The Reuben sandwich, a classic deli delight, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. Its perfect blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled to perfection on rye bread, has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. With the rise of YouTube, food enthusiasts and chefs alike have taken to the platform to share their own takes on this beloved sandwich. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Reuben sandwich-making, exploring the history, ingredients, and techniques that make this dish truly special.
A Brief History of the Reuben Sandwich
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are shrouded in mystery, with several restaurants and chefs claiming to be its creator. One story behind the sandwich’s inception dates back to the 1920s, when Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur, allegedly created the dish as a specialty for his New York City eatery. Another tale suggests that the sandwich was born in the 1950s at Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel, where a local grocer, Reuben Kulakofsky, would often order a sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a staple of American deli cuisine, with its popularity spreading far and wide. Today, you can find variations of the Reuben on menus across the country, each with its own unique twist.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of making a Reuben sandwich, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need:
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 8 oz corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds (optional)
- A skillet or griddle
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A cheese slicer (optional)
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to making a Reuben sandwich, the quality of your ingredients is paramount. Here are a few tips for selecting the best:
- Corned beef: Look for thinly sliced corned beef that’s been cooked to perfection. You can use either store-bought or homemade corned beef, whichever suits your taste preferences.
- Sauerkraut: Choose a sauerkraut that’s been fermented to perfection, with a tangy flavor and crunchy texture. You can use either store-bought or homemade sauerkraut.
- Swiss cheese: Opt for a high-quality Swiss cheese that’s been aged to perfection. You can use either sliced or shredded cheese, whichever you prefer.
- Thousand Island dressing: Use a store-bought or homemade Thousand Island dressing that’s been made with high-quality ingredients.
Assembling the Reuben Sandwich
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and equipment, it’s time to assemble our Reuben sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Begin by buttering one side of each slice of rye bread. This will help create a crispy crust on the bread when it’s grilled.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Top with a slice of corned beef, a spoonful of sauerkraut, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing.
Step 3: Top with the Second Slice of Bread
Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip the sandwich over and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is equally golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwich is grilled to perfection, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
While the classic Reuben sandwich recipe is a staple, there are many ways to mix things up and make the dish your own. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- Add some spice: Add a pinch of caraway seeds or a sprinkle of paprika to give your Reuben sandwich a bit of extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Add some crunch: Top your Reuben sandwich with some crispy bacon or chopped onions for added texture.
- Go vegetarian: Swap out the corned beef for some grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian take on the classic Reuben.
YouTube-Inspired Reuben Sandwich Recipes
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Reuben sandwich, look no further than YouTube. Here are a few popular Reuben sandwich recipes to try:
- The Classic Reuben: This recipe from Epicurious is a straightforward take on the classic Reuben sandwich, with thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- The Reuben Grilled Cheese: This recipe from Food Network adds a twist to the classic Reuben by using a grilled cheese sandwich as the base.
- The Vegetarian Reuben: This recipe from The Full Helping swaps out the corned beef for some grilled portobello mushrooms and adds some roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli delight that’s easy to make and fun to customize. With its perfect blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled to perfection on rye bread, it’s no wonder this sandwich has become a staple of American cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this guide has provided you with the tools and techniques you need to make a delicious Reuben sandwich at home. So go ahead, get creative, and make your own Reuben sandwich today!
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 often disputed, but it is commonly attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the dish in the early 20th century.
The Reuben sandwich gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in New York City, where it was often served in delis and restaurants. Over time, the Reuben has become a beloved classic, with many variations and interpretations emerging across the country.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben sandwich?
When it comes to making a Reuben sandwich, the type of bread used is crucial. Rye bread is the traditional choice, and for good reason. The dense, slightly sweet flavor of rye bread provides a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
Look for a high-quality rye bread that is dense and chewy, with a slightly crispy crust. You can also try using a pumpernickel or dark rye bread for a slightly different flavor profile. Avoid using white bread or whole wheat bread, as they can become too soft and soggy when grilled.
How do I prepare the corned beef for a Reuben sandwich?
To prepare the corned beef for a Reuben sandwich, start by slicing it thinly against the grain. You can use a deli slicer or a sharp knife to get even, thin slices. Look for corned beef that is labeled “flat cut” or “thinly sliced,” as this will make it easier to slice and assemble the sandwich.
Once you have sliced the corned beef, you can cook it in a pan with a little bit of oil until it is lightly browned and crispy. This will help to bring out the flavors of the corned beef and add texture to the sandwich. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked corned beef or cook it in the microwave according to the package instructions.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben sandwich?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, and for good reason. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese provides a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Look for a high-quality Swiss cheese that is sliced thinly and has a smooth, creamy texture. You can also try using other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, but Swiss cheese is the classic choice. Avoid using too much cheese, as it can overpower the other flavors in the 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 to add moisture and flavor to the sandwich. Next, add a layer of sliced corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese.
Finally, top the sandwich with the second slice of rye bread and grill it in a pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. You can also add other toppings, such as sliced onions or pickles, to give the sandwich extra flavor and texture.
How do I grill a Reuben sandwich?
To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by heating a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan, then place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also crispy and golden brown. You can also use a panini press or grill to cook the sandwich, which will help to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich in advance?
While it’s best to make a Reuben sandwich just before serving, you can prepare the ingredients in advance to make assembly easier. Slice the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwich.
You can also assemble the sandwich and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before grilling it. However, it’s best to grill the sandwich just before serving, as this will help to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.