The perfect way to use leftover corned beef is in a sandwich. Corned beef sandwiches, also known as Reuben sandwiches, are hearty, wholesome meals. Nonetheless, you can always club them with an extra something. So what can you eat with corned beef sandwiches?
A corned beef sandwich is commonly served with mustard and pickles. However, you can have it with fries, chips, and other potato-based dishes. You can also have it with coleslaw, salads, or bread. Sauces like honey mustard and horse radish will also enhance the taste of corned beef sandwiches.
To understand why Reuben sandwiches are so versatile, let’s look at how they’re made.
Main Ingredients Of A Corned Beef Sandwich
The corned beef sandwich has long been linked to St.Patrick’s day celebrations, a traditional Irish festival.
It’s said that the Irish brought corned beef sandwiches with them to America in the early 20th century.
With corned beef being a staple food of Ireland, this rumor may have some truth to it.
However, there is no actual data to corroborate the claim.
Regardless of whether corned beef sandwiches originated in Ireland or America, it’s very popular.
The typical recipe consists of sliced corn beef placed between rye bread.
Sometimes sourdough bread may replace rye bread.
The sandwich will usually also contain cheese, sauerkraut, cabbage, mustard, pickles, and other ingredients as a filling.
Corned beef sandwiches are also called Reuben sandwiches in North America.
Reuben sandwiches have corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing sandwiched between slices of rye bread.
In variations of the Reuben, the corned beef is replaced by pastrami, freshwater fish, or even vegetarian ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, and other plant-based fillings.
Corned beef sandwiches are widely served in Jewish delis with mustard and pickles on the side.
How Do Corned Beef Sandwiches Taste?
A corned beef sandwich is a satisfying and wholesome food. In its basic form, it’s salty and savory.
In some places, local and seasonal ingredients are added to the sandwich, and they alter the flavor of the Reuben sandwich.
Ingredients like sandwich dressing, pickles, cheese, vegetables, and spices are widely used.
These ingredients make the sandwich richer and more satisfying.
8 Accompaniments For Corned Beef Sandwiches
If you have had a corned beef sandwich, you will know that it’s a very filling meal.
The combination of corned beef and other ingredient fillings will easily satisfy your hunger and satiate your taste buds.
Hence, you will not need any sides with this hearty beef sandwich.
Nonetheless, there is no harm in trying a few sides and making it a generous meal.
Now, if you order a corned beef sandwich in the UK, it will arrive with mustard and a pickle.
However, it may be served with various other sides in other parts of the world.
Corned beef sandwiches go well with a variety of sauces, dips, and sides.
This sandwich is very versatile, and it works well with both spicy and plain sides.
You can even have it with a bag of chips.
However, there are more adventurous options too. Let’s check them out.
1. Sauces And Dips
If you want to keep things simple, club your corned beef sandwich with flavorful sauces and dips that will enhance the flavors of the Reuben.
Here are some popular choices.
Mustard
Mustard is a traditional sauce that has always been paired with corned beef.
The tangy flavor and heat of the mustard cuts through the saltiness of the beef, making it taste delicious.
Both whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard work well with corned beef sandwiches.
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Honey Mustard
Corned beef sandwiches are salty and savory.
Honey mustard sauce adds a punchy sweetness and spicy profile to the combination.
The medley of delicious flavors is subtle but not overpowering.
Horseradish
Horseradish is a staple side for most meat-based dishes, including sandwiches.
Corned beef also goes well with horseradish.
You can either use horseradish as a sauce on the side or combine it with other creamy ingredients like mayo.
Let’s now move on to more elaborate and filling accompaniments to go with corned beef sandwiches.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is one vegetable that goes well with corned beef.
When corned beef is served at Irish festivals, it’s always with cabbage.
There are different ways to use cabbage as a side for corned beef sandwiches.
You can add it to a salad with chopped onions, greens, and a zesty citrus-based dressing that will cut through the saltiness.
You can also use it in creamy coleslaw to create a rich and indulgent meal.
3. Roasted Potatoes Or Sweet Potatoes
Corned beef sandwiches are the perfect example of comfort food.
It’s guaranteed to work well with household staples like roasted potatoes.
The rich and indulgent meaty sandwich will work with butter-roasted potatoes to form a hearty and filling meal.
You can also replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Sweet potato mash or roasted sweet potatoes will add a delicious sweetness and creaminess to the entire meal.
4. Potato Gratin
Corned beef sandwiches with potato gratin make a heavy and highly indulgent meal.
The creamy, cheesy flavor of the gratin will work well with the spice and salt of the corned beef.
It’s a perfect combination when you’re entertaining and ready to spend some extra time on food prep.
5. Blanched Greens
Blanched greens like beans, asparagus, kale, or spinach with corned beef sandwiches form a complete and balanced meal.
Not only are they a healthy eating option, but they also add a refreshing bite.
Take care not to cook the greens too much that they become too soft. They taste best with some crunch left.
6. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, or “sour cabbage,” is fermented cabbage that is both salty and sweet.
It’s packed with probiotics that improve gut health.
It also improves digestion and hence is the perfect pairing for heavy dishes that weigh down your digestive system.
The tangy flavor and crunchy texture of sauerkraut make it go well with corned beef sandwiches.
You can either make it at home or buy it at a grocery store.
7. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is yet another cabbage-based side dish that tastes great with corned beef sandwiches.
Just like it enhances the taste of burgers, it also pairs well with Reuben sandwiches.
Coleslaw will also have other shredded vegetables besides cabbage, like carrots and peppers.
These will improve the overall nutrition content of the meal.
However, traditional coleslaw ingredients include mayo and other high-fat ingredients that increase the calorie level.
You can avoid this issue and make a healthier version with Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
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8. Pickles
Apart from adding pickled cucumbers to the sandwich filling, you can also have them on the side.
The traditional way of serving corned beef sandwiches at Jewish delis is with pickles on the side.
The same practice is followed in the UK. Pickles blend well with the flavors of corned beef sandwiches.
Cool cucumber pickles add a lovely note of salt and spice to the rich and indulgent flavors of corned beef.
Both quickly-pickled cucumbers and brine-based cucumbers will work well.
