How to Make a Classic Reuben Sandwich – Café Style at Home

corned beef

🥗Healthier: turkey pastrami

💰Cheaper: roast beef

Turkey pastrami reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

Swiss cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Low-fat cheese cuts calories while providing creaminess.

Russian dressing

🥗Healthier: hummus

💰Cheaper: mayonnaise + ketchup

Hummus offers a healthier spread option.

rye bread

🥗Healthier: whole grain bread

💰Cheaper: white bread

Whole grain bread adds fiber and nutrients.

Rinse the corned beef under cold water.

Place the corned beef into a large pot.

Add a medium onion (peeled and cut in half), a large carrot (roughly cut), the end piece of a celery bunch, bruised garlic cloves, bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar into the pot.

Pour in 0.5 cup of white vinegar and enough cold water to cover the meat and vegetables.

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid.

Set a timer for 40 minutes for every 500 grams of corned beef.

Prepare the Russian dressing while the corned beef simmers: mince 3 tablespoons of red onion, 4 tablespoons of gherkins, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups of mayonnaise, 0.75 cup of sweet chili sauce, 4 tablespoons of sour cream, minced onion, minced gherkins, minced parsley, 1 teaspoon of horseradish, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate.

After 2 hours of simmering, check the corned beef for tenderness by inserting a knife.

Turn off the heat and let the corned beef cool in the cooking liquid for a couple of hours.

Slice the cooled corned beef against the grain.

Drain the sauerkraut and place it in a bowl.

Prepare the sandwich: spread Russian dressing on one side of the bread, layer with corned beef, add sauerkraut, and top with two slices of cheese.

Butter one side of the sandwich and place it butter-side down on a toaster or frying pan.

Spread butter on the top side and toast until golden brown.

Cut the sandwich on the diagonal and serve with gherkins and extra Russian dressing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens