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Home Sandwiches and Sliders

Reuben Sandwich recipe

By:Nagi
Published:24 May '19Updated:15 Feb '20
89 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

A Reuben sandwich is so much more than just another pastrami sandwich. Piled high with warm, fall-apart homemade pastrami, quick sauerkraut recipe, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese, this is a sandwich that’s so good it can make a grown man cry!

This recipe is a copycat of the Reuben Sandwiches made famous by Katz’s Deli in NYC. Because I can’t fly halfway around the world every time I need a fix!

Reuben Sandwich loaded with homemade pastrami, easy quick sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Swiss cheese on rye bread, ready to be eaten. Katz's deli copycat recipe.

Reuben Sandwich recipe

If you’re wondering what’s a Reuben Sandwich and why are you so bonkers about them?? close your eyes and imagine biting into this: lightly toasted rye bread slathered with butter and a slightly tart/spicy mayo (Russian Dressing), piled high with warm, flavour infused homemade pastrami, the juicy tanginess and crunch from a quick homemade sauerkraut all smothered in melted Swiss cheese.

It’s an unbelievable combination of flavours and textures.

And it is, without question, one of the BEST sandwiches in the world!

Pastrami being piled onto Reuben Sandwich

What goes in a Reuben Sandwich

Here’s what you need to make a Reuben sandwich:

  • Homemade Pastrami – you’ll find plenty of recipes out there that tell you to just use plain corned beef (aka salt beef)… but just imagine how much more outrageously good it it is when made with an EASY slow cooked homemade pastrami that’s fall apart tender and crusted with fresh pastrami spices! That’s the Katz’s way!

  • Sauerkraut – essential for a true Reuben sandwich, a big pile of sauerkraut which is pickled cabbage. We’re making our own here because even a quick sauerkraut is way better than what you get in jars at supermarkets. I use a Rick Stein recipe, and it’s really (really!) good.

  • Russian Dressing – Another essential component of a Reuben Sandwich! It’s basically a slightly spicy Thousand Island Dressing. I don’t know who decided this sauce was a good idea for a Reuben but it works outrageously well to bring all the ingredients together!

  • Swiss Cheese – We never say no to cheese in any form, and especially not to Swiss Cheese (that nutty savoury flavour is just so perfect here!) Gruyere or Emmental or even “Swiss style” cheese works a treat as well.

  • Rye Bread – No other bread will do here. (Just jokes. 🙂 Some might say it’s criminal to use another bread, but actually, all the stuff between the bread is way more important in my view. Just be sure to use a sturdy bread – stock standard white sandwich bread won’t hold up to the generous filling!)

What goes in Reuben sandwich

Reuben Sandwich loaded with homemade pastrami, easy quick sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Swiss cheese on rye bread, ready to be eaten. Katz's deli copycat recipe.

I’m going to briefly talk through each of the components here, but if you want to dive right in, skip to the recipe!

1. EASY Homemade Pastrami

Homemade Pastrami is one of those gold nugget recipes that has high returns for very little effort. Essentially, you roll corned beef in a whole bunch of everyday spices, wrap in foil, slow cook until fall apart tender then bake so the spices become crusty.

That’s it. Really.

One bite, and you will be BLOWN AWAY how good it is. It’s sliceable but fork tender, and the fresh flavour of the spices is just so so good!

How to make pastrami homemade easy

Slices of Homemade pastrami (easy recipe, no smoker)

Skip to the recipe

2. QUICK Sauerkraut recipe!

Typically sauerkraut is left to ferment for weeks to allow flavours to develop. And as regular readers know, I do not possess such patience – when I want a Reuben sandwich, I want it now, now, now!

Luckily for us, Rick Stein has a mighty good quick sauerkraut recipe – 15 minutes on the stove. Though not quite as good as one you’ll get at a European deli that’s been fermenting for weeks, it’s way (way!) better than what you get in jars at the supermarket. 🙂

Caraway seeds?

Not seen in most sauerkraut recipes but adds an extra something-something to make up for the flavour the develops from weeks of fermentation. Rick Stein uses it – and I like it! But it’s optional. 🙂

Ingredients in quick sauerkraut

How to make quick sauerkraut

Skip to the recipe

3. Russian Dressing

Just calls for mixing up a handful of ingredients. Essentially it’s a slightly spicier Thousand Island Dressing.

I know Sriracha looks like an odd choice, being an Asian ingredient and all. But it works a treat in place of spicy Ketchup which isn’t something I’m familiar with. Chilli sauce or ketchup + tabasco works fine here too.

The kick of spice from the sriracha and horseradish (jar stuff, not fresh) combined with the richness of the mayo is just sensational with the fall-apart pastrami and the tart sauerkraut!

Russian Dressing ingredients

Skip to the recipe

4. Assembling

And here’s how to assemble the Reuben. The only thing to note here is to pile the sauerkraut on the pastrami not on the bread (so it doesn’t soak the bread.

Pile up the sauerkraut generously! Once you squish the sandwich together, it compresses down alot. 🙂

What goes in Reuben Sandwich

I know I said that this is a sandwich so good, it can make a grown man cry.

But we both know I meant a grown woman, right? (ie ME)

This is the sort of food that’s so good, it makes me do the jiggy. Believe it. All the while I was devouring this sandwich, I was doing the jiggy around the kitchen. Which might sound strange to people living in NYC you can pop around the block for their Reuben sandwich fix. But for us Aussies, this is a sandwich that you literally cannot buy here except on rare occasions at night markets.

Hands down, one of the BEST sandwiches in the whole world – and worth the effort! – Nagi x


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Reuben Sandwich loaded with homemade pastrami, easy quick sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Swiss cheese on rye bread, ready to be eaten. Katz's deli copycat recipe.

Watch how to make it

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Reuben Sandwich loaded with homemade pastrami, easy quick sauerkraut, Russian Dressing, Swiss cheese on rye bread, ready to be eaten. Katz's deli copycat recipe.

Reuben Sandwich recipe!

Author: Nagi
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 35 mins
Mains
American, Jewish
4.96 from 23 votes
Servings5
Tap or hover to scale
Print
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Recipe VIDEO above. The iconic Reuben Sandwich made famous by Katz's Deli in New York, made at home! Hands down still one of the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life, the most incredible combination of ingredients, the star of which is warm fall-apart tender homemade pastrami!

Ingredients

  • 1 kg / 2 lb homemade pastrami (1 quantity, easy!) (Note 1)
  • 10 slices light rye bread
  • 10 slices Swiss cheese
  • Butter , for spreading

Quick Sauerkraut:

  • 1 tbsp grapeseed oil
  • 1/2 onion , thinly sliced
  • 350g/ 12 oz white cabbage , thinly shredded (1/4 large head, 6 - 8 big handfuls)
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (85 ml) water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds , optional (Note 2)

Russian Dressing:

  • 1 tbsp onion , finely minced
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle/gherkin , finely minced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (can sub more mayo)
  • 2.5 tbsp sriracha, spicy ketchup or Chili Sauce (or 1/4 cup ketchup + 2 tsp tabasco) (Note 3)
  • 3 tsp horseradish (jar), to taste (spicy/tang)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp sweet paprika

Instructions

Russian Dressing:

  • Mix ingredients, refrigerate 20 minutes+ (keeps 2 weeks).

Quick Sauerkraut:

  • Dissolve sugar and salt in vinegar.
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes to soften, don't let it brown.
  • Add cabbage, vinegar, water and caraway seeds, give it a toss.
  • Cover, cook on low for 15 minutes, mixing once at 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to container (including liquid), cool until just warm. Keeps 2 weeks in the fridge.

Prepare Pastrami:

  • Thinly slice still cold pastrami (Note 1). Place in a container with a couple of tablespoons of pastrami liquid (reserved from cooking, see pastrami recipe).
  • Microwave to warm through (or use other method of choice etc cover with foil and place in oven).

Assemble Reuben:

  • Preheat grill/broiler to medium high with shelf about 25cm/10" from heat source.
  • Toast bread. Spread with butter, then 1 tbsp Russian Dressing on each piece.
  • Pick up pastrami and let excess juices drip away, then place on bread.
  • Do same for sauerkraut, pile onto pastrami, then top with cheese.
  • Also place cheese on other slice of bread (ie with just Russian Dressing).
  • Place under grill until cheese is just melted. Sandwich together and devour while hot!

Recipe Notes:

Recipe quantity: Makes enough for 5 sandwiches, Homemade Pastrami makes 1.4kg / 2.8lb which is more than needed for this recipe (leftovers is always a good thing).
1. Pastrami (see Easy Homemade Pastrami) - please don't even think about making this recipe with store bought slices! It is nothing like slow cooked homemade pastrami with a fresh pastrami spice crust that's warm and fall-apart tender! (PS Some Reuben sandwiches are made with plain corned beef. Homemade pastrami is a zillion times better, made famous by Katz's Deli in NYC)
Easier to slice when cool/cold, it crumbles if you try to slice when hot. That's why we need to slice when cold then reheat in the cooking juices.
2. Caraway seeds - not normally included in sauerkraut. But it works really well to add an extra something-something to compensate for this being a quick sauerkraut rather than one that's been left to ferment for days. Idea from Rick Stein! Optional.
3. Russian Dressing is usually made with spicy ketchup which isn't a readily available ingredient. Sriracha works a treat as a sub, otherwise, use ketchup + tabasco to taste. It's like a spicier version of Thousand Island Dressing - should be mildly spicy mayo with a touch of sour from the horseradish paste and chilli sauce. Recipe adapted from: Epicurious and Serious Eats
Keywords: Pastrami sandwich, Reuben sandwich recipe
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Life of Dozer

Dozer was hoping that because he was on holiday, it meant no post-beach wash downs. No such luck Mr Dozer!

(PS Last photo from last weekend’s trip to Rick Stein’s Bannisters – I promise!)

Dozer being hosed down Bannisters Port Stephens

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

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89 Comments

  1. Pat says

    October 1, 2020 at 6:32 am

    We live in a Los Angeles suburb. Years ago, I ordered a “half reuben” in a restaurant, which substituted cole slaw for the sauerkrarut because I’ve never liked sauerkraut. It was wonderful, and I’ve made them with cole slaw ever since. Try it! And thanks for your column; it’s a daily must read here.

    Reply
  2. Alicia says

    September 30, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Hi Nagi, if I was to make a big batch of dressing and souerkraut whats the keep time on them? This looks delicious btw I’m excited to make it and surprise my husband as this is his Favourite sandwich!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 1, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      Sauerkraut will last weeks in the fridge as it’s pickled, I mention the dressing in the recipe 🙂 N x

      Reply
  3. Rccola says

    September 25, 2020 at 4:58 am

    Question: the corned beef I bought is half the size as the one you used. So would the cooking time be cut in half or would I still cook it for the same time? Thanks

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      September 25, 2020 at 2:01 pm

      Hi Rccola, so you have a 1kg piece? If so, I would slow cook for about 5 hours. N x

      Reply
  4. Mio says

    September 12, 2020 at 6:02 am

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi. It was so delicious. All my family love Reuben and it was a big hit. I especially loved how the quick sauerkraut tasted. It’s fresh and balanced perfect partner to the pastrami. I’m wondering if you are planning to publish more recipes with sauerkraut. I sure hope so!

    Reply
  5. Kat says

    September 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks Nagi, great idea when it comes to toasting as an open sandwich, the cheese keeps everything in place while we are devouring it. Great recipe, thanks for extra recipe notes.

    Reply
  6. Susanne says

    June 5, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    4 stars
    Woah! I reduced the sriracha to just over 1 tbsp in the Russian dressing, mixed everything, tasted, the sauce was far too spicy for my grandsons, added tomato sauce and sour cream to a portion to get it to a tasty but not nose dripping heat 😂

    The 10yo took a bite of his modified one and asked, what is that sauce, he loved it. For his sandwich only I removed the pepper edge from the pastrami, small steps with new flavours.

    The rest of us also loved our Ruben sandwiches,

    Thank-you so very much for the recipe.

    Reply
  7. Steve says

    March 13, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    NAGI: Terrific Job! I’m going back to the market tomorrow and getting the meat that I did not buy today.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 13, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      Wahoo! Enjoy Steve!

      Reply
  8. Lisa Bove says

    February 13, 2020 at 12:11 am

    Hi! I bought a flat cut cut corned beef from Aldi and it’s not quite 3.5 lbs. Plus I don’t think there’s a fat cap. Will the meat be as good without it?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 13, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      Hi Lisa, it will be great! Love to know how it turns out!

      Reply
  9. Fredhillier says

    January 6, 2020 at 1:18 am

    Do u soak your brisket over nite in making pastrami

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 6, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Hi Fred – no I don’t, it’s simply as per the written recipe 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jeffery Gainer says

    October 20, 2019 at 9:04 am

    5 stars
    Our local baker delivers bread to our home every Thursday, so when I got Andrew’s email saying he would have fresh rye bread this week I immediately looked up this recipe! I cheated a little tiny bit and used pastrami from a supermarket deli and the result was fantastic. I’m looking forward to having Reubens again tonight.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 20, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it Jeffery, fresh bread sounds AMAZING!

      Reply
  11. Megan Pritchard says

    September 8, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    5 stars
    Fabulous! We used a brisket that my husband smoked (9hrs on coals) instead of pastrami but the Russian dressing is amazing – best use of brisket we’ve tried so far! Thanks Nagi

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      September 9, 2019 at 12:52 pm

      Sounds divine Megan!!

      Reply
  12. LYDIA D CALLOWAY says

    July 15, 2019 at 11:29 am

    didn’t make sandwich yet cause the wait was to long and the meat was so good just have to have some….rolled up in flour tortillas with some mustard and a pickle so so so good

    Reply
  13. LYDIA says

    July 13, 2019 at 5:37 am

    can’t wait to make this one question in the crock do u add water to the bottom?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 13, 2019 at 10:25 am

      Hi Lydia, no water is necessary – I hope you love it!

      Reply
  14. Holly says

    July 8, 2019 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    Made this last night for dinner and used your recipe for Pastrami. Sooooo good! This recipe is a keeper.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 8, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      Yum! I’m so glad you loved it Holly!

      Reply
  15. Jud says

    June 25, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    I’m loving your blog Nagi!
    I saw Rick Stein make that sauerkraut and have been wanting to make some of it. Searching your recipes you have the very one I wanted! I couldn’t believe it.
    Thank you, and I will be making the pastrami as well!
    Jud

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 25, 2019 at 6:30 pm

      I hope you love it Jud, keep me updated once you try it! – N x

      Reply
  16. Lisa Kelly says

    June 18, 2019 at 8:21 am

    Hi Nagi, I made this delicious recipe last weekend. It was so yummy and definitely reminded me of our adventures in NYC. My only glitch was the meat was a bit “chewy” and I didn’t get a ton of juices to pour over the meat.

    Did I overcook the meat or undercook the meat? Nothing worse than chewy meat….sigh!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 18, 2019 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Lisa, sorry you had issues with this recipe!! If it was chewy, sounds like it needed to be cooked a little longer – N x

      Reply
  17. Jo says

    June 11, 2019 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe for one of my all time favourites. I made each step, faithfully. Great way to cook corned beef for something a little bit different to the usual, amazing sauerkraut (in a flash) and delicious spicy dressing. It takes time though so be prepared. The end result was amazing and devoured by my hungry family having to watched I prepared over the previous 24 hours!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 12, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      It’s so worth the effort and wait though Jo! I’m so happy you enjoyed it ☺️

      Reply
  18. Josephine B says

    June 1, 2019 at 8:26 pm

    Oh My Goodness! even though we’re on our way around Oz I was thinking only yesterday of cooking a silverside in my eco-pot, but glad I didn’t since I’ve also got my slow cooker I’m definitely going to try this. We’ll have our lunches made for a whole week, can’t wait to get to the store and make this. YUUUUUM!!! Thanks for another great recipe Nagi.

    Reply
  19. Tamara J. says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:07 am

    This made me SO hungry! Def gonna make it!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 29, 2019 at 8:52 am

      I hope you give it a go, it won’t disappoint!

      Reply
  20. KrisB says

    May 27, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! Made the whole thing. The pastrami, the Russian dressing, the quick sauerkraut and finally, the sandwich. Totally awesome! And easy, although it was DIFFICULT waiting thru the process.
    I’ve always enjoyed a hot pastrami and a Reuben, but now….with my own homemade pastrami. Oy! Thanks. My Nagi “favorites” folder is so full, there’s no room for my other foodie recipes. Drat!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 28, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      I hear ya KrisB, the hardest part is waiting for this to cook!

      Reply
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