The Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that has been a staple in delis and restaurants for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread. While it may seem like a simple sandwich to make, creating a Reuben from scratch requires some effort and dedication. In this article, we will take you through the process of making a Reuben sandwich from scratch, including the preparation of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
Preparing the Corned Beef
The corned beef is the star of the Reuben sandwich, and it’s essential to prepare it correctly to get the right flavor and texture. To make corned beef from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef brisket | 5 pounds |
| Kosher salt | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Pink curing salt | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
To prepare the corned beef, start by combining the kosher salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, black pepper, and coriander seeds in a bowl. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed. Next, trim the beef brisket of any excess fat and rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.
Place the beef brisket in a large container or zip-top plastic bag, and add the garlic cloves. Seal the container or bag, and refrigerate for at least 5 days or up to 10 days. Every day or two, massage the meat and turn it over to ensure that the spices penetrate evenly.
After the curing process, remove the beef brisket from the container or bag, and rinse off the spice mixture under cold running water. Place the beef brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven, and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Cooking the Corned Beef
Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot, and let it cool to room temperature. Slice the corned beef thinly against the grain, and set it aside.
Preparing the Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a fermented cabbage dish that adds a tangy flavor and crunchy texture to the Reuben sandwich. To make sauerkraut from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 5 pounds |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Caraway seeds | 1 tablespoon |
To prepare the sauerkraut, start by shredding the cabbage into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, salt, and caraway seeds. Massage the cabbage mixture with your hands for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften and release its juices.
Transfer the cabbage mixture to a large container or crock, and press it down firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Cover the container or crock with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks or up to 6 weeks. Every day or two, check on the sauerkraut and press it down firmly to keep it submerged under its own juices.
After the fermentation process, remove the sauerkraut from the container or crock, and rinse it under cold running water to remove excess salt. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut, and set it aside.
Draining the Sauerkraut
It’s essential to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before using it in the Reuben sandwich. To drain the sauerkraut, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Preparing the Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing is a creamy condiment that adds a rich and tangy flavor to the Reuben sandwich. To make Thousand Island dressing from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Chopped pickles | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped onions | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped hard-boiled egg | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
To prepare the Thousand Island dressing, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, chopped onions, chopped hard-boiled egg, and chopped fresh parsley in a bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Reuben Sandwich
Now that we have prepared the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, it’s time to assemble the Reuben sandwich. To assemble the sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rye bread | 4 slices |
| Corned beef | 4 slices |
| Sauerkraut | 1/4 cup |
| Swiss cheese | 4 slices |
| Thousand Island dressing | 2 tablespoons |
To assemble the sandwich, start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on each slice of rye bread. Next, add a slice of corned beef, a spoonful of sauerkraut, and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread.
Grilling the Reuben Sandwich
To grill the Reuben sandwich, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or non-stick cooking spray to the skillet or griddle, and place the sandwich in the skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect Reuben sandwich:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will directly affect the flavor and texture of the Reuben sandwich. Use fresh and flavorful ingredients, such as freshly baked rye bread and high-quality corned beef.
- Don’t overfill the sandwich: The Reuben sandwich should be filled with a balance of ingredients, but not overfilled. Make sure to leave some space between the ingredients to allow for even cooking and to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
- Use the right type of cheese: Swiss cheese is the traditional cheese used in Reuben sandwiches, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your Reuben sandwich, you can add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sandwich.
In conclusion, making a Reuben sandwich from scratch requires some effort and dedication, but the end result is well worth it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Reuben sandwich that will impress your friends and family.
What is a Reuben sandwich and where did it originate?
A 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 origins of the Reuben sandwich are not well-documented, but it is often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century.
The Reuben sandwich gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, particularly in New York City, where it became a staple of Jewish delis and restaurants. Over time, the sandwich has evolved, and various variations have emerged, but the classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing remains the most iconic and beloved.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben sandwich?
The traditional bread for a Reuben sandwich is rye bread, specifically a dense, dark rye with a slightly sweet flavor. The dense texture and robust flavor of rye bread provide a perfect complement to the bold flavors of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese. Look for a bread that is made with caraway seeds, which add a distinctive flavor and texture to the bread.
When selecting a rye bread for your Reuben sandwich, choose a bread that is fresh and has a good balance of texture and flavor. Avoid using a light or fluffy rye bread, as it may not hold up well to the filling. You can also toast the bread before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture and a more intense flavor.
How do I make corned beef from scratch?
Making corned beef from scratch involves curing a beef brisket or round in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, then cooking it in liquid until it is tender. To start, you will need to combine kosher salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, and a blend of spices, such as black pepper, coriander, and mustard seeds, in a bowl. Rub the curing mixture all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
Next, place the beef in a large container or zip-top bag, and refrigerate it for several days or up to a week. After the curing process, rinse the beef under cold running water, then cook it in liquid, such as stock or water, until it is tender. You can also add aromatics, such as onions and carrots, to the cooking liquid for added flavor.
What is the best way to cook a Reuben sandwich?
The best way to cook a Reuben sandwich is to grill it in a pan or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. To do this, preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat, then butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet, then top it with a slice of cheese, a few slices of corned beef, a spoonful of sauerkraut, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing.
Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling, then cook the sandwich for several minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also use a panini press or grill to cook the sandwich, which will give it a crispy texture and a more intense flavor.
Can I use store-bought corned beef and sauerkraut?
While making corned beef and sauerkraut from scratch can be rewarding, you can also use store-bought versions to make a delicious Reuben sandwich. Look for high-quality corned beef that is made with beef brisket or round, and avoid products that contain added preservatives or fillers. For sauerkraut, choose a brand that is made with fresh cabbage and has a good balance of flavor and texture.
Keep in mind that using store-bought corned beef and sauerkraut may affect the flavor and texture of your Reuben sandwich. Store-bought corned beef may be more processed and less tender than homemade corned beef, while store-bought sauerkraut may be more acidic and less flavorful than homemade sauerkraut.
How do I make Thousand Island dressing from scratch?
Making Thousand Island dressing from scratch involves combining mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, and herbs, such as parsley and dill, in a bowl. Start by combining mayonnaise and ketchup in a bowl, then stir in relish, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and dill, to the bowl, then stir until they are well combined.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add other ingredients, such as grated onion or capers, to the dressing for added flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I customize my Reuben sandwich with different ingredients?
One of the best things about a Reuben sandwich is that it can be customized with different ingredients to suit your tastes. Some popular variations include adding sliced turkey or roast beef to the sandwich, using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, or adding sliced vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions.
You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, or use a different type of sauerkraut, such as kimchi or red sauerkraut. The key is to find a combination of ingredients that you enjoy and that complement the bold flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut.