Ultimate Vegan Reuben Sandwich

Component overview

• Rye bread (marbled if you can find it)

• Smoky vegan corned “beef” (seitan or tempeh)

• Vegan Swiss-style cheese

• Sauerkraut (properly prepped)

• Russian dressing (homemade, non-negotiable)

• Butter for grilling

1. Vegan Corned “Beef” (Seitan-Based, Best Texture)

Ingredients

Dry

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten

• ¼ cup chickpea flour

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

Wet

• ¾ cup vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Simmer broth

• 6 cups water

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 tbsp pickling spice

• 1 bay leaf

Method

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

2. Whisk wet ingredients separately.

3. Combine wet into dry; knead lightly 1–2 minutes until elastic.

4. Shape into a log, wrap loosely in foil.

5. Steam 40 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. Cool completely, then unwrap.

7. Slice thin.

8. Simmer slices gently in the simmer broth 15 minutes. This is where the corned flavor happens.

9. Pan-sear slices lightly in a bit of oil before assembling.

Shortcut option: Use store-bought vegan corned beef or smoky seitan, but still simmer it briefly in spiced broth.

2. Russian Dressing (Deli-Style)

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegan mayo

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles

• 1 tbsp pickle brine

• 1 tsp prepared horseradish

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Black pepper to taste

Method

Mix everything. Chill 15 minutes if you can. It should be tangy, pink, and aggressive.

3. Sauerkraut (Do Not Skip This Step)

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained

• 1 tsp olive oil

Sauté kraut in a pan over medium heat 5 minutes to drive off harsh acidity. Let it stay warm.

4. Assemble the Sandwich

Ingredients per sandwich

• 2 slices rye bread

• Vegan butter

• Vegan Swiss-style cheese slices (Violife, Follow Your Heart, etc.)

• 4–5 slices vegan corned “beef”

• ¼ cup warm sauerkraut

• Russian dressing

Assembly order (important)

1. Butter the outside of the bread.

2. Inside of bottom slice:

   • Russian dressing

   • Vegan Swiss

   • Corned “beef”

   • Sauerkraut

   • More vegan Swiss

   • Russian dressing

3. Top with second bread slice.

5. Grill Like a Deli Pro

1. Heat skillet or griddle to medium-low.

2. Grill sandwich 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently.

3. Cover pan for 1 minute to help cheese melt.

4. Flip once only. Golden, crisp, melty inside.

Pro Tips

• Too much kraut will ruin structure. Restraint.

• If your cheese won’t melt, add 1 tsp water to the pan and cover briefly.

• Let the sandwich rest 1 minute before cutting—this matters.

Variations

• Tempeh Reuben: Steam tempeh 10 min, then marinate in the simmer broth and sear.

• Mushroom Reuben: Thin-sliced portobello, heavily seasoned, roasted until meaty.

• Thousand Island swap: Add minced onion + relish instead of horseradish.