Skip to Main Content
Smoked Pastrami Sandwich

Smoked Pastrami Sandwich

By Timothy Hollingsworth

Super smoked pastrami. Need we say more? This brined brisket is wrapped with some super smokin' flavor, sliced thin and loaded on rye with a creamy, homemade thousand island dressing.

Prep Time

45 Min

Cook Time

9 Hr

Pellets

Hickory

Ingredients

This recipe serves:

8

Units of Measurement:
Brine
3 L water
1 1/2 Tablespoon pink peppercorns
1 1/2 Tablespoon mustard seeds
1 Whole bay leaf
1 Tablespoon cloves
1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
2 Stick cinnamon
3 Tablespoon fennel seed
3 Tablespoon black peppercorn
1/2 Teaspoon pink curing salt (optional)
2 Cup brown sugar
main
1 (5 lb) brisket
1 Whole loaf sliced rye bread
1 Head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 Medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 Cup Thousand Island dressing
Rub
2/3 Cup brown sugar
2/3 Cup kosher salt
2/3 Cup Black pepper
1/2 Cup ground coriander
1 Tablespoon ground juniper berries
1/2 Tablespoon red pepper flakes

Steps

  • 1

    Plan ahead! This recipe requires brining for 3 days and refrigeration overnight.

  • 2

    To Make the Brine: Bring 3 liters of water, sugar and salt to a boil. Simmer until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining brine ingredients. Let the brine cool completely.

  • 3

    Place the brisket in a nonreactive container deep enough to hold the brisket and brine. Inject brisket all over with brine then pour remaining brine over brisket making sure it is fully submerged. Place in the refrigerator for 3 days.

  • 4

    Remove brisket from brine and pat dry. Combine rub ingredients and rub over brisket.

  • 5

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available.

    180 ˚F / 82 ˚C

    Super Smoke

  • 6

    Place the brisket directly on the grill grate and smoke for 6 hours.

    180 ˚F / 82 ˚C

    06:00

  • 7

    Increase the Traeger temperature to 300℉ and cook for 3 more hours.

    300 ˚F / 149 ˚C

    03:00

  • 8

    Wrap the brisket in foil and continue to cook until meat reaches an internal temperature of 195℉.

    300 ˚F / 149 ˚C

    195 ˚F / 91 ˚C

  • 9

    Remove brisket from the Traeger and vent the foil allowing steam to escape to stop cooking.

  • 10

    Cool in the refrigerator overnight.

  • 11

    The next day, slice pastrami into 1/8 inch slices against the grain.

  • 12

    To Build the Sandwich: layer rye bread, Thousand Island dressing, iceberg, red onion and pastrami. Enjoy!

My Notes


In order to add notes for this recipe, you must log in or create an account.