The Reuben Sandwich: a timeless classic with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between slices of grilled marbled rye bread. By using high-quality, less processed ingredients, you can make this recipe healthier and more wholesome, despite its indulgent appearance.
Navigating holidays like St. Patrick’s Day while being mindful of your eating choices can be challenging, especially when faced with amazingly delicious Reuben sandwiches. But there is a way to still enjoy the traditional foods you and your family love. By making simple swaps and focusing on wholesome ingredients, you can recreate beloved classics like the Reuben sandwich in a slightly healthier way.
Isn’t Corned Beef processed?
Corned beef typically undergoes a curing process and may contain added sodium nitrite, which is a preservative. Consider using nitrate-free, uncured corned beef for a less processed option. Also, look for organic, grass-fed or finished beef.
Nitrate-free or uncured corned beef still undergoes a curing processing to preserve and flavor the meat. However, they use alternative methods or natural sources of nitrites, such as celery juice or sea salt, rather than synthetic sodium nitrite.
Crafting a Healthier Sandwich
When making a Reuben sandwich, it’s essential to focus on balancing flavors and incorporating high-quality ingredients. Opt for whole grain marbled rye bread, which provides fiber and essential nutrients compared to refined bread options.
Additionally, sauerkraut offers probiotics and digestive benefits, while Swiss cheese adds calcium and protein. By selecting nitrate-free or uncured corned beef, you can reduce exposure to synthetic additives and potentially harmful compounds.
Lastly, our homemade signature Thousand Island sauce allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding hidden sugars and unnecessary preservatives found in store-bought dressings.
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather all your ingredients: whole grain marbled rye bread, nitrate-free or uncured corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, butter, and the homemade signature sauce.
- Build the Sandwiches:
- Lay out four slices of the marbled rye bread on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous amount of the homemade signature sauce on each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of Swiss cheese on on each side.
- Divide the sliced corned beef evenly among the slices of bread, followed by a layer of sauerkraut.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining four slices of marbled rye bread, creating four complete sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet, griddle or Panini press and add a little butter or cooking spray.
- Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the skillet.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula while cooking to help them crisp up and melt the cheese evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: Which is Traditional for Reuben Sandwiches?
Thousand Island dressing is the go-to for Reuben sandwiches. It’s creamy and packed with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors like ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and mayonnaise. One reason for this preference is the sweeter and tangier flavor profile of Thousand Island dressing. Russian dressing, on the other hand, tends to have a spicier and more savory flavor profile.
Is Corned Beef or Pastrami the Classic Choice for Reuben Sandwiches?
The classic Reuben sandwich typically features corned beef, although variations with pastrami exist. Some people enjoy the smokier, spicier taste of pastrami in their Reuben sandwiches, making it a delicious alternative to the traditional corned beef option, but if you ask me, corned beef if the only true Reuben!
As a fellow Irishwoman, I understand the allure of traditional foods on St. Patrick’s Day, but let’s also prioritize our well-being so we can fully enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Cheers to a happy and healthy St. Paddy’s Day! 🍀
OTHER IRISH FAVORITES:
- Irish Soda Bread with Currants and Whiskey: Try making Irish soda bread at home with currants and a hint of whiskey for a unique flavor twist.
- Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef: Make a hearty shepherd’s pie using ground beef, mixed veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes—a satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Irish Coffee with Jameson: Finish your meal off with my husbands favorite beverage ever!
THE ULTIMATE REUBEN SANDWICH RECIPE
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PrintUltimate Signature Reuben Sandwich
Description
A classic Reuben sandwich with no nitrate corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and our signature Thousand island sauce on marbled rye!
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of Marbled Rye bread
- 1 1 ½ Thinly sliced corned beef
- 1 Cup Sauerkraut, drained
- 16 slices Swiss cheese
- Butter, for grilling
For the Signature Sauce:
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet pickle relish
- 1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ÂĽ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp. Pickle juice
- 1 Tbsp. Creamy Horseradish (more to less to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Signature Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, chopped onion, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, pickle juice, horseradish, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous amount of the Signature Sauce onto one side of each slice of marbled rye bread.
- Layer the corned beef evenly on top of the Signature Sauce on 4 slices of bread.
- Top the corned beef with sauerkraut, dividing it evenly among the sandwiches.
- Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut on each sandwich.
- Top each sandwich with another slice of marbled rye bread, Signature Sauce side down.
Grill the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter.
- Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to the skillet.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula while cooking to help them crisp up and melt the cheese evenly.
Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
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