Ingredients:
For the Vegan “Corned Beef” (Tempeh or Seitan Option):
- 1 block (8 oz) tempeh or 1 cup of seitan, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices rye bread (check that it’s vegan-friendly)
- 1/2 cup vegan Russian or Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed out
- 4 slices vegan cheese (preferably a melty type like vegan mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1-2 tbsp vegan butter (for grilling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegan “Corned Beef”:
- For Tempeh: Slice the tempeh into thin strips or slices. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and ground mustard. Add the tempeh slices to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (you can also marinate it overnight for deeper flavor).
- For Seitan: If using seitan, simply slice it thinly and marinate it the same way as the tempeh, letting it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Vegan “Corned Beef”:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and cook the marinated tempeh or seitan slices for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re slightly crispy and browned. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sandwich:
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of vegan butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, spread a generous amount of vegan Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
- Layer the cooked tempeh (or seitan), sauerkraut, and vegan cheese on top of the dressing.
- Top with the other slices of rye bread, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill the Sandwich:
- Place the sandwiches on the preheated skillet and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread gets golden and crispy and the cheese melts. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
5. Serve:
- Once the sandwiches are crispy and the cheese has melted, remove from the skillet. Slice in half and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Vegan Reuben with pickle spears and a side of potato chips or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- You can also pair it with a simple salad to balance out the richness of the sandwich.
Tips:
- Making Homemade Vegan Thousand Island Dressing: You can easily make your own dressing by combining 1/4 cup vegan mayo, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp pickle relish, and 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Adjust to taste.
- Vegan Cheese: For best results, use a melty vegan cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a specific “Reuben” style vegan cheese.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to enhance your sandwich, consider adding grilled onions, spinach, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
This Vegan Reuben Sandwich is a delicious, hearty alternative to the classic version. With savory tempeh or seitan, tangy sauerkraut, melted vegan cheese, and creamy dressing, it’s a perfect plant-based comfort food! Enjoy!
