- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 430 kcal
Quick summary
“This classic New York sandwich combines butter-grilled rye bread slices filled with sliced cured meat, fermented sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. A balanced acidic and salty flavor.”
What you need to know
- The fermented acidity of the drained sauerkraut breaks the greasiness of the cured meat and the butter of the crust.
- The melted Swiss cheese acts as a sealing agent that binds the rye bread slices toasted on the griddle.
- Thousand Island dressing adds a sweet and creamy profile that harmonizes the intense elements of the filling.
Ingredients
Main
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 200g of corned beef
- 100g of Swiss cheese
- 100g sauerkraut
- 4 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
- Butter to taste
- Use fresh bread for better texture.
- For a healthier version, swap the canned meat for grilled chicken breast.
- Be careful when turning the sandwich so it doesn't fall apart.
- Try adding pickles for an extra touch of flavor.
- Serve with chips or salad to accompany.
Instructions
Principal
- Start by preparing the ingredients: cut the rye bread and organize the canned meat, cheese, and sauerkraut.
- In a frying pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Place a slice of bread in the skillet and spread a tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing.
- Add a layer of canned meat, followed by the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
- Place another slice of bread on top, also spreading butter and sauce.
- Let the sandwich brown for 3-4 minutes until the cheese starts to melt.
- Turn the sandwich carefully and let the other side brown for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from the frying pan, cut in half, and serve hot.
Chef's tips
- Squeeze the sauerkraut in a sieve or with your hands to eliminate the liquid before assembling on the bread.
- Keep the skillet over low heat covered for 2 minutes to melt the Swiss cheese without burning the rye.
- Flip the sandwich with the support of two flat spatulas so as not to spread the sauerkraut and meat in the skillet.
Variations
- Rachel Sandwich: replace the cured beef with smoked turkey breast and the sauerkraut with coleslaw salad.
- Spicy Russian dressing: substitute Thousand Island with homemade Russian dressing with horseradish.
- Touch of caraway seeds: toast caraway seeds in butter before browning the slices.
Substitutions
- Corned beef can be replaced by cured pastrami in slices or shredded homemade roast beef.
- Traditional rye bread can be replaced by Australian bread, malt bread, or sourdough.
- The Swiss cheese (Emmental or Gruyère) can be swapped for cured plate cheese or thinly sliced provolone.
How to store
Consume right after finishing in the skillet. If there are cold ingredients left over, store the meat and sauerkraut filling separately from the bread slices in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; toast and assemble the sandwich only at the time of serving.
Can it be frozen?
Do not freeze the ready sandwich. Sauerkraut releases acidic water when thawing, leaving the bread soggy, and Swiss cheese loses its creamy elasticity; freeze only the sliced cured meat in an airtight bag for up to 2 months.
What to serve with
Serve accompanied by artisanal dill pickles, crispy potato chips, or coleslaw. Pairs perfectly with Red Ale craft beer, Stout beer, or ginger ale.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the sauerkraut need to be well drained?
The liquid brine of the sauerkraut soaks the crumb of the rye bread, preventing the crust from becoming firm and crispy on the griddle.
How to make a simple homemade Thousand Island sauce?
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped pickles, a few drops of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until a pink cream forms.
What is corned beef and where to find it?
It is beef cured in brine with spices; can be found canned or sliced at the deli.
Is rye bread mandatory in the classic recipe?
Rye bread with earthy notes is the signature of the original Reuben, but any rustic bread with a good crust can be used.
You might also like
