If you’re craving something that brilliantly fuses all those favorite Reuben flavors into a fun and shareable bite, then you have to try this Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned minute steak strips grilled to smoky perfection, paired with tangy sauerkraut, crisp gherkins, and a luscious, creamy Russian dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Each skewer is bursting with savory, slightly sweet, and vinegary notes that bring the classic sandwich experience to a whole new level of deliciousness and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of well-chosen ingredients can create an explosion of flavor. Each component works in harmony to build layers of texture and taste, from the fragrant seasoning on the beef to the crispness of the gherkins and the zing of the sauerkraut.
- 700g minute steaks: Thin and tender, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes: Enhances natural flavors and balances the dish’s savory elements.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Adds a mild heat and aromatic bite when crushed fresh.
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to complement the salty and tangy notes.
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Offers a fresh, lemony undertone to the spice rub.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds: Adds warmth and a delicate crunch.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses a rich depth of savory flavor.
- 4–6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut: Tangy and packed with probiotics to cut through the richness of the steak.
- 4 gherkins: Crisp and tart, delivering a fresh counterpoint to the smoky meat.
- 100g mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the Russian dressing.
- 30g tomato ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce: Delivers a spicy kick that’s signature to Reuben flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Imparts umami depth and a touch of tanginess.
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped: Mild and sweet, adding crunch and sharpness.
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped: Amplifies the tangy crunch in the dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth to the skewers.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds: Part of the everything bagel seasoning for texture and nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds: Provides a savory pop in the seasoning blend.
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds: Contributes both crunch and subtle earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon onion granules: Rounds out the everything bagel seasoning with consistent onion flavor.
How to Make Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by taking your minute steaks and bashing them gently to stretch them out as thin as possible, which ensures tenderness and quick cooking. Slice into 3cm wide strips against the grain—this keeps the meat easy to bite through. Then, mix your sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder in a mortar and pestle. Give those spices a rough crush, and rub this aromatic blend all over the beef strips. Letting the meat cure in the fridge for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, really lets those flavors develop deep into every bite.
Step 2: Make the Russian Dressing
The enchantment of this Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe lies heavily in its indulgent, tangy dressing. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, the finely chopped banana shallot, and gherkins in a bowl. Mix well, and season to taste with salt and pepper. This dressing is creamy but has a bit of warmth and bite thanks to the horseradish and Worcestershire. It perfectly complements the smoky beef and sharp sauerkraut.
Step 3: Prepare the Everything Bagel Seasoning
This seasoning blend is a magical sprinkle of texture and flavor that brings a subtle crunch and an oniony punch to your skewers. Combine white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules in a small bowl and stir well. You’ll love how this seasoning adds just the right finishing touch to your dish.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Skewers
Thread the cured beef strips onto skewers, folding them like a concertina for visual appeal and even cooking. Toss the skewers over the hottest part of your barbecue or grill and cook them quickly—about 1 minute on each side. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust. Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender and juicy.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Arrange your freshly grilled steak skewers elegantly on a platter. Add generous spoonfuls of sauerkraut and scatter the gherkins around to make the presentation pop both in color and flavor. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the skewers for that addictive crunch and a boost of savory character. Serve the Russian dressing alongside in a small bowl for dipping or drizzling. This Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe turns a classic sandwich into a fun, shareable feast.
How to Serve Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill can brighten the plate and complement the sauerkraut’s tangy bite. You can also add a few extra slices of gherkin on the side for those who love an extra crunch. Lightly toasted rye bread crumbs scattered on top bring a subtle crunch reminiscent of rye toast, the traditional bread choice in Reubens.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is packed with bold flavors, pairing it with something mild yet refreshing works beautifully. Creamy coleslaw balances the smoky meat, while a tender potato salad adds heartiness without overwhelming the palate. For a lighter touch, crisp cucumber ribbons or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provide refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these skewers as part of a shared platter with assorted pickles and rye crackers for a casual party spread. For a dinner party, place each skewer atop a bed of warm mustard mashed potatoes or alongside grilled rye bread triangles. You can also deconstruct the dish and offer the steak strips, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing separately for a flavorful DIY slider station that guests will love assembling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, allow the skewers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, they’ll keep their flavor and tenderness for up to two days. Keep the Russian dressing separate to maintain its fresh texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the beef from skewers and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. The beef will stay good for up to three months in the freezer, but sauerkraut and fresh gherkins are best added fresh after thawing to preserve their texture. Dressings typically do not freeze well and are best prepared fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for around 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the steak tender and avoid drying it out. Serve immediately with freshly prepared dressing and sauerkraut for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for these skewers?
Absolutely! While minute steaks are perfect for their thinness and tenderness, you can use sirloin or ribeye sliced thinly against the grain. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking thicker cuts.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the steak with thick slices of marinated portobello mushrooms or seitan strips, marinated in a similar spice rub. Grill until tender and serve with the same sauerkraut and Russian dressing for a fantastic vegetarian twist.
What type of skewers should I use?
Wooden or metal skewers both work well. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Can I make the Russian dressing vegan?
Definitely. Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan variety, and make sure the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or substitute with tamari or soy sauce to keep that umami punch.
How long can I marinate the steak strips for?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak in the seasoning rub for at least one hour, but overnight in the fridge is ideal. This slow cure draws the flavors deep into the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe is a brilliant fresh take on a beloved classic. It’s fun to make, packed with bold flavors, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Once you try these skewers, you’ll never look at the Reuben sandwich the same way again. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and dive into this flavorful adventure!
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Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut combine tender, seasoned minute steaks grilled to perfection and served with tangy sauerkraut, crunchy gherkins, and a creamy Russian dressing enhanced by a flavorful everything bagel seasoning. This quick and tasty grilled appetizer or main dish captures the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in skewered form.
Ingredients
Steak 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 Steak: Bash the minute steaks as thinly as possible and cut into 3cm wide strips against the grain. Combine sea salt, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder in a pestle and mortar, crushing roughly. Rub the spice mixture onto the beef strips and let them cure in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Make Russian Dressing: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and chopped gherkins. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Make Everything Bagel Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, onion granules, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Thread the seasoned beef strips onto skewers, folding them in a concertina fashion. Grill on the hottest part of the barbecue for about 1 minute on each side to achieve a quick sear. Remove and let the skewers rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked skewers on a platter alongside sauerkraut and whole gherkins. Sprinkle the skewers generously with the everything bagel seasoning and serve with the prepared Russian dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the steak strips to cure overnight in the fridge if time permits.
- If a barbecue is unavailable, a very hot grill pan or cast iron skillet can be used to sear the skewers.
- The horseradish sauce in the dressing can be substituted with a dairy-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
- Be careful not to overcook the steak strips to retain tenderness—quick searing is key.
- The everything bagel seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for reuse.
