If you are craving a dish that bursts with all the bold and tangy flavors of a classic deli favorite, these Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe are about to become your new obsession. Tender, perfectly seasoned minute steaks are transformed into irresistible skewers with a punchy sauerkraut kick and an addictive Russian dressing that will have you coming back for more. This recipe masterfully combines the smoky, salty, and creamy elements that make Reubens legendary, with a fun, grill-friendly twist that’s perfect for sharing with friends or serving at your next backyard get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor right in this recipe is all about simple, quality ingredients that each play a specific role in building layers of taste and texture. From the juicy steaks to the vibrant spices and the crunchy sauerkraut, every component contributes to the authentic Reuben experience in a beautifully balanced way.
- 700g minute steaks: Choose thin, tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb the seasoning perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes: Adds essential seasoning and a subtle crunch to the meat.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Freshly crushed for a fragrant, sharp bite that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savory spices.
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Gives an earthy, citrusy undertone to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds: Adds a mild heat and tang that enhances the Reuben flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes without any added moisture.
- 4–6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut: The tangy, fermented crunch that’s vital for an authentic taste.
- 4 gherkins: Bring a crunchy, slightly sweet acidity that contrasts beautifully with the meat.
- 100g mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the delicious Russian dressing.
- 30g tomato ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and color to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce (dairy-free if needed): Delivers a spicy kick to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and depth in the sauce.
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped: Introduces a mild onion flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped: Adds texture and extra tang in the dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a warm smokiness into the spice mix.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds: Part of the everything bagel seasoning for crunch and nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds: Adds a mild, oniony flavor burst in the seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds: Introduces a subtle crunch and earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon onion granules: A final savory touch in the seasoning blend.
How to Make Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
The first step sets the stage for intense flavor. Bash those minute steaks out as thinly as you can to create tender strips that cook quickly and soak up all the spices. Cutting the meat against the grain into 3cm wide strips ensures every bite is tender. Then, crush sea salt, peppercorns, brown sugar, coriander, mustard seeds, and onion powder roughly in a pestle and mortar to release their fragrant oils before rubbing them generously onto the steak. Let the meat cure in the fridge for at least an hour to let those marvelous flavors marinate deeply — overnight if you have time, for maximum deliciousness.
Step 2: Make the Russian Dressing
This creamy, tangy sauce is a total game-changer for your skewers. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and gherkins until smooth, then season lightly with salt and pepper. The horseradish brings a lively heat that sings perfectly alongside the cooling creaminess of the mayo, while the Worcestershire sauce adds an irresistible umami depth. Trust me, this dressing is so good you’ll want to drizzle it everywhere.
Step 3: Mix the Everything Bagel Seasoning
No Reuben steak skewers would be complete without this special seasoning. Combine white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules in a small bowl. This little blend adds a delightful crunch and bursts of savory flavor that perfectly complement the meat and sauerkraut, giving the dish a fun, textured finish.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Skewers
Thread your seasoned beef strips onto skewers in a concertina style so they stay juicy while getting a beautiful char. Place the skewers on the hottest part of your barbecue or grill and cook for about one minute on each side — this quick sizzle keeps the meat tender and flavorful. Let them rest a couple of minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Step 5: Serve with Sauerkraut and Gherkins
Arrange the skewers beautifully on a platter alongside heaps of tangy sauerkraut and crunchy gherkins. Sprinkle generously with that everything bagel seasoning and provide your vibrant Russian dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling. This presentation not only looks inviting but also lets everyone assemble bites just how they like, layering smoky beef, tart sauerkraut, and creamy dressing with each forkful.
How to Serve Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or chives for a fresh green pop. A few extra gherkin slices on top add an attractive tangy crunch. If you love heat, a small drizzle of mild hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika dust can bring a wonderful smoky warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crowd-pleasing sides. Creamy potato salad or a crispy green salad with a mustard vinaigrette provide refreshing balance. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy fries or baked potato wedges that are perfect for scooping up extra Russian dressing and sauerkraut.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving these skewers on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of different mustards, extra sauerkraut, and pickled veggies. Alternatively, thread the grilled steak strips over a bed of rye bread croutons or inside toasted mini rye buns with slathered Russian dressing for a fun sandwich twist that captures all the iconic Reuben flavors in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Russian dressing separate in its own jar to maintain its freshness. When consuming leftovers, reassemble with fresh sauerkraut for that signature tang.
Freezing
While the skewers can be frozen, it’s best to do so before assembling with sauerkraut or dressing to preserve texture. Wrap seasoned uncooked steak strips tightly in cling film, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even grilling.
Reheating
Gently reheat cooked skewers in a hot pan or under a grill for a couple of minutes per side until warmed through, avoiding overcooking to keep them juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the meat tough. Reheat Russian dressing separately or simply serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While minute steaks work best due to their quick cooking time and tenderness, you can use sirloin or ribeye strips as long as you slice them thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes! Just choose a dairy-free horseradish sauce or omit if unavailable, and make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free, which is often the case. This keeps the Russian dressing creamy and flavorful without dairy.
How spicy is the Russian dressing?
The dressing has a gentle heat from the horseradish sauce, balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise and sweetness of ketchup. You can adjust the amount of horseradish to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a barbecue?
Definitely! Use a hot grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove to get those delicious sear marks and smoky flavor. Just make sure it’s very hot to cook the thin strips quickly without drying them out.
What can I serve with the Reuben Steak Skewers for a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian counterpart, try skewers of grilled halloumi, mushrooms, or marinated tofu with sauerkraut and Russian dressing on the side. The flavors and textures still pair wonderfully, keeping the spirit of the dish alive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe that takes the classic deli sandwich up a notch into fun, shareable style. The mingling of spices, tangy crunch, smoky beef, and creamy dressing is pure comfort food at its finest, perfect for casual dinners, parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and give this recipe a go because it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites just like it is for me.
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Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut present a delicious spin on the classic Reuben sandwich flavors, featuring tender minute steaks seasoned with a house spice rub, grilled quickly on skewers, and served alongside tangy sauerkraut, gherkins, and a creamy Russian dressing. A perfect appetizer or main for those who enjoy the bold flavors of a Reuben in a fun, easy-to-eat format.
Ingredients
Steak and Spice Rub
- 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
Condiments and Garnishes
- 4–6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut
- 4 gherkins
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped
- 100g mayonnaise
- 30g tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce (dairy-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion granules
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Bash the minute steaks out as thinly as possible to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Cut the steaks into 3cm wide strips against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Make Spice Rub: In a pestle and mortar, combine the sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder. Crush roughly to release the flavors, then rub this spice mixture thoroughly onto the beef strips. Let the beef cure for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight in the fridge to absorb seasoning.
- Make Russian Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and finely chopped gherkins. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well until smooth and well combined.
- Make Everything Bagel Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules evenly. This seasoning will add a crunchy, savory finish to the skewers.
- Cook Steak Skewers: Thread the seasoned beef strips onto skewers in a concertina (accordion) fashion. Grill the skewers on the hottest part of the barbecue or grill for about 1 minute on each side, cooking quickly to keep the beef tender and juicy. Once cooked, allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked steak skewers on a platter alongside heaped tablespoons of sauerkraut and whole gherkins. Sprinkle the skewers generously with the everything bagel seasoning and serve with a side of the prepared Russian dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the beef strips to cure overnight in the fridge.
- If you do not have a barbecue, a hot grill pan or griddle can be used to cook the skewers.
- Use dairy-free horseradish sauce if needed to keep the recipe lactose-free.
- Be sure to bash the steaks thin and slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Oven broiling can be used as an alternative to the barbecue if monitored carefully for 1 minute per side to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
