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Two halves of a steak sandwich held in hands.
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5 from 9 votes

The Best Steak Sandwich

The best steak sandwich combines toasty baguette piled with tender skirt steak, caramelized onions, melty provolone cheese, baby arugula, and the easiest chipotle mayo.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the caramelized onions

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large red onions sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup water plus more as needed

For the chipotle mayo

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 chipotle peppers from canned in adobo sauce version
  • 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned in adobo sauce version

For the sandwiches

  • 1 large baguette or 4 ciabatta rolls
  • 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1/2 pound deli-sliced provolone cheese
  • 1-2 cups baby arugula optional, gives great color
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more if needed

Instructions

For the caramelized onions

  • Add the onions, water, olive oil, and salt to a large pan or pot and mix together. Turn heat to medium-high and and cook covered for 12-15 minutes or until the onions are soft and most of the water has evaporated.
  • Uncover the pot and turn the heat down to medium. Continue to saute until the onions are deeply caramelized (about 30 more minutes). Pay attention to the onions. Adjust heat and/or add a splash of water to prevent burning.

For the chipotle mayo

  • Mix the ingredients and give it a taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the sandwiches

  • Preheat the oven to 450f and set the rack to the middle level.
  • Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel pan to medium-high heat.
  • Cut the skirt steak into half or thirds so that it can fit into the pan. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Add the oil to the pan and once smoking, add the steak. Sear for 3 minutes per side or until well browned. Place the cooked steak on a cutting board and tent with foil for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes cut the steak into 4-inch pieces then slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  • Cut the baguette down the middle lengthwise and seperate the two sides. Place the bottom side of the baguette onto a foil lined baking sheet. Spread a layer of the chipotle mayo then layer the steak. Evenly spread the onions on top and then layer the provolone cheese. Place the top side of the baguette onto the baking sheet and spread a thin layer of olive oil so that it will toast.
  • Bake until the cheese melts (about 3-5 minutes). Watch carefully!
  • Spread the chipotle mayo on the top side of baguette. Distribute the optional arugula on top and then close the sandwich. Slice into 4 large or sandwiches. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • For a quicker sandwich, simply saute the onions for 5-10 minutes instead of using the caramelizing process. Or, prepare the onions ahead of time.
  • Arugula creates a better appearance but is 100% optional.
  • Leftovers can be saved in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil at 350f until warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 871kcal | Carbohydrates: 49.2g | Protein: 52.9g | Fat: 51.3g | Saturated Fat: 2004g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1350mg | Potassium: 910mg | Fiber: 5.2g | Sugar: 9.6g | Calcium: 496mg | Iron: 6mg

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