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Classic Reuben Sandwich with Smoked Pastrami - Cowboy Kent Rollins

Prep Time 5 days
Total Time 5 days 7 hours

Ingredients

  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 cup Morton's coarse kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons pink curing salt Also known as Prague Mix #1,or Pink Curing Salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 5 tablespoons pickling spice
  • 1 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon whole yellow mustard seeds
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dry oregano
  • 3 quarts ice cold water
  • 3 to 4 lbs beef brisket trimmed
  • 1/4 cup ground coriander
  • 3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ tablespoon dry mustard
  • Rye bread slices
  • Sauerkraut
  • Thousand Island dress see below
  • Swiss or Provolone cheese slices

Instructions

  • In a large stockpot add the 3 quarts of water, kosher salt, pink curing salt,
  • white sugar, brown sugar, honey, pickling spice, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, minced garlic and oregano. Stir well and place over medium-high heat and cook until it begins to boil.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool. Stir then add the 3 quarts of ice water.
  • Pour the cooled brine mixture into a large container. Add the trimmed brisket and make sure it is submerged. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator for 5 days. Be sure to flip the brisket daily.
  • Remove the brisket from brine and lightly rinse with water. Thoroughly pat the brisket dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine the coriander, black pepper, paprika brown sugar, and dry mustard. Rub the brisket generously well with the rub on all sides.
  • Leave the brisket out on the counter to warm up closer to room temperature, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F. Add some apple wood chunks and cherry smoking chips. Place the brisket in the smoker and cook for about 4 to 5 hours or until the internal temperature is 160 to 170 degrees F.
  • Remove the brisket from the smoker. Add more wood and open the vent halfway to let the smoker heat to about 300 degrees F.
  • Wrap the brisket well in aluminium foil and place it back in the smoker and cook for about 1 to 2 hours until the internal temperature is 200 degrees F.
  • Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for about 30 to 45 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain. To assemble the reuben sandwich: spread some of the Thousand Island sauce on the Rye bread. Top with pastrami, sauerkraut, cheese and more dressing.

Notes

Ruben Sauce
½ cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon diced purple onion
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon diced pickled jalapeno
Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.