Description
A hearty and flavorful steak sandwich featuring tender slices of perfectly cooked steak, caramelized onions, melted provolone cheese, and fresh arugula, all nestled in a lightly toasted ciabatta roll. This approachable recipe combines simple, high-quality ingredients and easy techniques, making it a delicious meal anyone can prepare at home. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and peppery flavors, it’s a sandwich that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for the Ultimate Steak Sandwich Recipe
For the Steak
- 1 lb ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak (choose your preferred cut)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Bread
- 4 ciabatta rolls, baguettes, or brioche buns (lightly toasted)
For the Toppings
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized onions)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional, for sautéed mushrooms)
- 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach
- 4 slices provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- Pickles or jalapeños
- Crispy onion straws
- Drizzle of chimichurri or garlic aioli
These simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a steak sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and easy to customize!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
- Marinate the Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over high heat.
- Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust based on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the Steak:
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
2. Prepare the Toppings
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
- Sauté the Mushrooms (Optional):
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until tender and golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
3. Assemble the Sandwich
- Toast the Bread:
- Lightly toast the ciabatta rolls or your chosen bread until golden and crisp.
- Spread the Sauce:
- Spread the prepared sauce evenly on both sides of the bread.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Add a generous layer of sliced steak.
- Top with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms (if using), arugula, and a slice of cheese.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional):
- Place the assembled sandwich under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the sandwich in half for easier handling.
- Pair with your favorite side dish, such as garlic fries or a fresh salad.
Pro Tip
For added flavor, drizzle some chimichurri or garlic aioli over the steak before closing the sandwich. Enjoy your hearty, homemade steak sandwich!
Notes
Notes for Making the Perfect Steak Sandwich
- Choose Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for fresh, high-quality steak and bread for the best results.
- Freshly made sauces and toppings elevate the overall flavor.
- Rest the Steak:
- Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Toast the Bread:
- Lightly toasting the bread prevents it from getting soggy and adds a delightful crunch.
- Slice Thinly:
- Always slice the steak thinly and against the grain to maximize tenderness and ease of eating.
- Customize Toppings:
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings and cheeses to match your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead Tips:
- Prep the caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and sauce in advance for quicker assembly.
- Cooking Doneness:
- Medium-rare is ideal for a juicy steak sandwich, but adjust based on your preference.
- Pair Wisely:
- Serve the sandwich with complementary sides like fries, coleslaw, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Storage Tips:
- Store leftover steak and toppings separately from the bread to keep them fresh. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak.
- Experiment and Enjoy:
- Try adding a personal touch with creative variations like chimichurri, avocado, or crispy onion straws.
These notes will help you confidently prepare a steak sandwich that’s both delicious and customizable!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg