The New Yorker sandwich is a classic deli delight that has been satisfying the cravings of hungry New Yorkers and visitors alike for generations. This mouthwatering masterpiece is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring tender corned beef, crispy pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy coleslaw, all piled high on rye bread. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create the perfect New Yorker sandwich, just like the ones served at iconic delis throughout the Big Apple.
A Brief History of the New Yorker Sandwich
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sandwich construction, let’s take a brief look at the origins of this beloved dish. The New Yorker sandwich is a variation of the classic Reuben sandwich, which was invented in the 1920s by Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur. Reuben’s original creation featured corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread, grilled to perfection. Over time, delis throughout New York City began to put their own spin on the Reuben, adding pastrami and coleslaw to create the New Yorker sandwich we know and love today.
Gathering the Essential Ingredients
To make a truly authentic New Yorker sandwich, you’ll need to gather the following essential ingredients:
- 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound pastrami, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to selecting the perfect corned beef and pastrami for your New Yorker sandwich, look for high-quality, thinly sliced meats that are tender and flavorful. You can find these at most delis or specialty butcher shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own corned beef and pastrami from scratch.
The Importance of Rye Bread
Rye bread is a crucial component of the New Yorker sandwich, providing a dense, slightly sweet base for the other ingredients. Look for a high-quality rye bread that is fresh and has a good balance of flavors. You can also try toasting the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture.
Assembling the Perfect New Yorker Sandwich
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to start building the perfect New Yorker sandwich. Follow these steps to create a masterpiece that would make even the most discerning deli owner proud:
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Begin by spreading a thin layer of softened butter on each slice of rye bread. This will help to create a rich, creamy flavor and prevent the bread from becoming too dry.
Step 2: Add the Corned Beef and Pastrami
Next, add a layer of thinly sliced corned beef and pastrami on top of the buttered bread. You can use a combination of both meats or stick to one or the other, depending on your personal preference.
Step 3: Add the Coleslaw and Thousand Island Dressing
Now it’s time to add the coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing. You can use store-bought coleslaw or make your own using shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and a variety of spices. Spread a thin layer of coleslaw on top of the meat, followed by a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
The final step is to add two slices of melted Swiss cheese on top of the coleslaw. You can use a panini press or grill the sandwich to melt the cheese and create a crispy texture.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect New Yorker Sandwich
While the classic New Yorker sandwich is a masterpiece in its own right, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and create your own unique variation. Here are a few tips and ideas to get you started:
- Use a variety of meats: While corned beef and pastrami are the classic choices, you can also try using turkey, roast beef, or even grilled chicken to create a unique twist.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your sandwich, try adding some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce.
- Get creative with the coleslaw: While traditional coleslaw is a classic choice, you can also try using a variety of other slaws, such as broccoli slaw or carrot slaw.
- Use a different type of cheese: While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, you can also try using cheddar, provolone, or even feta cheese to create a unique flavor profile.
The Art of Serving the Perfect New Yorker Sandwich
Once you’ve assembled the perfect New Yorker sandwich, it’s time to think about presentation. Here are a few tips for serving your masterpiece:
- Use a deli-style wrapper: To create a truly authentic deli experience, try wrapping your sandwich in a deli-style wrapper or paper.
- Add some garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few slices of pickle can add a pop of color and flavor to your sandwich.
- Serve with a side: Whether it’s a bowl of matzo ball soup or a side of crispy potato salad, serving your sandwich with a side can help to round out the meal.
Conclusion
The New Yorker sandwich is a true classic, a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a truly authentic New Yorker sandwich that would make even the most iconic delis proud. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just visiting the Big Apple, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of the New Yorker sandwich for yourself.
What is a New Yorker Sandwich?
A New Yorker Sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated in New York City. It typically consists of corned beef, pastrami, or a combination of both, served on rye bread with mustard and pickles. The sandwich is often associated with Jewish delis in New York City, where it has been a staple for decades.
The key to a great New Yorker Sandwich is the quality of the ingredients. The corned beef and pastrami should be thinly sliced and piled high on the bread. The mustard should be a spicy brown mustard, and the pickles should be thinly sliced and tangy. When all of these ingredients come together, they create a sandwich that is both flavorful and satisfying.
What type of bread is best for a New Yorker Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a New Yorker Sandwich is rye bread. Rye bread has a distinctive flavor and texture that complements the corned beef and pastrami perfectly. It is also a traditional choice for this type of sandwich, and is often served at Jewish delis in New York City.
When selecting a rye bread, look for one that is dense and chewy, with a slightly sweet flavor. Avoid breads that are too light or fluffy, as they will not hold up well to the filling. You can also consider using a pumpernickel bread, which has a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor than traditional rye.
How do I slice the corned beef and pastrami?
Slicing the corned beef and pastrami is an important step in creating a great New Yorker Sandwich. You want to slice the meat thinly, so that it is easy to bite into and chew. A good rule of thumb is to slice the meat against the grain, using a sharp knife.
When slicing the meat, try to make the slices as uniform as possible, so that each bite has a good balance of flavors. You can also consider using a meat slicer, which will give you very thin and uniform slices. This is especially useful if you are making a large number of sandwiches.
What type of mustard is best for a New Yorker Sandwich?
The best type of mustard for a New Yorker Sandwich is a spicy brown mustard. This type of mustard has a distinctive flavor that complements the corned beef and pastrami perfectly. It is also a traditional choice for this type of sandwich, and is often served at Jewish delis in New York City.
When selecting a mustard, look for one that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of flavors. Avoid mustards that are too sweet or too spicy, as they will overpower the other ingredients in the sandwich. You can also consider making your own mustard, using a recipe that includes ingredients like brown mustard seeds and spices.
How do I assemble the sandwich?
Assembling the sandwich is the final step in creating a great New Yorker Sandwich. Start by spreading a layer of mustard on the bread, then add a layer of corned beef and pastrami. Add a few slices of pickle on top of the meat, then top with the other slice of bread.
When assembling the sandwich, try to make sure that each bite has a good balance of flavors. You can also consider adding other ingredients, such as cheese or lettuce, but these are not traditional components of a New Yorker Sandwich. The key is to keep the sandwich simple and focused on the high-quality ingredients.
Can I make a vegetarian version of the New Yorker Sandwich?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegetarian version of the New Yorker Sandwich. One option is to substitute the corned beef and pastrami with vegetarian alternatives, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also use grilled or sautéed vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, as a substitute for the meat.
When making a vegetarian version of the sandwich, try to find ingredients that have a similar texture and flavor to the corned beef and pastrami. You can also consider using vegetarian deli slices, which are made from plant-based ingredients and have a similar texture to traditional deli meat.
How do I store leftover New Yorker Sandwiches?
If you have leftover New Yorker Sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. It’s best to wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and to keep them at a consistent refrigerator temperature.
When storing leftover sandwiches, try to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as the bread can absorb odors easily. You can also consider freezing the sandwiches, which will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients. Simply wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag.