The Reuben sandwich, a classic deli delight, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. This mouthwatering combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread, is a true gastronomic pleasure. However, creating the perfect Reuben sandwich requires more than just tossing these ingredients together. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Reuben sandwich craftsmanship, exploring the history, essential ingredients, and expert techniques necessary to elevate this beloved dish to new heights.
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 Reuben’s inception dates back to the 1920s, when Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur, allegedly created the dish at his eponymous deli in New York City. Another account attributes the sandwich’s creation to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, who supposedly invented the Reuben in the 1930s as part of a weekly poker game menu.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple of Jewish delis and diners across the United States. Today, this iconic sandwich remains a beloved favorite among food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Selecting the Finest Ingredients
A great Reuben sandwich begins with high-quality ingredients. When selecting the components of your Reuben, keep the following guidelines in mind:
Corned Beef: The Star of the Show
Corned beef is the foundation of a superior Reuben sandwich. Opt for thinly sliced, lean corned beef, preferably from a reputable deli or butcher. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider curing and cooking your own corned beef from scratch.
What to Look for in Corned Beef:
- Thinly sliced, uniform pieces
- Lean, tender meat with minimal fat
- A delicate balance of salt, sugar, and spices
Sauerkraut: The Tangy Counterpoint
Sauerkraut, a type of fermented shredded cabbage, adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the Reuben. Choose a high-quality, store-bought sauerkraut or make your own using a simple recipe.
What to Look for in Sauerkraut:
- Finely shredded, crunchy texture
- A balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors
- No added sugars or preservatives
Swiss Cheese: The Creamy Complement
Swiss cheese, with its nutty, creamy flavor, provides a rich contrast to the bold corned beef and sauerkraut. Select a high-quality, imported Swiss cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère.
What to Look for in Swiss Cheese:
- Nutty, slightly sweet flavor
- Creamy, smooth texture
- Aged to perfection for optimal flavor
Thousand Island Dressing: The Creamy Glue
Thousand Island dressing, a tangy, creamy condiment, binds the Reuben’s flavors together. Choose a high-quality, store-bought dressing or make your own using a simple recipe.
What to Look for in Thousand Island Dressing:
- Creamy, smooth texture
- A balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors
- No added preservatives or artificial flavorings
Rye Bread: The Crunchy Foundation
Rye bread, with its distinctive flavor and crunchy texture, provides the perfect base for the Reuben. Opt for a high-quality, dense rye bread, preferably from a local bakery.
What to Look for in Rye Bread:
- Dense, chewy texture
- A balance of earthy, slightly sweet flavors
- A crunchy crust with a soft interior
Assembling the Perfect Reuben
With your ingredients selected, it’s time to assemble the ultimate Reuben sandwich. Follow these expert tips to create a truly unforgettable Reuben:
Buttering the Bread
Buttering the bread is a crucial step in creating a crispy, golden-brown Reuben. Use a generous amount of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, to coat one side of each slice of rye bread.
Layering the Ingredients
Layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Corned beef: Thinly sliced, lean corned beef, preferably warmed to room temperature.
- Sauerkraut: A generous helping of tangy sauerkraut, drained of excess liquid.
- Swiss cheese: Thinly sliced, creamy Swiss cheese, preferably at room temperature.
- Thousand Island dressing: A dollop of creamy Thousand Island dressing, applied sparingly.
Grilling the Reuben
Grilling the Reuben is an art form. Use a skillet or griddle over medium heat, cooking the sandwich for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Expert Tips for Grilling the Reuben:
- Use a thermometer to ensure the skillet or griddle reaches the optimal temperature (approximately 325°F).
- Cook the Reuben over medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to toast evenly.
- Press down gently on the sandwich, using a spatula, to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
Expert Variations and Tips
While the classic Reuben recipe is a timeless favorite, there’s always room for innovation and experimentation. Consider the following expert variations and tips to elevate your Reuben game:
The “Rachel” Variation
Swap the corned beef for pastrami, and the Thousand Island dressing for coleslaw, to create a delicious “Rachel” sandwich.
The “Veggie Reuben” Variation
Replace the corned beef with marinated, grilled portobello mushrooms, and add a sprinkle of vegan Swiss cheese for a satisfying vegetarian Reuben.
Adding Caramelized Onions
Caramelize a batch of onions, using a mixture of butter and sugar, to add a sweet, depthful flavor to your Reuben.
Using a Panini Press
Invest in a panini press to create a crispy, evenly cooked Reuben, with minimal effort and mess.
In conclusion, crafting the perfect Reuben sandwich requires attention to detail, a commitment to quality ingredients, and a dash of creativity. By following these expert tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable Reuben sandwich, sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
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. The combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben sandwich makes it a popular choice for many people.
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are unclear, but it is often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved classic in many parts of the world.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Reuben sandwich is rye bread, specifically a dense and chewy type of rye bread that can hold up to the filling. Rye bread has a distinctive flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich, and its texture provides a nice contrast to the softness of the cheese and the crunch of the sauerkraut.
When selecting a rye bread for your Reuben sandwich, look for a bread that is made with caraway seeds, which give the bread a distinctive flavor and texture. You can also try using a pumpernickel bread or a dark rye bread for a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I cook the corned beef for a Reuben Sandwich?
The corned beef for a Reuben sandwich can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, or grilling. However, the most common method is to slice the corned beef thinly and pan-fry it until it is crispy and golden brown.
To pan-fry the corned beef, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the sliced corned beef to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is crispy and golden brown. You can also add a small amount of butter to the skillet to give the corned beef a richer flavor.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
The best type of cheese for a Reuben sandwich is Swiss cheese, which has a mild flavor and a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. Swiss cheese is also a good melting cheese, which makes it ideal for grilling.
When selecting a Swiss cheese for your Reuben sandwich, look for a cheese that is made with whole milk, which will give the cheese a richer flavor. You can also try using other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental, for a slightly different flavor profile.
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. Then, add a layer of sauerkraut on top of the dressing, followed by a layer of sliced corned beef. Next, add a layer of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef, and finally, top with the second slice of rye bread.
When assembling the sandwich, make sure to press down gently on the top slice of bread to ensure that the filling is evenly distributed. You can also add other ingredients to the sandwich, such as sliced onions or pickles, to give it a bit more flavor and texture.
How do I grill a Reuben Sandwich?
To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Then, add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet and place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
When grilling the sandwich, make sure to press down gently on the sandwich to ensure that it is evenly cooked. You can also use a panini press or a grill to cook the sandwich, which will give it a crispy exterior and a melted interior.
Can I make a vegetarian version of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegetarian version of a Reuben sandwich by substituting the corned beef with a vegetarian alternative, such as tempeh or seitan. You can also use a vegetarian sausage or a portobello mushroom as a substitute for the corned beef.
When making a vegetarian Reuben sandwich, make sure to use a vegetarian Thousand Island dressing and a vegetarian cheese, such as a soy-based cheese or a vegan cheese. You can also add other vegetarian ingredients to the sandwich, such as sliced avocado or grilled vegetables, to give it a bit more flavor and texture.