The Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that has been a staple in many restaurants and households for decades. Traditionally made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. However, for those who prefer a leaner protein or want to mix things up, using turkey instead of corned beef is a great alternative. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a mouth-watering Reuben sandwich with turkey.
Understanding the Components of a Reuben Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the components that make a Reuben sandwich. The traditional ingredients include:
- Corned beef (or turkey in our case)
- Sauerkraut
- Swiss cheese
- Thousand Island dressing
- Rye bread
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The corned beef or turkey provides the protein, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour taste. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess, while the Thousand Island dressing brings everything together with its sweet and tangy flavor. Finally, the rye bread provides a sturdy base for the sandwich.
Choosing the Right Type of Turkey
When it comes to using turkey in a Reuben sandwich, it’s essential to choose the right type. You want a turkey breast that is thinly sliced and has a good balance of flavor and moisture. Here are a few options:
- Oven-roasted turkey breast: This is a great option if you want to add a bit of smokiness to your sandwich. Simply roast a turkey breast in the oven with some seasonings and slice it thinly.
- Smoked turkey breast: If you want to add a deeper, smokier flavor to your sandwich, consider using a smoked turkey breast.
- Deli-style turkey breast: This is a great option if you want a more traditional deli-style flavor. Look for a turkey breast that is thinly sliced and has a good balance of flavor and moisture.
Preparing the Ingredients
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to prepare them. Here’s what you need to do:
- Slice the turkey breast thinly: You want the turkey to be sliced thinly so that it’s easy to bite into. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
- Drain the sauerkraut: Sauerkraut can be quite tangy, so it’s essential to drain it before adding it to the sandwich. Simply squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve.
- Slice the Swiss cheese: You want the cheese to be sliced thinly so that it melts beautifully. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
- Prepare the Thousand Island dressing: You can either make your own Thousand Island dressing or use store-bought. If you’re using store-bought, simply give it a good stir before using.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that our ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s what you need to do:
- Butter the bread: You want the bread to be buttered on the outside so that it gets a nice golden brown color when grilled. Simply butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Add the turkey: Place a few slices of turkey on one slice of bread. You want to leave a bit of room around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Add the sauerkraut: Place a few spoonfuls of sauerkraut on top of the turkey. You want to make sure that the sauerkraut is evenly distributed so that every bite has a bit of tanginess.
- Add the cheese: Place a few slices of cheese on top of the sauerkraut. You want to make sure that the cheese is evenly distributed so that every bite has a bit of creaminess.
- Add the Thousand Island dressing: Place a few dollops of Thousand Island dressing on top of the cheese. You want to make sure that the dressing is evenly distributed so that every bite has a bit of sweetness and tanginess.
- Top with the other slice of bread: Place the other slice of bread on top of the filling, buttered side up.
Grilling the Sandwich
Now that our sandwich is assembled, it’s time to grill it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Heat a griddle or skillet: You want the griddle or skillet to be hot before adding the sandwich. Simply heat it over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Add the sandwich: Place the sandwich on the griddle or skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side. You want the bread to be golden brown and the cheese to be melted.
- Press down on the sandwich: You want to press down on the sandwich to make sure that the filling is evenly distributed and the bread is crispy. Simply place a spatula on top of the sandwich and press down gently.
Serving the Sandwich
Now that our sandwich is grilled, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a side of chips or coleslaw: A side of chips or coleslaw is a great way to add some crunch and coolness to the dish.
- Serve with a side of pickles: A side of pickles is a great way to add some tanginess and acidity to the dish.
- Serve with a side of fruit: A side of fruit is a great way to add some natural sweetness and freshness to the dish.
In conclusion, making a Reuben sandwich with turkey is a great way to mix things up and add some leaner protein to the classic dish. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering sandwich that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What is a Reuben sandwich and how does it differ from a traditional Reuben?
A Reuben sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. However, in this article, we’re going to make a variation of the Reuben sandwich using turkey instead of corned beef. This twist on the classic Reuben gives it a leaner and slightly healthier spin.
The use of turkey in place of corned beef also changes the flavor profile of the sandwich. Turkey has a milder flavor than corned beef, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in the sandwich. Additionally, using turkey allows for a lower-sodium option for those looking to reduce their salt intake.
What type of turkey is best to use in a Reuben sandwich?
When it comes to choosing the type of turkey to use in a Reuben sandwich, it’s best to use a thinly sliced, deli-style turkey breast. This type of turkey is leaner and has a more delicate flavor than other types of turkey. Look for a low-sodium option to keep the sandwich healthy.
You can also use leftover roasted turkey breast if you have some on hand. Just be sure to slice it thinly and evenly so that it cooks consistently when grilled. Avoid using ground turkey or turkey sausage, as they have a coarser texture and a stronger flavor that won’t work well in a Reuben sandwich.
What is the best type of cheese to use in a Reuben sandwich?
Swiss cheese is the traditional cheese used in a Reuben sandwich, and it’s still the best option for this variation. Swiss cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. It also melts well, which is important for a grilled sandwich.
You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, but Swiss cheese is the most authentic option. Avoid using a strong, pungent cheese like blue cheese or goat cheese, as they will overpower the other flavors in the sandwich.
How do I assemble a Reuben sandwich with turkey?
Assembling a Reuben sandwich with turkey is a straightforward process. Start by spreading a layer of Thousand Island dressing on one slice of rye bread. Then, add a layer of sliced turkey, followed by a layer of sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the second slice of rye bread.
Be sure to assemble the sandwich in the correct order, with the dressing on the bottom and the cheese on top. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent the dressing from oozing out of the sandwich.
How do I grill a Reuben sandwich with turkey?
Grilling a Reuben sandwich with turkey is a simple process that requires a bit of patience. Start by preheating a grill or grill pan to medium-low heat. Then, place the sandwich in the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown. Be careful not to press down on the sandwich, as this can cause the cheese to ooze out and the bread to become dense.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich with turkey in a panini press?
Yes, you can make a Reuben sandwich with turkey in a panini press. In fact, a panini press is a great way to make a Reuben sandwich, as it applies even pressure and heat to the sandwich. Simply assemble the sandwich as described above, and then place it in the panini press.
Close the press and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The panini press will help to melt the cheese evenly and crisp up the bread, making for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich with turkey ahead of time?
While it’s best to make a Reuben sandwich with turkey just before serving, you can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply assemble the sandwich as described above, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
When you’re ready to serve, simply grill or press the sandwich as described above. Keep in mind that the sandwich may not be as crispy if it’s been stored in the refrigerator, but it will still be delicious.