The Corned Beef Reuben is one of the most iconic sandwiches on the Arby’s menu, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. For those who are curious about the specifics of this beloved sandwich, this article aims to provide a detailed exploration of its components, history, and what makes it stand out in the fast-food landscape.
Introduction to Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben
Arby’s, known for its roast beef sandwiches, has expanded its menu over the years to include a variety of items, but the Corned Beef Reuben remains a standout. This sandwich, while not as historically tied to Arby’s as their roast beef, brings a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other menu items. At its core, the Reuben features corned beef, a type of salt-cured beef that is prized for its tender texture and rich flavor.
The Traditional Reuben Sandwich
To understand what comes on Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben, it’s helpful to look at the traditional components of a Reuben sandwich. Typically, a Reuben consists of:
– Corned beef
– Sauerkraut
– Swiss cheese
– Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing
– Grilled rye bread
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the overall taste and satisfaction of the sandwich. The corned beef provides a savory, slightly salty base, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully, binding the flavors together, and the dressing contributes a creamy, slightly sweet element. Finally, the rye bread, often grilled to a perfect crisp, serves as the foundation that holds this flavorful ensemble together.
What Makes Arby’s Version Unique?
Arby’s approach to the Corned Beef Reuben stays true to the traditional recipe while also incorporating elements that align with the brand’s identity. The use of thinly sliced corned beef is a key component, ensuring each bite has a generous portion of meat without overwhelming the other flavors. The inclusion of melted Swiss cheese adds a richness and depth, complementing the corned beef beautifully. Additionally, Arby’s Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, slightly sweet note that ties the entire sandwich together.
While Arby’s stays true to the core components of a Reuben, the execution and the balance of flavors can make their version feel distinct. The quality of the corned beef, for example, is something Arby’s prides itself on, ensuring that it’s not only flavorful but also tender and lean.
Detailed Breakdown of the Components
Corned Beef
The corned beef in Arby’s Reuben is thinly sliced, which allows for an even distribution of flavor in each bite. It’s also cooked to perfection, retaining its juiciness while being easy to bite into. The process of making corned beef involves salting and curing the beef in a seasoned brine, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture that’s both tender and slightly firm.
Sauerkraut
The sauerkraut used in Arby’s Reuben adds a tangy, slightly sour taste that complements the richness of the corned beef and cheese. Sauerkraut is made from finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented in its own juice, creating lactic acid and giving it a unique flavor profile.
Swiss Cheese
The melting point of Swiss cheese makes it an ideal choice for the Reuben, as it binds the sandwich together beautifully when melted. Swiss cheese has a nuttier, milder flavor compared to other cheeses, which helps balance the bold flavors of the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Thousand Island Dressing
Arby’s use of Thousand Island dressing in their Reuben adds a creamy, sweet, and tangy element to the sandwich. This dressing, made with mayonnaise, relish, mustard, and herbs, ties the entire flavor profile of the Reuben together, enhancing each component without overpowering them.
Rye Bread
The foundation of the Reuben is the grilled rye bread, which provides a crisp exterior and a soft interior. Rye bread has a distinctive flavor, slightly more bitter and earthy than other breads, which pairs well with the savory and tangy elements of the sandwich.
Nutritional Information and Considerations
For those interested in the nutritional aspects of the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben, here is a general breakdown:
| Component | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corned Beef | 250-300 | 15-20g | 0-5g | 25-30g |
| Sauerkraut | 25-50 | 0-1g | 5-10g | 1-2g |
| Swiss Cheese | 100-150 | 8-12g | 1-2g | 6-8g |
| Thousand Island Dressing | 100-150 | 10-15g | 5-10g | 0-1g |
| Rye Bread | 150-200 | 2-4g | 25-35g | 5-7g |
Please note, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used by Arby’s.
Conclusion on Nutritional Aspects
The Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben, while delicious and satisfying, is a higher-calorie, higher-fat option due to the nature of its ingredients. For those watching their diet, it’s essential to consider these factors and perhaps balance it with lighter options or exercise.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Corned Beef Reuben from Arby’s is a masterclass in sandwich crafting, bringing together a variety of flavors and textures in a harmonious union. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Reuben or just discovering its charms, Arby’s version is certainly worth trying. With its high-quality corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all held together by grilled rye bread, this sandwich is a treat for the senses.
For those looking to customize their Reuben experience, Arby’s offers various options, such as pairing it with a side of their famous curly fries or a fresh salad for a more balanced meal. Additionally, considering the calorie and fat content, it might be beneficial to enjoy the Reuben as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal.
In conclusion, the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben is a flavorful and satisfying choice for anyone looking to indulge in a classic sandwich with a twist. Its combination of traditional ingredients and Arby’s signature touch makes it a must-try for both Reuben enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What is Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich?
Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. It features corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying and filling meal. The corned beef is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring it is tender and juicy, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy and slightly sour taste.
The Thousand Island dressing brings a creamy and rich element to the sandwich, balancing out the other flavors. The melted Swiss cheese helps to bind all the ingredients together, adding a velvety texture. The rye bread provides a sturdy base for the sandwich, holding everything together without getting soggy or falling apart. Overall, Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a mouthwatering and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
What type of corned beef does Arby’s use in their Reuben sandwich?
Arby’s uses a high-quality corned beef in their Reuben sandwich, which is made from thinly sliced cuts of beef that have been cured in a special blend of spices and seasonings. The corned beef is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring it is tender and flavorful. The curing process involves soaking the beef in a mixture of water, salt, and spices, which helps to draw out the natural flavors of the meat and add a depth of flavor.
The slow-cooking process helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to chew. The result is a deliciously flavorful corned beef that is packed with flavor and texture. Arby’s corned beef is a key component of their Reuben sandwich, providing a rich and savory flavor profile that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Whether you’re a fan of classic corned beef or just looking to try something new, Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is sure to hit the spot.
Can I customize my Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich?
Yes, you can customize your Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich to suit your tastes. Arby’s offers a range of options and modifications that can be made to the sandwich, including adding or removing ingredients, swapping out the bread or cheese, and adding extra sauces or condiments. If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your sandwich, you could try adding some of Arby’s signature sauces, such as their Horsey Sauce or Au Jus.
If you’re watching your calories or have dietary restrictions, you can also modify the sandwich to make it healthier or more suitable for your needs. For example, you could ask for less cheese or sauce, or swap out the rye bread for a lower-calorie option. Arby’s staff are happy to accommodate special requests and modifications, so don’t be afraid to ask if you have a specific preference or requirement. By customizing your Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich, you can create a meal that is tailored to your individual tastes and needs.
Is the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich a limited-time offer?
The availability of the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich can vary depending on the location and time of year. In some cases, the sandwich may be offered as a limited-time promotion or seasonal special, while in other cases it may be a permanent menu item. It’s always a good idea to check with your local Arby’s restaurant to see if the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is currently available.
If you’re looking to try the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich, it’s a good idea to act quickly if it is being offered as a limited-time promotion. The sandwich is a popular item, and it’s not uncommon for limited-time offers to sell out quickly. On the other hand, if the sandwich is a permanent menu item, you can enjoy it whenever you like. Either way, the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to hit the spot.
Can I order the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich online or through the app?
Yes, you can order the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich online or through the Arby’s app. Arby’s offers a range of convenient ordering options, including online ordering, mobile ordering through the app, and delivery through third-party services. To order online or through the app, simply visit the Arby’s website or download the app, select your location, and choose the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich from the menu.
Once you’ve placed your order, you can choose to have it ready for pickup at the restaurant or delivered to your doorstep. The Arby’s app and online ordering system make it easy to customize your order, pay, and track the status of your meal. You can also save your favorite orders and payment methods for quick and easy ordering in the future. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on-the-go or a convenient way to order dinner, Arby’s online and mobile ordering options have got you covered.
Is the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich a good value for the price?
The Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a great value for the price. The sandwich is made with high-quality ingredients, including slow-cooked corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread. The generous portion size and flavorful ingredients make it a filling and satisfying meal that is well worth the price. Compared to other fast food or casual dining options, the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a great value for the price.
The sandwich is typically priced around $8-$10, which is a great deal considering the quality and quantity of the ingredients. Additionally, Arby’s often offers promotions, discounts, and combo meals that can help to make the sandwich an even better value. For example, you could pair the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich with a side of fries or a salad, or upgrade to a larger size or premium ingredients. Overall, the Arby’s Corned Beef Reuben sandwich is a delicious and affordable meal option that is sure to satisfy your cravings and fit your budget.
Does Arby’s offer any variations or spin-offs of the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich?
Yes, Arby’s has offered several variations and spin-offs of the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich over the years. These have included limited-time promotions, seasonal specials, and unique twists on the classic recipe. For example, Arby’s has offered a “Double Corned Beef Reuben” sandwich, which features two layers of corned beef, as well as a “Reuben Frittata” breakfast sandwich, which combines the classic Reuben ingredients with scrambled eggs and cheese.
Arby’s has also experimented with different types of bread, cheese, and sauces to create unique and flavorful variations of the Corned Beef Reuben sandwich. These variations can be a fun and exciting way to mix things up and try something new, while still enjoying the classic flavors and ingredients of the original sandwich. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Corned Beef Reuben or looking to try something new, Arby’s has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings and keep things interesting.