The Ultimate Vegan Reuben
EBT-Friendly: 89% of ingredients
From Ben Rebuck
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The ultimate plant-based take on the classic Reuben sandwich! Smoked tofu is marinated in a smoky, tangy beetroot juice until it’s incredibly flavorful and “meaty,” then air-fried to perfection. Piled high with Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and vegan cheese on grilled rye, this sandwich is an absolute game-changer.
Ingredients:
For the Marinated Tofu "Meat"
- 200 g smoked tofu
- 1/2 cup beetroot juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or other sweetener)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Russian Dressing:
- 1 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- dash hot sauce
- dash vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cornichons (or 1/2 dill pickle, finely chopped)
- pinch paprika
For Assembly
- sourdough bread (or rye)
- vegan cheese (optional)
- sauerkraut
- butter (or vegan butter, for grilling)
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Directions
- Marinate the Tofu: Slice 200g smoked tofu into thin, “meaty” strips. In a shallow dish, whisk together ½ cup beetroot juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder. Submerge the tofu strips in the marinade. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper color and flavor.
- Cook the Tofu: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated tofu strips in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly crisp and heated through.
- Make the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp vegan mayonnaise, 1 tbsp tomato ketchup, a dash of hot sauce, a dash of vegan Worcestershire sauce, 1 finely chopped shallot, 2 finely chopped cornichons (or ½ dill pickle), and a pinch of paprika. Mix well. The recipe creator likes it chunky, but you can adjust to your preference.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of the Russian dressing on one side of each slice of your chosen bread (sourdough or rye). On one slice, layer a portion of sauerkraut, the cooked tofu strips, and a slice of vegan cheese (if using). Top with the second slice of bread, dressing-side down.
- Grill the Sandwich: Butter the outsides of the assembled sandwich. Heat a pan over medium heat. Grill the sandwich for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted.
- Optional Step for Extra Crisp: For an extra-crispy finish, place the grilled sandwich under a broiler (grill) for a minute or two on each side.
- Slice in half and serve immediately with extra Russian dressing or pickles on the side. Enjoy!
May 20, 2026
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