How to Make a Rueben Sandwich

There are few foods that combine such an unusual list of ingredients and still tastes so good! The crunchy bread, the salty sauerkraut and the savory corned beef all make a Rueben sandwich a classic. The bigger it is the better it is, and the great thing about the Reuben is that it's also really easy to make one on your own. Follow these steps to make a Reuben sandwich.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Two slices of marbled rye bread per Reuben
• Sliced corned beef
• Sauerkraut
• Horseradish (optional)
• Spicy brown mustard (optional)

1. Toast two slices of marbled rye for each sandwich in a toaster or toaster oven. You might also want to place the bread in the oven broiler for a few minutes while preparing the other sandwich ingredients. Be sure to just toast the bread, not char it, because the taste of the blackened bread will contrast badly with the sandwich's other components. Toast it just until golden and crunchy.
2. Place the sliced corned beef in a medium sized skillet over medium or medium-high heat. Heat the corn beef slices until they are heated through and sizzling. Drain off any excess juices from the meat, as this could cause your toasted bread to become soggy when you top it with the corned beef.
3. Drain the sauerkraut well in a colander, strainer or even by placing the desired amount of sauerkraut for your sandwich on a paper towel and letting the excess juices drain. You will not want the sauerkraut completely dry because this will take away from the flavor and the contrast with the corned beef, but excess moisture will make your bread soggy and could cause your condiments to become runny and messy.
4. Spread the condiments of your choice on both pieces of toasted marbled rye bread. There are differing opinions as to whether the proper condiments for a Reuben sandwich are horseradish, spicy mustard, a combination of the two or something else altogether. It really comes down to your personal taste. Put some of each on your Reuben if you're feeling adventurous or just add whatever you like on your Reuben. Spreading it on both slices of bread will give the sandwich more flavor.
5. Layer the heated sliced corned beef onto one slice of the bread. Arrange it so that the bread is evenly covered, and you will get all the flavors of the sandwich in every bite.
6. Mound the sauerkraut on top of the corned beef. Spread the sauerkraut out so that it is even to make putting your sandwich together easier and to guarantee that the sauerkraut's unique flavor will be well blended with the rest of the ingredients of your Reuben.
7. Top the sandwich with the other slice of marbled rye. Your sandwich is complete.

Who Can Help: