Corned beef sandwich

A sandwich made with corned beef, a popular deli meat

For the space food, see Corned beef sandwich (space food).

A corned beef sandwich is a type of sandwich made with corned beef, a salt-cured beef product. It is a popular dish in delis and is often associated with Jewish cuisine in the United States. The sandwich typically includes slices of corned beef placed between two slices of rye bread, often accompanied by mustard and pickles.

A corned beef sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen

Preparation

The preparation of a corned beef sandwich begins with the selection of high-quality corned beef. The beef is usually cooked by boiling or steaming until it is tender. Once cooked, the beef is sliced thinly and layered onto slices of rye bread. Traditional accompaniments include mustard, which adds a tangy flavor, and pickles, which provide a crunchy texture.

Variations

There are several variations of the corned beef sandwich, including:

• Reuben sandwich: A popular variation that includes sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, grilled on rye bread.
• Rachel sandwich: Similar to the Reuben, but with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and often made with turkey instead of corned beef.
• New York-style corned beef sandwich: Typically served with a generous portion of corned beef and a side of dill pickles.

Cultural significance

The corned beef sandwich holds a special place in American culinary culture, particularly in cities with large Jewish populations such as New York City and Chicago. It is a staple in many delis and is often enjoyed during St. Patrick's Day celebrations, despite its Jewish origins.

Related pages

• Reuben sandwich
• Pastrami on rye
• Deli sandwich
• Jewish cuisine