I would like to introduce The Best Kimchi Reuben Ever... with grilled pumpernickel bread, layered with tender corned beef, swiss cheese, and kimchi, and loaded with homemade tangy Russian dressing. This tasty grilled sandwich is a go-to whenever you're craving a warm hearty meal and, of course, on Saint Patrick's Day. This Reuben sandwich is an amazingly delicious twist on the classic!
What Is A Reuben Sandwich?
A traditional Reuben is a sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all layered between rye bread. It's grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
You can enjoy this sandwich hot or cold, but hot is my preference.
There are some interesting variations of the classic Reuben out there, for example, the Montreal Reuben with substitutes Montreal-style smoked meat for the corned beef. And also, the Walleye Reuben features freshwater fish in place of corned beef.
Today I'm adding one more alternative to the list... The Best Kimchi Reuben Sandwich with Spicy Russian Dressing!
It's so good!
Why You will love this Reuben Sandwich!
I used homemade easy Kimchi, in place of the sauerkraut which offers a spicy and tangy Asian twist to this masterpiece. Of course, if you prefer you can use sauerkraut and keep it more traditional.
I also created a homemade Russian dressing that adds a sweet and tangy flavor with a bit of a kick.
And I used pumpernickel bread instead of traditional rye bread. Pumpernickel is a type of rye bread known for its dark brown color and sour and sweet flavors and can be stronger than other types of rye.
Therefore, all of these combined make one of my favorite things to eat ever - the Kimchi Reuben!
So I should probably come clean with you. The only reason I made corned beef for St. Patrick’s day is that I wanted to use it for these Kimchi Reubens.
Don't get me wrong I LOVE my Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Bacon but I love Kimchi Reubens more.
They are truly decadent. Indulgent. Flavorful masterpieces.
In addition, I would say my feelings for the Kimchi Reuben with Homemade Spicy Russian Dressing are best expressed in the words of The Isley Brothers:
Well...
You know you make me want to (SHOUT)
Kick my heels up and (SHOUT)
Throw my hands up and (SHOUT)
Throw my head back and (SHOUT)
Come on now (SHOUT)
Think about it…all that tender hearty corned beef, layered with delicate lacy melted Swiss cheese, topped with homemade spicy crisp kimchi, smothered in sweet creamy and slightly spicy Russian dressing, all sandwiched together between wholesome pumpernickel bread toasted to perfection with the help of our dear friend butter. Mmmmm.
Do you need a minute? 'Cause I do.
Ok – I can continue.
I’m not even sure how my brain thought to create this masterpiece but let's just say it was most likely supernatural. A gift from God by way of Taste And See.
Allow me to share with you how this delicious sandwich comes together.
How to make a Reuben Sandwich:
If your corned beef is cold heat it up to room temperature or even warmer.
Butter one side of each piece of bread. Heat a saucepan to medium heat.
Now, place the bread, and butter side down, in the heated pan.
And add half of the cheese to each sandwich and let it melt for 1 minute.
Add the Russian dressing, Kimchi, and corned beef...
... more dressing, and more of the Swiss cheese.
Now add the top piece of bread. (Make sure the butter side is facing out).
Using a spatula slide under the bottom piece of bread, hold the top piece with your other hand, and gently flip the sandwich.
Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes. The bread should be slightly crispy and the cheese should be melted.
And of course, serve it warm!
In conclusion, I really hope you have some Corned Beef leftovers in your fridge. Cause if you don't this is just cruel what I’m doing here.
But don’t dismay my friend… I have a backup plan!
Head out to your grocery store deli and get yourself a pound of corned beef.
Then pick up all the other ingredients listed below and make yourself the world’s greatest sandwich ever: The Kimchi Reuben!
Hey ey, hey ya
Hey ey, hey ya
A little bit louder now
A little bit louder now
Jump up and shout it now
Jump up and shout it now…
Click here for the Easy Kimchi recipe.
Best Kimchi Reuben Ever
These sweet and spicy Reuben sandwiches are a tasty twist on the original. The Kimchi replaces the traditional sauerkraut, and the Russian dressing has a bit of heat from the horseradish and Sriracha. It's truly the perfect Reuben sandwich.
Ingredients
For The Spicy Russian Dressing: (*See Note)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, more if desired
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 3 teaspoons bottled horseradish, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
For The Kimchi Reuben Sandwich:
- 10 ounces sliced corned beef
- 8 slices thin of swiss cheese, 4 slices if they are thick
- 4 ounces homemade Kimchi (or store-bought), drained (*See Note)
- 4 ounces spicy Russian dressing
- 4 slices Pumpernickel or marbled Rye Bread
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Instructions
For The Spicy Russian Dressing:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Dressing can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
For The Kimchi Reuben Sandwich:
- If your corned beef is cold heat it up to room temperature or even warmer.
- Butter one side of each piece of bread. Heat a saucepan to medium heat.
- Place 2 of the 4 slices of bread, butter side down, in the heated pan.
- Add half of the cheese to each sandwich and let it melt for 1 minute.
- Add the Russian dressing, Kimchi, corned beef, more dressing, the rest of the Swiss cheese, and the top piece of bread. (Make sure the butter side is facing out).
- Using a spatula slide under the bottom piece of bread, hold the top piece with your other hand, and gently flip the sandwich.
- Allow to cook for another 2 minutes. Bread should be slightly crisp and cheese should be melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought Russian or Thousand Island dressing if preferred.
- If you're a purist and want to keep this sandwich more traditional go ahead and use sauerkraut in place of the kimchi.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1 SandwichAmount Per Serving Calories 750Total Fat 127gSaturated Fat 43gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 247mgSodium 3766mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 4gSugar 17gProtein 57g
Samantha
My Korean side is so happy about this delicious mash-up! So good!
karrie@tasty ever after
I'm gonna make corned beef now just to make this awesome sandwich! Love everything about it (especially the kimchi 'cause I'm a kimchi fanatic!). Never ever thought of putting it on a reuben thou, so this idea is brilliant!! 😉
Holly Sander
Thanks Karrie! I have a confession…I actually purchased more corned beef to cook so I could make more of these Kimchi Reuben sandwiches!!
Gretchen
Holy Cow.....'nuff said!!!!!
Holly Sander
haha drop the mic.?