Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe DenReuben Recipe

Reuben Recipe

Inspired by The Den
Time30m
Serves4

Make 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

Thousand Island / Russian-style dressing

Optional (for sauerkraut prep)

Method

Thousand Island / Russian-style dressing

  1. 1

    Make the dressing

    In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (if using) and black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning with more vinegar or relish if you prefer tangier or sweeter. Refrigerate while you assemble sandwiches.

Sauerkraut prep (optional)

  1. 2

    Warm and mellow sauerkraut (optional)

    If your sauerkraut is very wet or sharp, heat 1 tsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium. Add thinly sliced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds and cook, stirring, 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly softened. Use a spoon to press out excess liquid before assembling. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble and cook sandwiches

  1. 3

    Preheat pan

    Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. You want a moderate heat so bread browns slowly and cheese melts before the bread over-browns.

  2. 4

    Assemble sandwiches

    Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. Spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the dressing evenly on each slice. On each dressed slice place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then about 4 oz (1/4 lb) of corned beef (pile evenly), then about 1/4 cup of drained sauerkraut (or warmed sauerkraut). Top with 2 more slices of Swiss cheese and finish with the remaining slice of dressed rye bread, dressing side down.

  3. 5

    Butter and grill

    Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each top and bottom slice of bread (about 1 tbsp per sandwich). Place sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook 4–6 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is deep golden brown and cheese is melted. If bread is browning too quickly before cheese melts, reduce heat to low and cover pan for a minute to trap heat and help cheese melt. Flip carefully halfway through.

  4. 6

    Rest and slice

    Transfer finished sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with any remaining dressing or pickles on the side.

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