🥪 Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich Recipe (Classic Canadian Deli Style)
Make the famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich at home — juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. A true Canadian deli classic in under 30 minutes!
What is Montreal Smoked Meat?
Montreal smoked meat is a type of beef brisket cured in spices and smoked, similar to pastrami but with a unique Canadian spice blend. It’s a staple of Montreal delis, especially Schwartz’s Deli — the most famous of all.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 2 sandwiches
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 oz (170 g) Montreal smoked meat, sliced thin
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for toasting)
- Pickles on the side (optional but traditional)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
Warm the smoked meat:
Steam or heat the smoked meat slices in a pan over medium-low heat until hot and tender (2–3 minutes). -
Prepare the bread:
Lightly toast the rye bread or warm it in a pan with a little butter for extra crispness. -
Assemble the sandwich:
Spread yellow mustard generously on both slices of bread. Pile the hot smoked meat onto one slice and top with the other. -
Serve hot:
Slice in half and serve with dill pickles and a side of fries or coleslaw for a true Montreal deli experience!
🧀 Optional Add-Ons
- Swiss cheese or cheddar for a melty twist
- A fried egg for a breakfast version
- Coleslaw inside the sandwich for crunch
💡 Tips for Perfect Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich
- Use rye bread — it’s the signature base of the sandwich.
- Heat the meat gently to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Add a touch of caraway seeds to your bread for authentic deli aroma.
❓ FAQs About Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich
Q1: What kind of meat is used for Montreal smoked meat?
A1: It’s made from beef brisket, cured with spices like coriander, mustard seed, garlic, and black pepper, then smoked and steamed.
Q2: Can I make Montreal smoked meat at home?
A2: Yes! While authentic deli meat is slow-cured, you can use store-bought smoked brisket or pastrami as a substitute.
Q3: What’s the difference between Montreal smoked meat and pastrami?
A3: Pastrami is sweeter and often uses sugar in curing, while Montreal smoked meat is more peppery and less fatty.
Q4: What is traditionally served with this sandwich?
A4: Always dill pickles, fries, and coleslaw — and sometimes a cherry soda for the full Montreal deli experience.
Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Yes, use gluten-free rye-style bread and check your smoked meat label for gluten-free ingredients.
🥗 Similar Recipes You’ll Love
- Poutine Recipe (Classic Canadian Style)
- Butter Tarts Recipe
- Split Pea Soup with Ham
- Tourtière (Canadian Meat Pie)
- Maple Syrup Pancakes Recipe

Comments
Post a Comment