A Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich is the ultimate deli classic—piled high with tender, smoky, spice-rubbed beef on fresh rye bread, with a generous spread of yellow mustard. This simple yet flavorful sandwich is a staple of Montreal’s famous Jewish delis, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic deli flavor – Brings the taste of a Montreal deli right to your home.
- Simple and quick – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Perfectly balanced – The rich, smoky beef pairs beautifully with tangy mustard and rye bread.
- Customizable – Adjust the portion size and toppings to your liking.
- Ideal for lunch or dinner – A hearty meal that satisfies cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb Montreal smoked meat (thinly sliced)
- 4 slices fresh rye bread
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- Pickles, for serving
Directions
- Steam the smoked meat for 10-15 minutes until heated through and tender.
- Spread mustard generously on two slices of rye bread.
- Pile the warm smoked meat high onto the mustard-coated bread.
- Top with the remaining slices of rye bread, pressing gently.
- Serve immediately with a side of pickles. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
- Calories: 450 kcal per sandwich
Variations
- Cheese Addition – Add a slice of Swiss or cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick – Use spicy brown mustard or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Thicker Sandwich – Double the meat for an even heartier version.
- Grilled Version – Lightly grill the sandwich for a warm, toasty finish.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve the smoked meat with mustard and pickles on a lettuce wrap instead of bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover smoked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Steam the meat for 5-10 minutes or microwave it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Bread Storage: Keep rye bread fresh by storing it in a bread box or tightly sealed at room temperature for up to 2 days.
FAQs
What is Montreal smoked meat?
Montreal smoked meat is a type of beef brisket that is dry-cured with a spiced rub, smoked, and then steamed for tenderness. It’s similar to pastrami but has a unique seasoning blend.
Can I make my own smoked meat?
Yes! While traditional smoked meat takes several days to cure and smoke, you can recreate the flavors by seasoning brisket with a mix of black pepper, coriander, garlic, and paprika before slow-cooking or smoking.
What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Rye bread is the traditional choice because its slight tang complements the smoky, rich meat.
Can I use pastrami instead of Montreal smoked meat?
Yes, but pastrami is usually spicier and more pepper-forward, whereas Montreal smoked meat has a milder, balanced spice blend.
Do I need to steam the meat?
Yes, steaming is essential for reheating Montreal smoked meat while keeping it tender and juicy.
Can I add toppings to the sandwich?
Absolutely! While the classic version is just meat, mustard, and bread, you can add sauerkraut, coleslaw, or caramelized onions for extra texture and flavor.
Is Montreal smoked meat the same as corned beef?
No, corned beef is typically boiled and has a milder flavor, while Montreal smoked meat is spiced, smoked, and steamed for a bolder taste.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
Pickles are the traditional pairing, but coleslaw, potato chips, or a simple deli salad also work well.
Can I use whole grain or sourdough bread instead of rye?
Yes, but for an authentic taste, rye bread is the best choice.
How thick should I slice the smoked meat?
For the best texture, slice it thinly and pile it high for that classic deli-style sandwich experience.
Conclusion
The Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich is a simple yet iconic dish that delivers bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re recreating a taste of Montreal at home or enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal, this sandwich is a must-try. Serve it with classic pickles and savor the rich, deli-style goodness!
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Classic Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Montreal deli-style sandwich loaded with tender, smoky, spiced beef on fresh rye bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Montreal smoked meat (thinly sliced)
- 4 slices fresh rye bread
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- Pickles, for serving
Instructions
-
Steam the Meat:
- Steam the smoked meat for 10-15 minutes until heated through and tender.
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Spread yellow mustard generously on two slices of rye bread.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Pile the warm, sliced smoked meat high onto the mustard-coated bread.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with a side of pickles.
Notes
- For an authentic deli experience, use seeded rye bread and serve with a side of coleslaw.
- Reheating tip: If you don’t have a steamer, wrap the smoked meat in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Want extra flavor? Add Swiss cheese or a slice of dill pickle inside the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwiches
- Method: Steaming, Assembling
- Cuisine: Canadian, Deli-Style