If you’re craving a bold, mouthwatering dish that bursts with classic flavors, then the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Tender, thinly sliced minute steaks are infused with a carefully balanced spice rub, then grilled to smoky perfection and paired with tangy sauerkraut and a creamy, zesty Russian dressing that ties everything together like a delicious hug. It’s a fun, fresh twist on the beloved Reuben sandwich that’s perfect for sharing with friends or jazzing up your barbecue rotation. Trust me, this recipe brings so much vibrant flavor and satisfying texture you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for this dish is simple, yet each one plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the fragrant spices to the creamy dressing and crunchy pickles, every component adds depth and character to the skewers.
- 700g minute steaks: Thin, tender beef strips are the star, providing a juicy and flavorful base.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes: Enhances the beef’s natural savoriness while drawing out extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Adds a piquant kick with a subtle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Offers a citrusy, aromatic note that brightens the meat.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds: Adds a mild tang and crunch, reminiscent of classic Reuben flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory profile for a hearty result.
- 4-6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut: Provides that nostalgic tang and satisfying texture.
- 4 gherkins: Briny and crisp, these are essential for that pickle punch.
- 100g mayonnaise: The creamy base for our Russian dressing, bringing smoothness.
- 30g tomato ketchup: Adds sweetness and a fruity tang.
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce: Delivers that classic spicy bite, crucial to the dressing’s character.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity and depth.
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped: Adds subtle sharpness and texture.
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped: Speckles of crunch and zest in the dressing mix.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky undertone to elevate the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds: Toasty crunch that brightens each bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds: Adds an oniony depth and slight bitterness.
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds: Little bursts of nutty texture complementing the meat.
- ½ teaspoon onion granules: Boosts the overall savory seasoning blend.
How to Make Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Start by bashing the minute steaks until they are as thin as possible for that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cutting the steak strips about 3cm wide against the grain ensures tenderness. Then mix the sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder in a pestle and mortar—just roughly crush them so you get a rustic, coarse spice rub. Massage this seasoning mix thoroughly onto the beef strips and allow them to cure for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge. This curing step not only marinates the meat but also intensifies the flavor, making each bite packed with irresistible taste.
Step 2: Whip Up the Russian Dressing
While the beef absorbs all those spices, focus on the creamy Russian dressing that adds a refreshing zing to the skewers. In a bowl, blend mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and chopped gherkins. Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. The dressing is tangy, creamy, and just spicy enough, complementing the smoky warmth of the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Everything Bagel Seasoning Mix
This step brings extra crunch and bold flavor with a mix of white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules. Mixing these in a small bowl, the everything bagel seasoning will add texture and aroma when sprinkled over the finished skewers, providing that delightful finishing touch that keeps every forkful exciting.
Step 4: Assemble and Cook the Skewers
Thread the beef strips onto skewers, folding the meat like a concertina to maximize surface area for an intense char and flavor. Cook over the hottest part of your barbecue or grill for about one minute on each side — fast cooking keeps the beef tender and juicy. Once grilled, let the skewers rest a couple of minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite remains flavorful and moist.
Step 5: Plate with Sauerkraut and Seasoning
Arrange the skewers on a platter alongside generous spoonfuls of tangy sauerkraut and crunchy gherkins. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the skewers for an extra layer of texture and taste. Serve immediately with the fresh Russian dressing on the side for dipping. This final presentation invites everyone to dig in and enjoy great contrasts of smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
How to Serve Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key when serving these skewers. Thinly sliced spring onions or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also offer extra sauerkraut on the side for guests who love that sharp, fermented bite. A few lemon wedges work brilliantly if you want to introduce a zesty balance to the savory flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with classic potato salad or a crisp green cabbage slaw to mirror the sauerkraut’s crunch. Roasted baby potatoes or buttery corn on the cob are great for a heartier meal. If you want a lighter option, a simple cucumber and dill salad will refresh the palate and keep the meal feeling balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers in mini rye bread boats or alongside slices of pumpernickel bread to echo the traditional Reuben sandwich feel. You can also arrange the skewers over a bed of warm spaetzle or alongside a creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent experience. If hosting a party, stick to bite-sized skewers for easy one-handed eating and a festive finger-food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Russian dressing separate to maintain its fresh texture, and reheat the meat gently to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze uncooked, seasoned beef strips in a sealed bag for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before skewering and cooking. We don’t recommend freezing the skewers after cooking as it could affect the texture of the meat and the sauerkraut.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked skewers on a hot grill or under a broiler for a minute or two to bring back some crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the meat’s tender juiciness, but it’s fine in a pinch. Serve again with fresh Russian dressing and sauerkraut for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for the skewers?
Absolutely! While minute steaks are perfect for quick, tender cooking, thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak also work well. Just ensure the meat is thin to prevent toughness.
Is the Russian dressing dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe’s Russian dressing is naturally dairy-free as it’s based on mayonnaise, ketchup, and sauces that typically do not contain dairy. Always check your mayonnaise brand if you are sensitive.
Can I make this recipe on a stove-top instead of a grill?
Definitely! Use a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan to sear the skewers quickly on each side. The key is to keep the heat high and cook fast to keep the beef tender.
What can I substitute for sauerkraut if I don’t like it?
Try pickled red cabbage or kimchi for a different but equally tangy and crunchy alternative. Fresh crunchy slaw also works well but omit the fermented tang.
How long should I marinate the beef for the best flavor?
While an hour is sufficient, marinating the beef strips overnight allows the spices to fully infuse the meat for maximum flavor impact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe brings together smoky, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements all in one bite. Whether you’re inviting friends over or treating yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal, this recipe offers a fresh, playful spin on a classic that never disappoints. Don’t be shy—grab those skewers and dive into this flavor celebration. I promise, it’s one dish you’ll want to make again and again!
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Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut bring a fun twist to the classic Reuben sandwich by incorporating tender, seasoned minute steak strips grilled on skewers. The savory beef is paired with tangy sauerkraut, crunchy gherkins, and a creamy, zesty Russian-style dressing, all topped with a flavorful everything bagel seasoning for an irresistible appetizer or main dish bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 700g minute steaks
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Accompaniments
- 4–6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut
- 4 gherkins
Russian Dressing
- 100g mayonnaise
- 30g tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce (dairy-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped
Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion granules
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Bash the minute steaks out as thinly as possible to tenderize them, then cut into 3cm wide strips against the grain. In a pestle and mortar, combine sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder. Roughly crush this spice mixture and rub it onto the beef strips thoroughly. Place the beef in the fridge to cure for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to develop flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and finely chopped gherkins. Stir well and season with salt and pepper according to taste. Set aside this zesty Russian-style dressing.
- Prepare Everything Bagel Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, onion granules, and smoked paprika thoroughly to create the everything bagel seasoning blend.
- Thread and Grill the Skewers: Thread the cured beef strips onto skewers in a concertina (accordion) fashion, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Grill the skewers on the hottest part of the barbecue or grill for about 1 minute on each side until cooked to your preferred doneness. Allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled steak skewers on a platter alongside heaped sauerkraut and gherkins. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the skewers. Serve the Russian dressing on the side to accompany the dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the beef strips overnight.
- If you don’t have a barbecue, grilling on a stovetop grill pan works well.
- Adjust horseradish amount in the dressing to suit your spice preference.
- Use dairy-free horseradish sauce if accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Ensure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
