The Quintessential New York Reuben: A Deli Classic Recreated

The first time I tasted a Reuben, I was a wide-eyed kid, crammed into a bustling New York City deli with my grandfather. The air was thick with the aroma of cured meats and tangy pickles. He placed a towering sandwich before me, rye bread marbled like granite, overflowing with corned beef, Swiss, and a mysterious pink sauce. That first bite – the savory meat, the creamy cheese, the acidic sauerkraut, all held together by the slight sweetness of the Russian dressing – was a revelation. It was more than just lunch; it was a taste of New York, a taste of history, a taste of pure comfort. And it sparked a lifelong love affair with this iconic sandwich.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 sandwich
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Russian Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 dash Louisiana hot sauce

For the Sandwich:

• 2 slices quality Jewish rye bread
• Butter
• 1/4 lb thinly sliced corned beef
• 2 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut, well drained (I rinse it, then drain)

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Large skillet
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mayonnaise, and Louisiana hot sauce. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Store the Dressing: Cover the dressing and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Butter the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of Jewish rye bread. The butter adds richness and helps the bread to toast evenly.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a large skillet.
5. Layer the Corned Beef and Cheese: Pile on the thinly sliced corned beef and thinly sliced Swiss cheese over the bread.
6. Add the Dressing and Sauerkraut: Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared Russian dressing over the cheese. Top with the well-drained sauerkraut. Chef’s Note: Rinsing the sauerkraut under cold water removes some of the excess brine, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile.
7. Top with the Second Slice: Top the sauerkraut with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
8. Grill the First Side: Cover the skillet and grill slowly over low heat for 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. The low heat ensures the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
9. Flip and Grill the Second Side: Uncover the skillet, turn the sandwich over, and increase the heat to medium-high.
10. Grill Until Golden Brown: Grill until golden brown on the second side, about 3-5 minutes. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
11. Serve Immediately: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. A crisp, hot Reuben is best enjoyed right away!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Right Rye: The key to a great Reuben is the rye bread. Look for a quality Jewish rye with visible caraway seeds and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Dressing Ahead: Make the Russian dressing a day ahead to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, use a skillet that distributes heat well. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice.
• Perfectly Melted Cheese: For extra melty cheese, you can briefly tent the sandwich with foil during the last minute of grilling.
• Crispy Bread Hack: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. It browns beautifully and adds a subtle tang.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your New York Reuben immediately, accompanied by kosher dill pickles or “half sours” (partially dilled pickles) for a classic deli experience. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Leftover Russian dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, Reubens are best eaten fresh. If you absolutely must store a leftover half, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to crisp up the bread, but be aware that the bread will be softer than when freshly made. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated for 1 sandwich)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	840.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	445 g	53%
Total Fat	49.5 g	76%
Saturated Fat	19.1 g	95%
Cholesterol	171 mg	57%
Sodium	2675.4 mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate	57.2 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	5 g	19%
Sugars	13.9 g	55%
Protein	42.3 g	84%

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey Reuben: Substitute sliced turkey for the corned beef for a lighter version.
• Rachel Sandwich: Use coleslaw instead of sauerkraut for a slightly sweeter and creamier variation, often paired with turkey.
• Vegan Reuben: Use vegan corned beef substitutes, vegan Swiss cheese, and vegan Russian dressing for a plant-based take.
• Gluten-Free Reuben: Use gluten-free rye bread, but be mindful that the texture may differ from traditional rye.
• Spicy Reuben: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the Russian dressing for a kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to drain the sauerkraut?
A: Draining the sauerkraut removes excess moisture and acidity, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy and ensuring a balanced flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While Swiss is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or provolone, but Swiss offers a characteristic mild flavor and meltability that complements the other ingredients.

Q: What if I don’t have Louisiana hot sauce?
A: Any vinegar-based hot sauce will work as a substitute. You can even use a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?
A: Use low heat initially to allow the cheese to melt slowly without burning the bread. Then, increase the heat slightly to achieve a golden-brown crust.

Q: Can I make a large batch of Russian dressing?
A: Absolutely! The dressing can be made in larger quantities and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

The New York Reuben is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking and share your creations with friends and family. Pair your Reuben with a cold beer or a classic cream soda for the ultimate deli experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – after all, the best recipes are those that are shared and adapted.