A couple of weeks ago I used some leftover corned beef to make reuben sandwiches and they reminded me of the rachel sandwich , which is essentially a reuben sandwich that uses turkey rather than corned beef. Last week when I roasted a turkey breast to make the roast turkey sandwich with artichoke tapenade, caramelized onions and roasted red peppers I made sure to save some to make a few rachel sandwiches and to try something new, adding kimchi! Kimchi is a spicy Korean fermented cabbage and it seems only natural to combine it with the sauerkraut since it is also a fermented cabbage. One issue with adding the kimchi is that kimchi can have a bit of liquid on it and since you don’t want a soggy sandwich it is a good idea to saute it a bit before adding it to the sandwich. I have to say that this is one tasty sandwich and with it we are off to a great start to April, the national grilled cheese month! I served the kimchi rachel sandwiches with some sweet potato chips which pair well with the spicy kimchi.
While I was at it, I took the opportunity to update the rachel sandwich recipe and added some new photos. You can check it out here: The Rachel Sandwich 
The Kimchi Rachel Sandwich (aka Roast Turkey Reuben Sandwich with Kimchi)
A twist on the Rachel sandwich with roast turkey, spicy butter fried kimchi, tangy russian dressing and swiss cheese in rye that is grilled until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons kimchi, squeezed, drained and coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sauerkraut, squeezed, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
- 2 slices rye, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded and at room temperature
- 1-2 slices roast turkey, warm
- 1 tablespoon russian dressing or thousand islands dressing
directions
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat until it bubbles, add the kimchi and sauerkraut and saute until most of the moisture has evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Butter the outside of each slice of bread, sprinkle half of the cheese on the inside of one slice of bread, top with the turkey, kimchi sauerkraut, dressing, the remaining cheese and finally the other slice of bread.
- Add the sandwich and grill until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes per side.
The Rachel Sandwich (aka Roast Turkey Reuben Sandwich)
Kimchi Reuben Sandwich
Roast Turkey Cuban Sandwich
Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce
Roast Turkey Sandwich with Artichoke Tapenade, Caramelized Onions and Roasted Red Peppers
Cranberry and Brie Turkey Grilled Cheese with Avocado and Bacon
Cranberry and Brie Turkey Quesadillas with Avocado and Candied Jalapenos
mireia badia says
April 1, 2012 at 8:46 pmI had never even heard of Kimchi but, even known I've already had dinner you are making me feel like going to the kitchen and having a sandwhich!!
Bobby says
April 2, 2012 at 3:58 amMan you are pretty much the sandwich king of the internet! I keep seeing these delicious sandwiches and grilled cheeses from your blog. This one looks delicious. The rachel sandwich with the additional of Kimchi sounds amazing!
Pauline says
April 2, 2012 at 9:15 amWow! Who'da thought to replace the eastern european pickled cabbages with Korean pickled cabbage! Sounds like something I really need to try, especially since you used roast turkey instead of corned beef or roast beef (yay lean white meat over beef!). Thanks for the unique sandwich idea!
Joanne says
April 2, 2012 at 10:23 amAdding kimchi to just about anything makes it super delicious to me. this sandwich is seriously KICKED UP!
Sharon Louis says
April 2, 2012 at 11:19 amI had put together certainly not possibly discovered Kimchi although, possibly regarded I've truly presently received an evening meal you are making everyone feel like going to the your kitchen and having some sort of sandwhich!!…Wireless Security Camera
Sydney @ The Crepes of Wrath says
April 2, 2012 at 3:46 pmWow – just the colors are mouthwatering, and then I read what's in the sandwich. You're so creative!
Rocky Mountain Woman says
April 2, 2012 at 6:29 pmLove Rachel sandwiches, the kimchi is brilliant!
Kathleen Richardson says
April 2, 2012 at 8:27 pmI'm a fan of Korean restaurants and like Kimchi. Sounds like you've got another hit on your hands with this sandwich.
vanillasugarblog says
April 3, 2012 at 12:44 amwhoa!
i'd take your sandwiches over rachel ray any day.
you are the king of kicked up sammies boss!
Unknown says
April 3, 2012 at 8:55 amI like to chop and drain kimchi and put it on burgers and in grilled sandwiches. YUM!
Sandra Batista says
April 3, 2012 at 10:04 amGostei imenso ddo aspeto destra sandwich, ficou 5*****
Beijinho
Robert Richards Recipes says
April 3, 2012 at 6:52 pmThanks for sharing this recipe. Now, I have to get to the store to get the ingredients!
chris says
April 7, 2012 at 11:35 pmtried this and loved it! thank you.