper and let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Ready to taste the Big Apple at home? Try this method and share your creation on social media with #NYCFoodSpots. We'd love to see your pastrami masterpiece!
