Arby's Pastrami Copycat Recipe (Worth It?)
This limited-time pastrami sandwich brings that classic New York deli flavor to fast food. The thin-sliced pastrami is piled high with peppery crust and smoky depth. Get it while you can - it won't last long.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- beef brisket (flat cut) 2 lbs
- rye sandwich bread 8 slices
- Swiss cheese 4 slices
- deli yellow mustard 4 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
- coarse kosher salt 2 tbsp
- black peppercorns, cracked 2 tbsp
- coriander seeds, cracked 1 tbsp
- smoked paprika 1 tsp
- brown sugar 2 tsp
- garlic powder 1 tsp
- onion powder 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
36 g
25%
Protein
39 g
27%
Fat
27 g
48%
Cooking steps
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1
Rub the brisket thoroughly with the combined salt, cracked peppercorns, coriander, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and onion powder. Make sure all sides have an even, thick coating; this crust replicates Arby's signature peppery edge.
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2
Wrap the seasoned brisket tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. This step helps the flavors penetrate deeply—a key Arby's technique for bold, deli-inspired taste.
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3
Preheat your oven to 225°F. Unwrap the brisket, place it on a rack in a roasting pan, and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats up.
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4
Roast the brisket uncovered for about 3-4 hours, or until an internal temperature of 195°F is reached and the bark is dark and aromatic. Low and slow roasting develops the tender, moist texture and smoky notes Arby's pastrami is known for.
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5
Remove from oven, loosely cover with foil, and rest for 30 minutes. Slice the brisket paper-thin against the grain using a sharp knife or slicer. Thin slicing is crucial—the classic Arby's experience is all about those ultra-thin, tender layers.
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6
To assemble each sandwich, lightly toast 2 slices of rye bread. Pile 1/4 of the pastrami onto the bottom slice, top with a slice of Swiss cheese, and drizzle with 1 tbsp deli mustard. Close with the top slice of bread and serve immediately for the best melt and bite.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this taste exactly like Arby's pastrami sandwich?
This recipe closely matches Arby's pastrami by slow-roasting a brisket with a peppercorn and coriander crust, then slicing it paper-thin for that classic deli texture. The seasoning blend and slicing method are key to capturing the authentic Arby's flavor and mouthfeel.
Q. Is this recipe difficult to make at home?
It's moderately challenging due to the long curing and roasting time (over 4 hours including rest and prep), but each step is straightforward. The trickiest part is slicing the meat ultra-thin, but you can use a sharp knife or deli slicer to replicate Arby's results.
Q. Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked store-bought pastrami, but the taste and texture won’t perfectly match the homemade version. Rye bread and Swiss cheese are classic, but you can use any sturdy sandwich bread or substitute with provolone for a milder cheese.
Q. How many calories are in each homemade pastrami sandwich?
Each serving (about 275g sandwich) contains approximately 570 kcal, with 36g carbs (25%), 39g protein (27%), and 27g fat (48%). It’s a hearty, protein-rich sandwich similar to what you’d find at Arby’s.
Q. Is making pastrami at home better than buying it from Arby's?
Homemade pastrami lets you control ingredient quality and seasoning. While it takes more time than ordering at Arby's, you’ll get a richer flavor, fresher slices, and can make a batch for less money per sandwich, especially when serving a group.
