Tempeh Reuben

Tempeh Reuben Recipe - Vegan & Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

The Tempeh Reuben is a vegan twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, using tempeh as a protein-packed alternative to traditional corned beef. This flavorful and satisfying sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner, and is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike.

History

The Tempeh Reuben is a modern take on the classic Reuben sandwich, which is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The original Reuben sandwich typically consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. The Tempeh Reuben replaces the corned beef with marinated and pan-fried tempeh, making it a delicious and plant-based alternative.

Ingredients

0.75" thick slices of extra firm tofu (sandwich vegan bread size)
tamari
Sliced onion
Julienned carrot
sauerkraut
Veganaisse
Vegan mustard
water for frying, or oil

How to prepare

1. Coat a frying pan with water or oil and heat it. Fry the onions and carrots until they become soft.
2. Season the mixture with tamari.
3. Add the tofu slices to the pan along with the carrots and onions. Sprinkle additional tamari on top. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 2-5 minutes. Then, flip the tofu slices and sprinkle tamari on the other side. Add water as needed to prevent burning or sticking.
4. Place sauerkraut on top of the tofu slices according to your taste. Pour a small amount of sauerkraut juice into the pan. Simmer for an additional 2-5 minutes.
5. Prepare the vegan bread by spreading veganaisse and mustard on it.
6. Assemble the sandwich by placing the tofu slices on the vegan bread. Top it with sauerkraut, onions, and carrots.

Variations

Use marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms instead of tempeh for a different flavor profile.
Swap out the sauerkraut for pickled red cabbage or kimchi for a tangy twist.
Add avocado slices or vegan cheese for extra creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the tempeh slices in tamari before cooking to infuse them with flavor.

- Be sure to cook the onions and carrots until they are soft and caramelized for maximum flavor.

- Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet to prevent sticking when cooking the tempeh.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more tamari or other spices as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tempeh Reuben with a side of pickles, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the tempeh slices in tamari for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Pan-fry the tempeh slices until golden brown and crispy on the outside for added texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute coconut aminos for tamari for a soy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the tempeh slices in tamari the night before for quick and easy assembly the next day.

- Cook the onions and carrots ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the Tempeh Reuben into halves or quarters for easy serving. - Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Tempeh Reuben with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of kombucha for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tempeh Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2.5mg per serving

Calcium: 150mg per serving

Vitamin C: 10mg per serving

Alergens

Contains soy and wheat (if using bread)

Summary

The Tempeh Reuben is a nutritious and satisfying sandwich, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

Summary

The Tempeh Reuben is a delicious and nutritious vegan sandwich that is easy to make and full of flavor. With marinated and pan-fried tempeh, caramelized onions and carrots, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy veganaisse and mustard, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or anytime you're craving a hearty and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a sunny day in the early 1970s, and I was attending a potluck at a friend's house. I had brought my famous potato salad, but someone else had brought something I had never seen before - a Tempeh Reuben.

I had never heard of tempeh before, but one bite of that sandwich and I was hooked. The nutty flavor of the tempeh, the tangy sauerkraut, the melty Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between two slices of rye bread - it was a flavor explosion in my mouth. I immediately asked for the recipe, and my friend was kind enough to share it with me.

From that day on, I was on a mission to perfect my own version of the Tempeh Reuben. I experimented with different brands of tempeh, different types of sauerkraut, and different cheeses. I added my own twist by making a homemade thousand island dressing to slather on the sandwich before grilling it to perfection.

Over the years, I have made this sandwich for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, and my grandchildren always request it when they come to visit. I love passing down the tradition of this delicious sandwich to the next generation.

The key to making a perfect Tempeh Reuben is all in the preparation. First, you need to marinate the tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. This helps to infuse the tempeh with flavor and soften it up a bit. Then, you grill the tempeh until it is golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

Next, you assemble the sandwich by layering the tempeh, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese between two slices of rye bread. I like to spread a generous amount of homemade thousand island dressing on both slices of bread before grilling the sandwich in a pan until the cheese is gooey and the bread is toasted.

The result is a sandwich that is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the nutty tempeh, tangy sauerkraut, melty cheese, and zesty dressing is a match made in sandwich heaven. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love this sandwich.

I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have asked me for it after trying the sandwich at a party. It brings me so much joy to see others enjoying something that I have created in my own kitchen.

As I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of cooking and the memories of meals shared with loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasure of good food. Cooking has always been a way for me to express my creativity, to show love and care for others, and to connect with my heritage.

I may not have grown up eating tempeh Reubens, but they have become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire. I will always cherish the moment when I first tasted that sandwich at a potluck so many years ago, and I will continue to make it for my family and friends for years to come.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and satisfying sandwich that will please even the most discerning of eaters, look no further than my Tempeh Reuben. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time and will always hold a special place in my heart. Enjoy!