If you love the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but want something exciting and fun to grill, the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Tender, thinly sliced minute steaks are infused with a peppery, lightly sweet, and aromatic rub, then cooked to juicy perfection on skewers. Paired with tangy sauerkraut and a creamy, zesty Russian dressing, these skewers bring all the sandwich’s best parts into a bite-sized, flavor-packed experience. It’s a grilling game-changer that’s perfect for sharing with friends or turning a simple dinner into a celebration of bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so satisfying about how a handful of carefully chosen ingredients come together to create such complex and inviting flavors. Each one in this recipe plays an important role, from seasoning the beef beautifully to adding that iconic Reuben tang and creaminess that make these skewers unforgettable.
- 700g minute steaks: Thin and quick to cook, these are perfect for skewering without drying out.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes: Enhance the natural flavor of the steak and help the seasoning stick.
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns: Adds a bold, spicy kick that balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar: Gives a subtle sweetness to round out the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds: Adds a citrusy, nutty warmth that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds: Introduce a mild tang and slight crunch for texture.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the overall savory complexity in the rub.
- 4-6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut: The star tangy element that pays homage to the classic Reuben sandwich.
- 4 gherkins: For a crunchy dialog with the soft steak and sharp dressing.
- 100g mayonnaise: Builds the creamy base of the Russian dressing.
- 30g tomato ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and color to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce (dairy-free if needed): Brings that characteristic horseradish bite essential to Reuben flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives umami depth and a hint of tanginess.
- 1 small banana shallot, finely chopped: Adds a gentle, sweet onion note in the dressing.
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped: Incorporated into the dressing for little bursts of crunch and acidity.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness to enhance the grilled meat.
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds: A nutty crunch within the everything bagel seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds: Sharp and aromatic, a perfect finishing touch.
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds: Adds subtle texture and earthiness in the seasoning mix.
- ½ teaspoon onion granules: Intensifies the bagel seasoning with a hint of savory bite.
How to Make Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cure the Steak
Start by gently bashing your minute steaks until they’re as thin as you can get them without tearing—this helps keep them tender and makes for quick cooking. Cut the flattened steaks into 3cm wide strips, slicing against the grain to maximize tenderness. Mix your sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, brown sugar, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and onion powder in a pestle and mortar, crushing roughly to release their vibrant aromas. Rub this fragrant mixture evenly over the steak strips, then pop them into the fridge to cure for at least an hour. This step infuses the beef with incredible flavor and gives it that addictive texture you’ll love in your skewers.
Step 2: Whip Up the Russian Dressing
The Russian dressing is where the magic of the Reuben comes alive beyond the steak. Stir together the mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and chopped gherkins in a bowl. This creamy, tangy dressing will contrast beautifully with both the smoky steak and tart sauerkraut. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper so it’s perfectly balanced to your liking.
Step 3: Mix the Everything Bagel Seasoning
For a finishing seasoning that looks and tastes fantastic, combine white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules in a small bowl. This mixture will add texture, flavor, and that irresistible everything bagel element, putting a unique spin on the traditional Reuben components.
Step 4: Thread and Cook the Steak Skewers
Carefully thread the cured beef strips onto skewers in a concertina, accordion-like fashion, which helps keep the meat tender and cooks quickly and evenly. Place the skewers on the hottest part of your barbecue or grill and give each side about 60 seconds—it’s fast cooking so keep an eye on them! Once done, let the meat rest for a couple of minutes to seal in all those juices. The result? Beautifully seared, juicy skewers that make your mouth water just looking at them.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish Your Dish
Arrange your skewers on a bright platter alongside dollops of sauerkraut and a few crunchy gherkins for that classic Reuben bite. Sprinkle generously with your homemade everything bagel seasoning to add color, scent, and texture. Serve the Russian dressing on the side for dipping. This presentation is as inviting as it is delicious, promising an experience that excites all your senses.
How to Serve Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or dill sprigs really brighten up the platter and add an herbal freshness that pairs wonderfully with tangy sauerkraut. For an extra indulgent touch, a light drizzle of extra Russian dressing over the skewers just before serving amps up the decadence and keeps every bite perfectly moist.
Side Dishes
Classic coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette, warm new potatoes, or a crisp green salad all complement the rich, smoky flavors of the skewers beautifully. If you want something heartier, buttery rye bread or seeded rolls are just the thing to complete that authentic Reuben experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving the skewers on a wooden board layered with parchment paper and surrounded by small bowls of sauerkraut, extra dressing, and pickled gherkins. For a party vibe, mini sliders made from sliced steak and slaw, using the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe flavors, wow guests with familiar tastes in surprising forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the Russian dressing separate to maintain its fresh, creamy texture. When ready to enjoy, simple reheating brings the skewers back to life without losing their juicy character.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef strips separated from the skewers by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Although fresh sauerkraut and dressing are best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and freeze in a separate container for convenience.
Reheating
Reheat your Reuben Steak Skewers gently on a medium grill or under a broiler to keep the meat tender and avoid drying out. Warm the Russian dressing at room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving if you can, to preserve texture and flavor nuances.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for these skewers?
Absolutely. While minute steaks are perfect for their thinness and tenderness, sirloin or ribeye strips work beautifully too as long as they are cut thinly to ensure quick cooking and juicy results.
Is it possible to make the Russian dressing dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise and ensure your horseradish sauce is also dairy-free. The rest of the ingredients in the dressing are naturally free from dairy, so it’s an easy swap.
Can I prepare these skewers indoors without a grill?
Definitely! A hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan works great. Cook the skewers on high heat for about a minute per side as you would on a grill to get those beautiful sear marks and juicy results.
How spicy is the Russian dressing in this recipe?
The dressing has a mild kick from the horseradish sauce that complements the flavors without overpowering. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more horseradish if you prefer more zing.
What’s the best way to serve these skewers at a party?
Serve the skewers on a big platter with little bowls of sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and extra pickles on the side, creating an interactive and shareable experience your guests will love.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that reward you in every bite with layers of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for grilling enthusiasts, sandwich lovers, or anyone looking to impress with a simple but extraordinary meal. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy the beloved Reuben flavors in a unique, fun, and utterly delicious form.
Print
Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut bring together the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, grilled skewer format. Thinly sliced and seasoned minute steaks are quickly grilled and paired with tangy sauerkraut, crunchy gherkins, and a creamy Russian dressing, finished with a flavorful everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch and spice. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or a light main dish with bold, smoky, and savory notes.
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
Condiments and Garnishes
- 4–6 heaped tablespoons sauerkraut
- 4 gherkins
- 30g gherkins, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon onion granules
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Bash the minute steaks out as thinly as possible to tenderize and make them easier to cook quickly. Cut the flattened steaks into 3cm wide strips against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- Season Steak: Combine sea salt flakes, black peppercorns, dark brown sugar, coriander seeds, yellow mustard seeds, and onion powder in a pestle and mortar. Crush roughly to release the flavors, then rub this spice mixture evenly onto the beef strips. Let the beef cure for at least one hour or refrigerate overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Make Russian Dressing: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped banana shallot, and finely chopped gherkins. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. This creamy dressing will add a zesty tang to the dish.
- Make Everything Bagel Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine white sesame seeds, onion seeds, poppy seeds, and onion granules. Mix well to create a crunchy, savory seasoning blend.
- Cook Steak: Thread the cured, seasoned beef strips onto skewers in a concertina fashion to ensure even cooking. Place the skewers on the hottest part of the barbecue and grill for about 1 minute per side, cooking quickly to retain juiciness. Once cooked, allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes to redistribute the juices.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked skewers on a serving platter alongside sauerkraut and whole gherkins for garnish. Sprinkle the skewers with the everything bagel seasoning and serve the Russian dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For best results, use the freshest minute steaks and pound them thinly to ensure tenderness.
- Letting the beef cure overnight allows the spices to penetrate deeply, intensifying the flavor.
- If you do not have a barbecue, a very hot grill pan or broiler can be used to cook the skewers quickly.
- Ensure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- The Russian dressing can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust the quantities of sauerkraut, gherkins, and seasoning according to taste preferences.
