Russian Dressing is the spicier, more spirited cousin of Thousand Island Dressing. It’s my top choice for my Reuben Sandwich recipe, adding a punch that complements the milder flavor of Thousand Island.
Whenever I request Russian dressing, whether at a grocery store or a restaurant, it seems there’s often confusion, with the assumption that it’s interchangeable with Thousand Island Dressing. I’d like to clarify the fine line between the two. Both dressings are delicious in their own right and deserve recognition in the culinary world. Yes, you can use Thousand Island in lieu of Russian dressing on your Reuben sandwich, or vice versa, but there IS a distinction! Russian dressing boasts a spicier profile and is notably less sweet than Thousand Island.
What Exactly is Onion Paste?
It’s simply chopped onions mashed into a paste consistency.
How to Prepare Russian Dressing
Once you’ve crafted your onion paste and relished the process using your mortar and pestle set, the remaining steps are straightforward. Stir in the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and salt. Your Russian Dressing is now primed to enhance salads, sandwiches, or the iconic Reuben Sandwich, naturally! This dressing should keep well for about two weeks when refrigerated in a sealed container.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chopped white onion
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
- Mash the onion to obtain an onion paste. We recommend using a mortar and pestle.
- In a small bowl, combine the onion paste with mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and salt.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
