I decided to make another vegan reuben sandwich (again) after spotting and picking up some garlic sauerkraut at Whole Foods this weekend. What differs from the last version is the addition of homemade vegan cheese instead of Daiya, which offered a new texture and richness that complemented the other sweet, briny, crispy, gooey, salty and spicy elements here perfectly. I love the sloppy look and feel of this sandwich, and mopping up the extra sauce and sauerkraut between bites is the best part of eating this.
VEGAN REUBEN SANDWICH
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
for the cheese
- 1/2 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp coconut vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp agar powder
- 1/2 TB tapioca flour
for the sandwich
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 TB olive oil
- 1 package of Smoky Maple Bacon Marinated Tempeh
- a few dashes of liquid smoke
- a few drizzles of raw agave syrup
- rye or pumpernickel bread, sliced
- 1 TB Earth Balance spread
- prepared raw sauerkraut
- 4 TB Vegenaise, mixed with 1 TB sriracha
Instructions
To make the cheese
- Combine all of the cheese ingredients small saucepan. Whisk briskly continuously until the mixture comes to a small boil and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove it from the heat and transfer it to a small pyrex dish. Allow to chill and slightly set for about 20 minutes.
To prepare the rest
- In a dry skillet, lightly toast the cumin seeds over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan over medium heat. Add the slices of tempeh and saute until nicely browned, about 5 minutes for each side. Before removing the tempeh to cool, sprinkle with a few dashes of liquid smoke and drizzle with a little agave syrup.
- Melt a little of the Earth Balance over a clean skillet. Place the bread on top and allow to toast for a few minutes. Flip it over, then spread some of the cheese over the top. Allow the other side to toast. Flip the bread over again so the cheese makes contact with the pan and slightly melts for 20 seconds or so. Remove from the pan.
To assemble the sandwich
- Lay several pieces of the tempeh on the bread. Top with sauerkraut and sprinkle with the toasted cumin seeds. Top with the sriracha-Vegenaise dressing. Serve warm.
Kier says
Seriously delicious! My husband is on a reuben kick, so we might have to add this on to our rotation!
erinwyso says
I hope you enjoy, Kier!
Kristy says
What a beauty! I love this twist on one of my fave sammies! 🙂
erinwyso says
Thanks Kristy! : )
LittleMonsterx14 says
i love how melty this looks! mmm!
vegeTARAian says
Woah, that looks SO GOOD!!!
Caitlin says
looks so messy and finger-licking good! that bread looks amazing, too. miss that pumpernickel bread..
erinwyso says
Thanks Caitlin, it was! I hope there is a gf pumpernickel out there somewhere …
Jennifer says
I'm going to have to try this for the 'cheese' sounds like a WINNER!
Richa says
the reuben looks amazing Erin. Love the killer knife 😉 I think i m going to make grilled cheese sandwiches with the cheese and sriracha vegannaise!
erinwyso says
Thanks Richa! That sandwich combo sounds amazing … I may have to try that too! ; )
vedgedout.com says
Oh my lord. I just gained 5 lbs looking at this. Now I'm going to have to make it and gain another 5…. 😉
erinwyso says
Ha! It is quite indulgent. I was full after eating this but not unpleasantly so. Definitely decadent!
Jody Foote says
Can you post a picture of the cheese and what else it is good for? I am allergic to cows milk and I am always looking for substitutes. This actually seem like and easier and less expensive cheese substitute to make then some I have made in the past. Also if you want a great cannoli filling I created a great one a few years back and it is delicious. Most of my meat eating friends preferred it to the traditional filling.
erinwyso says
Jody, Check out my homemade vegan cheese tag for more ideas, pictures and applications: https://olivesfordinner.com/search/label/homemade%20vegan%20cheese
Veggie says
This looks amazing! No surprise I found your blog on pinterest!
Patricia says
This looks/sounds great! Thanks for sharing this!
Vicy Cross says
I've been making this recipe nonstop for a week. So delicious! Thank you! 😀
erinwyso says
Thanks for your feedback, Vicy — so happy you like!
Kari says
Just made this recipe, fantastic! Both myself and meat eater husband (and dog) loved it!! It was also easy to make, I left out cumin seeds because I am allergic and made my own maple tempeh.
erinwyso says
Glad you liked, Kari!
Joleanna says
Hi! Quick question before I try the cheese, do you separate the can of coconut milk? When I opened it the liquid is on bottom and cream on top and wasn’t sure which part should be used for the 1/2 cup or if it should be mixed then measured. Thanks!!!
erinwyso says
Joleanna, you can just whisk the coconut milk until it’s uniform and then measure it out. I hope you enjoy!