The Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic that has been satisfying the cravings of deli enthusiasts for decades. This mouth-watering masterpiece consists of tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on toasted rye bread. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect Corned Beef Reuben sandwich, from selecting the finest ingredients to assembling the final product.
Understanding the Origins of the Corned Beef Reuben
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sandwich crafting, let’s take a brief look at the history behind this iconic dish. The Corned Beef Reuben is named after Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century. However, there’s some debate over whether Reuben was indeed the true inventor, as a similar sandwich called the “Reuben’s Special” was served at a restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska, around the same time.
Regardless of its true origins, the Corned Beef Reuben has become a staple of Jewish deli cuisine, with its unique combination of flavors and textures captivating the hearts (and stomachs) of foodies around the world.
Selecting the Finest Ingredients
When it comes to crafting the perfect Corned Beef Reuben, the quality of your ingredients is paramount. Here are some tips for selecting the best components for your sandwich:
Corned Beef: The Star of the Show
Corned beef is the centerpiece of the Reuben, and you’ll want to choose a high-quality cut that’s tender, flavorful, and thinly sliced. Look for corned beef that’s been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, as this will give it a rich, depth of flavor. You can either buy pre-sliced corned beef from your local deli or opt for a whole brisket that you can slice yourself.
What to Look for in Corned Beef:
- Thinly sliced, preferably 1/8 inch or less
- Tender and easy to chew
- Rich, beefy flavor with a hint of spice
- Low in added preservatives and nitrates
Sauerkraut: The Tangy Counterpoint
Sauerkraut is the perfect foil to the richness of the corned beef, adding a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the sandwich. Look for sauerkraut that’s made with fresh cabbage, caraway seeds, and a touch of salt. You can either buy pre-made sauerkraut from the store or make your own at home using a simple recipe.
What to Look for in Sauerkraut:
- Made with fresh, crunchy cabbage
- Has a tangy, slightly sour flavor
- Contains caraway seeds for added depth
- Low in added preservatives and sugar
Swiss Cheese: The Melty, Creamy Element
Swiss cheese is the glue that holds the Reuben together, adding a creamy, melty texture to the sandwich. Look for a high-quality Swiss cheese that’s nutty, slightly sweet, and has a smooth, creamy texture.
What to Look for in Swiss Cheese:
- Nutty, slightly sweet flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Melts well and adds a rich, velvety texture to the sandwich
- Low in added preservatives and artificial flavorings
Thousand Island Dressing: The Creamy, Tangy Sauce
Thousand Island dressing is the final component of the Reuben, adding a creamy, tangy sauce that ties the whole sandwich together. Look for a high-quality Thousand Island dressing that’s made with fresh mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of relish.
What to Look for in Thousand Island Dressing:
- Made with fresh mayonnaise and ketchup
- Has a creamy, tangy flavor
- Contains a touch of relish for added depth
- Low in added preservatives and artificial flavorings
Assembling the Perfect Corned Beef Reuben
Now that you’ve selected the finest ingredients, it’s time to assemble the perfect Corned Beef Reuben. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this mouth-watering masterpiece:
Step 1: Toast the Rye Bread
Start by toasting four slices of rye bread until they’re lightly browned and crispy. You can either use a toaster or toast the bread in a pan with a touch of butter.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the bread is toasted, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on each slice of bread, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Next, add a generous helping of corned beef, followed by a spoonful of sauerkraut.
Step 3: Add the Final Touches
Finally, top the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread and cut it in half. You can either serve the sandwich as is or add some additional toppings, such as sliced pickles or a sprinkle of paprika.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Corned Beef Reuben
While the classic Corned Beef Reuben is a timeless masterpiece, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and add your own twist to this beloved sandwich. Here are some tips and variations to help you take your Reuben to the next level:
Grilled Reuben:
Take your Reuben to the next level by grilling it in a pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the sandwich that’s sure to impress.
Reuben Dip:
Turn your Reuben into a dip by layering the ingredients in a bowl and serving it with crackers or chips. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Reuben in a new and exciting way.
Veggie Reuben:
Make your Reuben vegetarian-friendly by swapping out the corned beef for sliced tempeh or seitan. This adds a meaty, savory flavor to the sandwich without the need for meat.
Conclusion
The Corned Beef Reuben is a beloved classic that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. By selecting the finest ingredients and following these simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a deli enthusiast or just looking for a new twist on a classic sandwich, the Corned Beef Reuben is a must-try that’s sure to become a favorite.
What is a Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich?
A Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich makes it a classic favorite among many people. The corned beef provides a salty, meaty flavor, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour taste.
The Swiss cheese melts and binds the ingredients together, adding a creamy element to the sandwich. The Thousand Island dressing adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients. The rye bread provides a dense, slightly sweet base for the sandwich, holding everything together. Overall, the Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
What type of corned beef should I use for a Reuben Sandwich?
For a Reuben Sandwich, it’s best to use thinly sliced corned beef that is tender and flavorful. Look for corned beef that is labeled as “flat cut” or “thinly sliced,” as this will be easier to stack and grill in the sandwich. You can also use leftover corned beef that you have cooked yourself, as long as it is sliced thinly and is tender.
Avoid using corned beef that is too thick or chunky, as this can make the sandwich difficult to grill and can overpower the other ingredients. You can also use pastrami or other types of cured meats if you prefer, but corned beef is the traditional choice for a Reuben Sandwich.
How do I assemble a Reuben Sandwich?
To assemble a Reuben Sandwich, start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on one slice of rye bread. This will help hold the ingredients together and add flavor to the sandwich. Next, add a layer of sauerkraut on top of the dressing, followed by a layer of sliced corned beef.
Finally, add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef, followed by the second slice of rye bread. Make sure to grill the sandwich in a pan or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, as this will help hold the ingredients together and add texture to the sandwich.
What type of cheese should I use for a Reuben Sandwich?
For a Reuben Sandwich, it’s best to use Swiss cheese, as this is the traditional choice and provides a creamy, melted texture to the sandwich. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, but Swiss cheese is the most authentic choice.
Make sure to use a high-quality Swiss cheese that is sliced thinly, as this will melt more easily and provide a better texture to the sandwich. Avoid using too much cheese, as this can overpower the other ingredients and make the sandwich too rich.
Can I make a Reuben Sandwich in a panini press?
Yes, you can make a Reuben Sandwich in a panini press, as this will help grill the sandwich and melt the cheese more evenly. Simply assemble the sandwich as you normally would, and then place it in the panini press. Close the press and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Using a panini press can help make the sandwich more crispy and evenly cooked, and can also help melt the cheese more thoroughly. However, you can also make a Reuben Sandwich in a skillet or griddle if you don’t have a panini press.
How do I store leftover Reuben Sandwiches?
If you have leftover Reuben Sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat them, simply grill them in a pan or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
You can also freeze Reuben Sandwiches for up to 2 months, as long as you wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Simply thaw the sandwiches overnight in the refrigerator, and then grill them in a pan or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Can I make Reuben Sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Reuben Sandwiches ahead of time, as long as you assemble them just before grilling. You can prepare the ingredients, such as slicing the corned beef and sauerkraut, and grating the cheese, up to a day in advance. Simply store the ingredients in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before grilling, as this will help ensure that the ingredients are fresh and the bread is crispy. You can also grill the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but they’re best served fresh.