This Pastrami Hash is a perfect marriage of smoky, savory flavors with hearty potatoes and sweet red peppers. The crispy edges of the pan-fried potatoes contrast beautifully with tender pastrami chunks, while the paprika adds a subtle warmth. Topped with a runny fried egg, it elevates the dish with rich creaminess, making it a fulfilling breakfast or brunch option.
Beyond its comforting taste, this recipe is wonderfully flexible — you can swap in different smoked meats or add extra veggies for your preference. It’s an ideal dish to enjoy on a slow weekend morning or to impress guests with a simple yet flavorful meal. The rustic, homestyle plating gives it a welcoming feel, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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200g cooked pastrami, chopped
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3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1 red pepper, diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
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3 eggs
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown.
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Add the chopped onion, red pepper, and mustard seeds if using, then cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Add the chopped pastrami to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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In a separate non-stick pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up or to your preference.
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Serve the pastrami hash on plates and top each serving with a fried egg. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
Why Pastrami Works Perfectly in Hash
Pastrami is a cured and smoked beef, known for its distinct seasoning, usually a mix of pepper, coriander, garlic, and smoked paprika. These flavors contribute a bold, aromatic profile to the dish. When chopped and cooked with potatoes and vegetables, pastrami adds a meaty richness that makes the hash more than just a side dish—it becomes a filling, standalone meal. The smoky undertones and slight peppery bite of pastrami complement the mild sweetness of the sautéed onions and the tender bite of red peppers. This balance between smoky, sweet, and savory notes is what makes pastrami hash so satisfying.
Versatility and Customization
One of the most attractive aspects of pastrami hash is its adaptability. While the traditional recipe uses pastrami and potatoes, you can customize it according to your preferences or dietary needs. For example, different types of smoked or cured meats like corned beef or smoked turkey can be substituted if pastrami isn’t available. You can also make this dish vegetarian by replacing the meat with smoked tofu or tempeh and boosting the seasoning to maintain the bold flavors.
Additionally, the vegetables are easily adaptable. Onions and red peppers are classic, but you might add mushrooms, spinach, or even kale for added nutrition and texture. The use of smoked paprika in the recipe helps tie all the flavors together with its warm, smoky essence, but you could experiment with other spices like cumin or chili flakes to give the hash a different twist.
Cooking Technique and Texture
The texture of pastrami hash is crucial to its appeal. The potatoes should be cooked until crispy on the outside but tender inside. This creates a pleasant contrast when paired with the softer vegetables and the meaty pastrami pieces. Achieving the perfect balance of textures requires careful cooking — starting with frying the potatoes until they develop a golden crust, then adding the vegetables and pastrami later to prevent overcooking.
Topping the hash with fried eggs adds a luscious, creamy layer that enhances the dish further. When the runny yolk breaks and mingles with the crispy hash, it creates an indulgent mouthfeel that elevates the simple ingredients to something special.
Nutritional Considerations
Pastrami hash offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the pastrami and eggs, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. This makes it a nourishing meal option that can fuel your day effectively. However, because pastrami is a cured meat, it can be high in sodium and fat, so it’s wise to enjoy this dish in moderation if you are monitoring salt intake or fat consumption.
Incorporating fresh vegetables not only adds color and flavor but also boosts fiber and micronutrients, making the hash more healthful. You can further increase the nutritional value by using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, which offer additional vitamins like beta-carotene and a lower glycemic index.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Pastrami Hash
While pastrami hash is commonly served as a breakfast or brunch dish, its hearty nature makes it suitable for other meals as well. It’s perfect for a casual weekend breakfast when you have more time to cook, or it can be a quick dinner after a busy day since it comes together easily.
Because it’s a one-pan dish, pastrami hash is also ideal for sharing during family gatherings or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with simple side salads or crusty bread and can be dressed up with additional garnishes like fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Pastrami Hash
To get the most out of your pastrami hash, choose good-quality pastrami with a rich flavor and a good balance of fat to lean meat. Fat is important because it adds moisture and flavor during cooking. If you have leftover pastrami from sandwiches or deli platters, this is a perfect way to repurpose it.
Don’t rush the potato cooking stage. Patience is key to developing that perfect crispy texture. Use a heavy-based frying pan or cast iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution.
Finally, seasoning is crucial—taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go, remembering that pastrami can be salty, so you may need less salt than usual.
Conclusion
Pastrami hash is a classic, comforting dish that combines smoky cured meat, crispy potatoes, and fresh vegetables in a simple yet flavorful way. Its appeal lies in its balance of textures and bold, savory flavors, making it a versatile meal suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The recipe’s adaptability means you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes and dietary needs, while still enjoying the core elements that make hash so satisfying.
Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover pastrami or simply want a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, pastrami hash is an excellent choice. Its rustic charm, combined with the richness of the fried egg on top, makes it a dish that feels indulgent but remains straightforward enough for everyday cooking. Adding this recipe to your cooking repertoire will give you a reliable go-to for meals that impress with flavor and comfort.