A Reuben sandwich is a popular sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. It is believed to have originated in New York City in the early 20th century, and has since become a classic deli sandwich enjoyed by people all over the world.
To make a Reuben sandwich, will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients: |
2 slices of rye bread |
2-3 oz corned beef |
2 slices of Swiss cheese |
1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained |
2 tablespoons thousand island dressing |
2 tablespoons butter, softened |
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making a Reuben sandwich:
Step1: Gather all of your ingredients.
Step2: Lay one slice of rye bread on a flat surface.
Step3: On top of the bread, layer 2-3 oz of corned beef.
Step4: Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef.
Step5: Add 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained, on top of the cheese.
Step6: Spread 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing on the other slice of bread.
Step7: Place the slice of bread with the dressing on it on top of the sandwich, dressing-side down.
Step8: The bread’s top and bottom slices should be buttered.
Step9: Over medium heat, preheat a big skillet.
Step10: Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve the sandwich by cutting it in half.
Nutritional value of Reuben Sandwich:
A Reuben sandwich is made with rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. It is a high-calorie, high-fat sandwich due to the ingredients used. Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional value of a Reuben sandwich:
Nutritious : |
Calories: 740-800 |
Fat: 35-40g |
Saturated fat: 15-20g |
Cholesterol: 90-100mg |
Carbohydrates: 60-70g |
Fiber: 4-5g |
Protein: 30-35g |
Background History of Reuben Sandwich:
The Reuben sandwich is a popular sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. There are several stories about the origin of the Reuben sandwich.
One story credits the creation of the Reuben sandwich to a man named Reuben Kulakofsky, who was a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this story, Kulakofsky created the sandwich as a late-night snack for poker players at the Blackstone Hotel, where he worked as a cook. Another story attributes the creation of the Reuben sandwich to Arnold Reuben, the owner of a New York City deli called Reuben’s Restaurant and Delicatessen. According to this story, Reuben created the sandwich in the 1920s for an actress named Annette Seelos, who requested a sandwich that was “hearty enough for a man.”
There are also other stories about the origin of the Reuben sandwich, including one that credits a man named Reuben Kay, who owned a deli in New York City, and another that credits a woman named Rachael Lamb, who owned a restaurant in New York City. It is difficult to say which of these stories, if any, is true.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reuben Sandwich:
Advantages: |
1. Nutritional value: Reuben sandwiches can be a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients, depending on the ingredients used. For example, corned beef is a good source of protein, and rye bread is a good source of fiber. |
2. Flavor: Reuben sandwiches are known for their flavorful combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. |
3. Convenience: Reuben sandwiches are easy to make and can be a quick and convenient meal option. |
Disadvantages: |
1. High in calories and fat: Reuben sandwiches can be high in calories and fat, especially if they are made with full-fat ingredients like mayonnaise-based Russian dressing and full-fat cheese. |
2. Sodium content: Reuben sandwiches can also be high in sodium, due to the corned beef and sauerkraut, which can be harmful for people with high blood pressure or at risk for heart disease. |
3. Potential for food poisoning: If the sandwich is not prepared or stored properly, there is a risk of food poisoning from the perishable ingredients, such as the corned beef and sauerkraut. |
There are a few dishes that are similar to Reuben Sandwich:
Pastrami sandwich: Like the Reuben sandwich, the pastrami sandwich is made with cured, seasoned meat (in this case, pastrami) and is often served on rye bread. It may also include cheese, mustard, and pickles.
Philly cheese steak: This sandwich is made with thin slices of beefsteak and melted cheese, typically served on a hoagie roll. It may also include grilled onions and peppers.
Cuban sandwich: This sandwich is made with ham, pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard, and is typically served on Cuban bread.
Italian sub: This sandwich is made with an assortment of Italian meats, such as salami and ham, as well as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, and is typically served on a sub roll.
French dip sandwich: This sandwich is made with thin slices of roast beef served on a French roll, and it is typically served with a side of au jus (a savory beef broth) for dipping.
Related questions people often ask?
How to cook corned beef for Reuben Sandwich?
To cook corned beef for a Reuben sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds of corned beef
- Water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons pickling spice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Here’s how to cook the corned beef:
Step1: Use paper towels to dry the corned beef after giving it a cold water rinse.
Step2: Place the corned beef in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat.
Step3: Add the bay leaves, cloves, garlic, onion, pickling spice, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Step4: Bring the water to a swelling to the lead more high heat, later condense the heat to low and simmer for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the corned beef is hurting.
Step5: The corned beef should cool in the cooking liquid once the heat source has been turned off.
Step6: Once the corned beef has cooled, remove it from the pot and slice it thinly against the grain.
Step7: Use the sliced corned beef to make your Reuben sandwiches.
What kind of bread is used for a Reuben sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is typically made with rye bread, which is a type of bread made with rye flour and shaped into a long, narrow loaf. The rye bread is then toasted or grilled to give it a crispy texture.
That being said, you can also use other types of bread to make a Reuben sandwich, such as pumpernickel bread, sourdough bread, or even a bagel. The choice of bread is largely a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find what you like best.
Can you make a Reuben sandwich with turkey instead of corned beef?
Yes, you can definitely make a Reuben sandwich with turkey instead of corned beef. Turkey works well as a substitute for corned beef in a Reuben sandwich because it has a similar flavor and texture, and it is also leaner than corned beef, which makes it a healthier choice.
To make a turkey Reuben sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:
- Sliced turkey breast
- ye bread or other bread kinds
- Sauerkraut
- Swiss cheese
- Thousand Island dressing
- Butter or mayonnaise
To assemble the sandwich, follow these steps:
Step1: Each piece of bread should have butter or mayonnaise spread on one side.
Step2: Place a layer of sliced turkey on one slice of bread.
Step3: Top the turkey with a layer of sauerkraut and a layer of Swiss cheese.
Step4: Spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on the other slice of bread.
Step5: Place the slice of bread, dressing side down, on top of the cheese.
Step6: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step7: Place the sandwich in the skillet or griddle and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve the sandwich hot, cut in half or in quarters if desired.
How to prepare sauerkraut for Reuben sandwich?
Step1: To prepare sauerkraut for a Reuben sandwich, follow these steps:
Step2: Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water to remove any excess brine.
Step3: Place the sauerkraut in a colander and let it drain for a few minutes.
Step4: Transfer the sauerkraut to a medium bowl.
Step5: Using your hands or a fork, gently squeeze the sauerkraut to remove any excess moisture.
If you prefer, you can also add a few additional seasonings to the sauerkraut, such as diced onions, diced apples, or caraway seeds.
How to cook a corned beef brisket for Rubens?
To cook a corned beef brisket for use in Rubens sandwiches, you will need the following ingredients:
- A 2-3 pound corned beef brisket
- Water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons pickling spice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Here’s how to cook the corned beef brisket:
Step1: Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step2: Place the corned beef brisket in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat.
Step3: Add the bay leaves, cloves, garlic, onion, pickling spice, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Step4: Bring the water to a swelling on summit of high heat, subsequently condense the heat to low and simmer for roughly 2-3 hours, or until the corned beef is throbbing.
Step5: Remove the pot from the heat and let the corned beef cool in the cooking liquid.
Step6: Once the corned beef has cooled, remove it from the pot and slice it thinly against the grain.
Step7: Use the sliced corned beef to make your Rubens sandwiches.
What is the difference together surrounded by a Reuben sandwich and a Rachel sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, served on rye bread. It is named after Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City, who is credited with creating the sandwich in the 1920s.
A Rachel sandwich is similar to a Reuben sandwich, but it is made with roast turkey instead of corned beef, and it is served on rye bread or on a Kaiser roll. The sandwich is named after Rachel, the daughter of Leah and Jacob in the Bible, and it is sometimes referred to as a “turkey Reuben.”
Can you make a Reuben sandwich vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegetarian or vegan version of a Reuben sandwich. You could do this in a couple different ways:
Use sliced temper or tofu in place of the corned beef. Both of these ingredients are high in protein and have a similar texture to corned beef, making them a good substitute.
Use roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers, in place of the corned beef. These vegetables have a meaty texture and can be seasoned and grilled or roasted to give them flavor.
Use a plant-based protein such as seating or a vegan sausage patty in place of the corned beef. These ingredients can be flavored to taste similar to corned beef and sliced thin to use in the sandwich.
For a vegan version of the sandwich, you will also need to use a vegan cheese substitute and a vegan dressing or spread, such as hummus or a homemade vegan mayonnaise.
How to make Reuben sandwich sauce?
There are a few different sauces that can be used in a Reuben sandwich, the most common of which is Thousand Island dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade Thousand Island dressing:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon diced onion
- 1 teaspoon diced capers
- 1 teaspoon diced dill pickles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step1: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, diced onion, diced capers, and diced dill pickles.
Step2: Add pepper and salt to taste when seasoning.
Step3: Stir until well combined.
Step4: Until you’re ready to use, cover and chill.
What sides go well with a Reuben sandwich?
There are many sides that go well with a Reuben sandwich. Here are a few ideas:
- Chips or potato chips
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickles or pickled vegetables
- Pasta salad or potato salad
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- A straightforward salad of greens with a mild vinaigrette dressing.
Are Reuben sandwiches healthy?
Reuben sandwiches can be high in calories, fat, and sodium, depending on the ingredients used and how they are prepared. For example, a traditional Reuben sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread can contain upwards of 700-800 calories, 40-50 grams of fat, and more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per sandwich.
In general, it is a good idea to balance your diet with a variety of healthy foods and to enjoy sandwiches like the Reuben in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.