Vegan Reuben Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Meal

The classic Reuben sandwich is a beloved deli staple, known for its rich layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing, all grilled to perfection on rye bread. But what if you crave that savory, satisfying experience without any animal products?

Enter the Vegan Reuben—a plant-based twist on this iconic sandwich that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. By using hearty ingredients like marinated tempeh or smoky seitan, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy vegan dressing, this sandwich captures the essence of the original while being entirely animal-friendly.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try a delicious meatless alternative, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want a comforting, flavorful meal.

Plus, it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. Ready to dive into a sandwich that’s smoky, tangy, and irresistibly melty?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Reuben not only delivers bold, classic flavors but also offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that anyone can enjoy. The combination of smoky, marinated tempeh or seitan, crunchy sauerkraut, and creamy, tangy vegan dressing creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Plus, it’s:

• Easy to prepare: No complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegan cheese or bread to suit your preferences.
• Hearty and filling: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Perfect for any occasion: From quick lunches to cozy dinners, it fits seamlessly into your meal plan.

Ingredients

• 8 slices rye bread (make sure it’s vegan-friendly)
• 200g tempeh or seitan, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 4 slices vegan Swiss-style cheese or your favorite vegan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter for grilling
• For the marinade:
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• For the vegan Russian dressing:
• 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet or griddle pan
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Plate lined with paper towels (for draining tempeh/seitan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Marinate the tempeh or seitan: Place the sliced tempeh or seitan in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, turning once to coat evenly. For best results, marinate up to 2 hours.
3. Make the vegan Russian dressing: In another bowl, combine vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
4. Cook the tempeh or seitan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated slices and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of vegan Russian dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread. Layer one slice of vegan cheese, followed by cooked tempeh or seitan, a heaping tablespoon of sauerkraut, and another slice of vegan cheese if you like extra melty goodness.
6. Grill the sandwiches: Heat the remaining olive oil or vegan butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan, dressing side down first. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
7. Serve warm: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

“For an even smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked sea salt to the marinade or use smoked vegan cheese.”

• Tempeh vs. Seitan: Tempeh offers a nutty flavor and firm texture, while seitan is more chewy and meat-like. Choose based on your preference.
• Cheese alternatives: Vegan Swiss cheese works great, but you can also experiment with cheddar-style or mozzarella-style vegan cheeses for different flavors.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free rye or your favorite gluten-free bread to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Add veggies: Add thin slices of pickles or tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.
• Make it spicy: Mix a little sriracha or hot sauce into the vegan Russian dressing for a kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Reuben pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or a bowl of homemade soup. For example, try pairing it with a healthy, low-calorie vegetable soup for a light yet fulfilling meal.

You might also enjoy it alongside some crunchy vegetable crackers for added texture.

If you’re hosting a gathering, serve these sandwiches with a platter of fresh pickles, olives, and vegan dips like the Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe for a crowd-pleasing combination. For a heartier option, consider complementing it with some slow cooker vegan recipes like those found in Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

The vegan Reuben is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic deli flavors while sticking to a plant-based lifestyle. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between smoky, tangy, and creamy components, making it a satisfying meal for vegans and non-vegans alike.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious sandwich anytime you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish.

By experimenting with different vegan cheeses, breads, or adding your own twists, you can make this recipe uniquely yours. If you love baking, try pairing your sandwich with a fresh loaf from the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to elevate your meal even further.

Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

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