Tofu Reuben Sandwich Recipe

You will adore this tofu Reuben sandwich recipe if you love a great vegan sandwich. Made with tofu corned beef, this vegan sandwich recipe is savory and delectable.

We love vegan sandwiches, and Reubens are one of our favorites! Although I make different versions of the same sandwich using tempeh or seitan, this tofu Reuben sandwich recipe uses tofu, sauerkraut, and vegan Thousand Island dressing, wrapped in lavash bread, and grilled to perfection.

It's fantastic that tofu absorbs marinades and transforms into vegan lunch meat to enjoy in sandwiches. Recently, I have learned to cook tofu in a pan in thin slices, rather than marinating overnight. This way, the tofu absorbs the marinade while it cooks in a pan.

Tofu Corned Beef Ingredients

• Extra Form Tofu: The firmer the tofu, the better. I prefer sprouted or extra firm tofu that doesn't need to be pressed. Instead, it only needs to be dried off and used. It is a great time saver.
• Shallot: Shallots are smaller, milder onions not often favored for their delicate flavor and sweetness. They are a type of onion, but are not just mini red onions. They can be used interchangeably with onions in most recipes, but are generally preferred for their milder flavor
• Beet Juice: Beet juice is the liquid extracted from beets, specifically the red beet variety, and it's known for its rich, earthy flavor and vibrant purple-red color. It's a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it's also high in nitrates, which have been linked to various health benefits.
• Dill Pickle Juice: Dill pickle juice is the brine used to preserve and flavor dill pickles, typically a mixture of water, vinegar, salt, and dill, along with other spices like garlic or red pepper. Many find it a tangy and briny liquid appealing, especially for its perceived health benefits.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a seasoning made from dried and finely ground garlic cloves. It provides a concentrated garlic flavor and is a versatile ingredient for various recipes.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder is a finely ground, dehydrated form of onion used as a seasoning. It's created by drying onions and then grinding them into a powder. 
• Caraway Seeds: Caraway seeds are primarily used as a flavoring agent in various foods and drinks, including baked goods, savory dishes, and even liqueurs. They are also known for their historical use in herbal medicine to aid digestion and alleviate specific digestive issues. 
• Dill: I used dry dill for this marinade.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Dry mustard, or mustard powder, is a fine powder made from ground mustard seeds. It's a common ingredient in many savory dishes, spice rubs, salad dressings, and marinades, adding a pungent flavor and sometimes a bit of heat. 

Tofu Corned Beef Ingredients Substitutions

• Instead of tofu, try using tempeh or seitan for vegan corned beef.
• When a recipe calls for shallots, several ingredients can be substituted, with yellow onions being the most common and versatile choice. Other options include sweet onions, red onions, or even garlic, depending on the desired flavor profile. 
• For beet juice, a good substitute is beet powder, which offers the same benefits as the juice but in a more convenient and versatile format.
• Pickle juice can be substituted with various brines or vinegar-based liquids, depending on the desired flavor and recipe. Alternatives include sauerkraut juice, kimchi juice, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even kombucha.
• For a great substitute for caraway seeds, try using fennel seeds. They share a similar licorice-like flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio. Another option is stronger anise seeds, so start with a smaller amount, like a third to half of what the recipe calls for.

Other Tofu Reuben Sandwich Ingredients

• Lavash Bread: Lavash bread is oil-free and makes a fabulous wrap sandwich for grilling or eating uncooked.
• Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, offers numerous health benefits, primarily due to its probiotic content and rich nutrient profile. It supports digestive health, boosts immunity, and provides various vitamins and minerals. It's a staple ingredient for this tofu reuben sandwich recipe.
• Vegan Thousand Island Dressings: I make my own vegan thousand island dressing, which is perfect for this vegan sandwich.
• Tomatoes: Although tomatoes are not typically added to a Reuben sandwich, we love them, so we added a few slices for added yumminess.

Tofu Reuben Sandwich Ingredients Substitutions

• Choose any preferred bread.
• Try a Reuben bowl and forgo the bread.
• Try grainy mustard or Dijon mustard instead of vegan thousand-island dressing.
• Add any veggies you enjoy to your vegan sandwich.

How to Make Vegan Tofu Corned Beef

• Dry the extra firm tofu and place the tofu block on a cutting board.
• Using a cheese slicer, slice the tofu thin. You may also use a sharp knife. The goal is to make the slices as thin as possible without having them fall apart.

• Once the tofu is sliced, set it aside and place a large skillet on the stove on medium heat.
• Add the diced shallot, and allow the shallot to cook until translucent.
• Now add the garlic powder, onion powder, caraway seeds, dill, and dry mustard powder.
• Stir the seasonings into the cooking shallots.
• Then, add the pickle juice and beet juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the slices of tofu into the pan, making sure the fluid covers the tofu slices.
• If you don't have enough fluid, add vegetable broth or more pickle juice or beet juice.
• Cover the pan, and reduce heat to simmer.
• Allow the tofu to simmer, absorbing all the liquid in the pan.

• Remove the cover and turn the heat off when the fluid is absorbed.
• Make the sandwich, or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to Make a Tofu Reuben Sandwich

• Begin by laying a piece of lavash bread on a flat surface.
• Add sliced tofu and corned beef to the center of the lavash bread, slightly overlapping the pieces.
• Then, add a generous portion of sauerkraut. Be sure to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut BEFORE adding it to the sandwich.
• Add slices of toamtoes.
• Drizzle with vegan thousand island dressing.
• Fold both sides into the center, and roll like a burrito.
• Heat a skillet to medium low.
• Place the rolled tofu Reuben with the seal down and cook for a few minutes until brown.
• Turn the sandwich over and cook on the other side.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan, and cut it in half.

Serving Suggestions

• I served the tofu reuben sandwich with polenta fries!
• Also, I suggest serving with an additional vegan Thousand Island dressing to dip the sandwich and fries.

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Dry the tofu completely with paper towels or a dry, clean kitchen towel before cutting it.
• Drain and squeeze the excess fluid from the sauerkraut to make it as dry as possible before adding to the sandwich. This will keep moisture from the sandwich, so the bread doesn't get soggy.
• If refrigerating the tofu corned beef before using, it reheated it in the microwave, in a skillet, or it will heat if you cook the sandwich in a pan.
• You can also cook the sandwich in the air fryer for 7 minutes at 350 degrees.
• Add greens such as arugula or spinach for added nutritional benefits.
• If using the vegan thousand island dressing, make it ahead of time, and refrigerate so it thickens.

You will love this tofu Reuben sandwich recipe. If you are a savory sandwich lover, this vegan sandwich is for you!

More Delicious Vegan Sandwich Recipes to Try!

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📖 Recipe

Tofu Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Kathy Carmichael

You will adore this tofu Reuben sandwich recipe if you love a great vegan sandwich. Made with tofu corned beef, this vegan sandwich recipe is savory and delectable.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Entrees, Sandwiches

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 59 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 14 ounce package Extra Firm Tofu dried with a paper towel
• ▢ 1 shallot diced
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons caraway seeds
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill
• ▢ 1 pinch dry mustard powder
• ▢ 1 pinch pepper
• ▢ ¾ cup dill pickle juice
• ▢ ¾ cup beet juice

Sandwich Ingredients

• ▢ 4 pieces lavash bread or bread of choice
• ▢ 1 recipe vegan thousand Island dressing
• ▢ 1 cup sauerkraut drained and squeezed dry
• ▢ 1 large tomato sliced thin

Instructions

 

Tofu Corned Beef

• Dry the extra-firm tofu and place the tofu block on a cutting board.
• Using a cheese slicer, slice the tofu thin. You may also use a sharp knife. The goal is to make the slices as thin as possible without having them fall apart.
• Once the tofu is sliced, set it aside and place a large skillet on the stove on medium heat.
• Add the diced shallot, and allow the shallot to cook until translucent.
• Now add the garlic powder, onion powder, caraway seeds, dill, and dry mustard powder.
• Stir the seasonings into the cooking shallots.
• Then, add the pickle juice and beet juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the slices of tofu into the pan, making sure the fluid covers the tofu slices.
• If you don't have enough fluid, add vegetable broth or more pickle juice or beet juice.
• Cover the pan, and reduce heat to simmer.
• Allow the tofu to simmer, absorbing all the liquid in the pan.
• Remove the cover and turn the heat off when the fluid is absorbed.
• Make the sandwich, or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to Make a Tofu Reuben

• Begin by laying a piece of lavash bread on a flat surface.
• Sliced tofu and corned beef should be added to the center of the lavash bread, slightly overlapping the pieces.
• Then, add a generous portion of sauerkraut. Be sure to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut BEFORE adding it to the sandwich.
• Add slices of toamtoes.
• Drizzle with vegan thousand island dressing.
• Fold both sides into the center, and roll like a burrito.
• Heat a skillet to medium low.
• Place the rolled tofu Reuben with the seal down and cook for a few minutes until brown.
• Turn the sandwich over and cook on the other side.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan, and cut it in half.

Notes

• Dry the tofu completely with paper towels or a dry, clean kitchen towel before cutting it.
• Drain and squeeze the excess fluid from the sauerkraut to make it as dry as possible before adding to the sandwich. This will keep moisture from the sandwich, so the bread doesn't get soggy.
• If refrigerating the tofu corned beef before using, it can be reheated in the microwave, in a skillet, or it will heat if you cook the sandwich in a pan.
• You can also cook the sandwich in the air fryer for 7 minutes at 350 degrees.
• Add greens such as arugula or spinach for added nutritional benefits.
• If using the vegan thousand island dressing, make it ahead of time, and refrigerate so it thickens.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.05gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 1578mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 411IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg

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Kathy Carmichael

Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/