The Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that has been a staple in many restaurants and households 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. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect grilled Reuben sandwich.
Understanding the History of the Reuben Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Reuben sandwich. The origins of this sandwich are often disputed, but the most widely accepted story is that it was created by Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur in New York City, in the early 20th century. Reuben’s restaurant, which was located on 58th Street in Manhattan, was a popular spot for locals and celebrities alike, and his signature sandwich quickly became a favorite among his patrons.
The Key Ingredients of a Reuben Sandwich
So, what makes a Reuben sandwich a Reuben sandwich? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients, which include:
- Corned beef: Thinly sliced corned beef is the star of the show in a Reuben sandwich. Look for high-quality corned beef that is tender and flavorful.
- Sauerkraut: Finely chopped sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the sandwich. You can use store-bought sauerkraut or make your own at home.
- Swiss cheese: Melted Swiss cheese binds the ingredients together and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich.
- Thousand Island dressing: A tangy and slightly sweet Thousand Island dressing is the perfect complement to the other ingredients.
- Rye bread: Thick slices of rye bread provide the foundation for the sandwich and add a distinctive flavor.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the sandwich, you’ll need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Cooking the Corned Beef
If you’re using raw corned beef, you’ll need to cook it before slicing it thinly. You can cook the corned beef in a pot of boiling water or in a slow cooker. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking corned beef:
- Place the corned beef in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Add enough water to cover the corned beef.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the corned beef for 3-4 hours, or until it’s tender and easily sliced.
Preparing the Sauerkraut
If you’re using store-bought sauerkraut, you can skip this step. However, if you want to make your own sauerkraut at home, here’s a basic recipe:
- Shred 5 pounds of cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the cabbage and massage it into the leaves.
- Let the cabbage sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it with cold water.
- Pack the cabbage into a large jar or container, pressing out as much liquid as possible.
- Let the sauerkraut ferment for 4-6 weeks, or until it’s tangy and slightly sour.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Butter one side of two slices of rye bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Top the bread with a slice of Swiss cheese, a few slices of corned beef, and a spoonful of sauerkraut.
- Drizzle a tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing over the top of the sauerkraut.
- Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
- Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Reuben sandwich to the next level:
- Use a panini press: If you have a panini press, use it to cook the sandwich. The pressure will help to melt the cheese and compress the ingredients.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your Reuben sandwich, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Use different types of cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional in a Reuben sandwich, you can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add some caramelized onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the sandwich. Simply cook some onions in a pan until they’re soft and caramelized, then add them to the sandwich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making a Reuben sandwich:
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is essential to making a great Reuben sandwich. Look for high-quality corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
- Overcooking the sandwich: The sandwich should be cooked until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, but not overcooked. Overcooking can make the sandwich dry and crumbly.
- Not using enough Thousand Island dressing: Thousand Island dressing is an essential component of a Reuben sandwich. Make sure to use enough to add flavor and moisture to the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions to help you enjoy your Reuben sandwich:
- Serve with a side of soup: A bowl of creamy tomato soup or a side of French onion soup is the perfect complement to a Reuben sandwich.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad is a great way to round out the meal.
- Serve with a side of fries: If you want to make the meal more indulgent, serve the sandwich with a side of crispy French fries.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering Reuben sandwich that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on your own, the Reuben sandwich is a great choice for anyone who loves good food.
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
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 combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben sandwich makes it a popular choice for 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, while the Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, slightly sweet element to the sandwich. The rye bread provides a dense, chewy base for the sandwich, and its slightly sweet flavor complements the other ingredients. Overall, a Reuben sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Reuben sandwich is rye bread. Rye bread has a dense, chewy texture that holds up well to the filling ingredients, and its slightly sweet flavor complements the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Look for a dark, dense rye bread with a robust flavor to get the best results.
You can also use a lighter rye bread or a pumpernickel bread if you prefer. However, avoid using a light, fluffy bread such as white bread or whole wheat bread, as it may not hold up well to the filling ingredients. Additionally, you can toast the bread before grilling the sandwich to give it a crispy texture and a more robust flavor.
How do I grill a Reuben Sandwich?
To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by preheating a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Butter one side of two slices of rye bread, then place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese, a few slices of corned beef, a spoonful of sauerkraut, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing.
Place the second slice of rye bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling ingredients. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy.
Can I use different types of cheese in a Reuben Sandwich?
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, you can use other types of cheese if you prefer. Some good alternatives to Swiss cheese include cheddar, provolone, and Gruyère. These cheeses have a similar flavor profile to Swiss cheese and will melt well when grilled.
However, avoid using a strong, pungent cheese such as blue cheese or goat cheese, as it may overpower the other flavors in the sandwich. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar or provolone and Gruyère, to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I make sauerkraut for a Reuben Sandwich?
To make sauerkraut for a Reuben sandwich, start by shredding a head of cabbage and mixing it with salt and caraway seeds. Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight to allow the cabbage to ferment. Then, rinse the cabbage with cold water and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
You can also use store-bought sauerkraut if you prefer. Look for a sauerkraut that is made with just cabbage, salt, and caraway seeds, and avoid sauerkrauts that contain added preservatives or flavorings. You can also add caraway seeds or other spices to the sauerkraut to give it a more robust flavor.
Can I make a vegetarian version of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of a Reuben sandwich by substituting the corned beef with a vegetarian alternative. Some good options include grilled portobello mushrooms, sliced eggplant, or sautéed spinach. You can also use a vegetarian corned beef substitute, such as seitan or tempeh.
To make a vegetarian Reuben sandwich, simply substitute the corned beef with your chosen ingredient and proceed with the recipe as usual. You can also add additional ingredients, such as sliced bell peppers or onions, to give the sandwich more flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover Reuben Sandwiches?
To store leftover Reuben sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the sandwiches for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat a leftover Reuben sandwich, simply grill it in a pan or oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. You can also microwave the sandwich for 20-30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm.