Spicy Sriracha Reuben Sandwich with Pastrami
Classic deli-style Reuben enhanced with sriracha-spiked Thousand Island dressing. Buttered rye bread grilled until golden, layered with deli pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Quick stovetop version or broiled mini-Reubens for entertaining.
Ingredients
- rye bread, sliced
- pastrami or corned beef, deli slicedcorned beef1:1
milder, slightly less spiced
- sauerkraut, homemade or Boar's Head brandkimchi1:1
spicier, fermented cabbage alternative
- Swiss cheese, sliced
- sriracha Thousand Island dressing
- butter, softened
Instructions
- 1
Butter one side of rye bread and spread the other side with Sriracha Thousand Island Dressing.
- 2
Top with pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- 3
Top with another buttered piece of rye bread.
- 4
Grill until browned on both sides and cheese is melted.
- 5
For mini-Reubens: preheat broiler on low and place empty sheet pan in oven to preheat.
- 6
Lightly butter one side of rye bread.
- 7
Carefully remove hot pan from oven and place rye bread, buttered side down, onto pan.
- 8
Top with dressing, pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- 9
Broil until cheese is melted, about 5-8 minutes.
- 10
Serve immediately or at room temperature.
Tips
Use room temperature softened butter for even spreading on bread without tearing.
Have all ingredients prepped and within reach before starting to cook, as grilling happens quickly.
Mini-Reubens can be made ahead and served cold for parties or picnics.
Good to Know
Assemble and grill fresh for best texture. Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days; reheat gently in skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Sriracha Thousand Island dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead. Toast bread and prep all ingredients before guests arrive; assemble and grill to order.
Serve hot for classic preparation; mini-Reubens taste equally good at room temperature for casual gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Don't butter the pan itself for standard grilled version; butter only the bread to prevent burning and uneven browning.
Don't skip preheating the sheet pan for mini-Reubens or bread won't crisp properly and cheese won't melt adequately.
Don't overstuff the sandwich, or cheese won't melt evenly and bread may tear.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
milder, slightly less spiced
spicier, fermented cabbage alternative