Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsKnuckle SandwichesCorned Beef Reuben Recipe

Corned Beef Reuben Recipe

Inspired by Knuckle Sandwiches
Time30m
Serves4

Make Corned Beef Reuben Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Reuben Dressing (Thousand Island style)

Optional garnish / serving

Method

Reuben Dressing (Thousand Island style)

  1. 1

    Make dressing

    In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp hot sauce (if using). Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust acid, sweetness or heat as needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Sandwich

  1. 2

    Prepare sauerkraut

    Place 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press with the back of a spoon to remove excess liquid. Optionally, warm the drained sauerkraut in a small skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to take the chill off and reduce moisture further; drain again.

  2. 3

    Assemble sandwiches

    Lay out 8 slices of rye bread. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the dressing on the interior side of 4 slices (the bottoms). On each of those, place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then divide the 1 lb thinly sliced corned beef evenly (about 4 oz per sandwich), arranging meat in an even layer. Divide the drained sauerkraut between the 4 sandwiches (about 6 tablespoons each) and spread it over the corned beef. Top the sauerkraut with the remaining 2 slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich, then spread ~1 tablespoon dressing on the interior side of the remaining 4 bread slices and place them top-side down to close each sandwich.

  3. 4

    Butter the bread

    Spread softened butter evenly on the outside faces of each assembled sandwich (both top and bottom), using about 1 tablespoon butter per outside surface (approximately 4 tbsp butter total for four sandwiches). Ensure even coverage to promote even browning.

  4. 5

    Grill the sandwiches

    Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and finish melting. Alternatively, finish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 4–6 minutes.

  5. 6

    Slice and serve

    Remove sandwiches from the skillet and rest for 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Serve immediately with dill pickle spears and chips on the side.

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