A good steak sandwich is a thing of beauty. And here's the best part - if you've started with great steak, it really doesn't take much to make them shine. Some cheese, tomato, spinach or arugula, and a slather of horseradish mayo. That's it for this recipe!
Another great thing about this sando is that you can adjust it according to your tastes. Swap the cut of steak, cheese, the toppings, the mayo/horseradish, whatever you want; the world is your oyster!
This sandwich is pure bliss with juicy ribeye, melty cheese, and zesty horseradish mayo, creating a flavor explosion that'll rock your taste buds! It's a mouthwatering combo of tender steak, tangy cheese, and the perfect kick from horseradish mayo. Simply irresistible!
We also made this using leftover ribeye heated gently in the oven, but it's even better if you use a fresh steak. Just skip the part where you reheat the leftovers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best cut of steak for a sandwich is often a tender and flavorful cut like ribeye, striploin (New York strip), or sirloin. These cuts are well-marbled, resulting in juicy and tasty sandwiches.
The steak can be cooked to your preferred level of doneness, but medium-rare or medium is commonly recommended for a juicy and tender result. You can cook it on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven.
Absolutely! Leftover steak works wonderfully for sandwiches. Reheat it gently to retain its tenderness and flavor, and then slice it thinly for easy eating.
Breads like brioche buns, ciabatta, or crusty rolls work well for steak sandwiches. They provide a sturdy base and can hold up to the juicy steak and toppings.
Popular toppings include cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone), sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers, lettuce, tomato slices, horseradish mayo, or steak sauce.
Yes! For a vegetarian option, you can use grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated tofu, or seitan as a substitute for steak. For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and mayo, and load up on veggies for added flavor and texture.
Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
- The ribeye and melty cheese combo is like a flavor party in your mouth.
- That brioche bun brings the fancy factor with its rich and slightly sweet goodness.
- Get ready for a zingy explosion from the horseradish mayo. It's like a flavor boss!
- Fresh spinach adds a cool crunch, making you feel all fresh and healthy. (Let's not get carried away though, this sandwich isn't the healthiest. It's not bad, however).
- Tomato slices bring juicy goodness and a hint of tanginess. It's like a burst of summer in every bite.
- You can totally customize this sandwich to fit your taste buds and dietary needs.
- Prepare for a satisfying and filling meal that'll have you going "mmm" with each delicious bite.
What Type of Steak To Use
To be honest, any kind of steak is going to work on some level here. But these are some of the top choices for a steak sandwich:
Ribeye:
- Pros: Ribeye is a popular choice for its exceptional tenderness and rich flavor. The marbling throughout the meat adds juiciness and a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. It's perfect for indulgent and flavor-packed steak sandwiches.
- Cons: Ribeye can be higher in fat content compared to other cuts, which may not be ideal for those watching their fat intake. Additionally, it can be pricier compared to some other cuts of steak.
Striploin (New York Strip):
- Pros: Striploin offers a great balance of tenderness and flavor. It has a good amount of marbling, making it juicy and full of savory taste. It's a versatile choice that works well in sandwiches.
- Cons: Striploin may not be as tender as ribeye, but it still delivers great flavor. It's also typically more expensive compared to other cuts.
Sirloin:
- Pros: Sirloin is a lean and flavorful cut that offers a good balance of tenderness and affordability. It has less fat compared to ribeye or striploin, making it a healthier choice for some.
- Cons: Sirloin can be slightly less tender compared to ribeye or striploin, so it may require proper cooking and slicing techniques to ensure maximum tenderness.
Ultimately, the best choice for your steak sandwich depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you're seeking maximum tenderness and indulgence, ribeye is the winner. If you want a good balance of tenderness and flavor with potentially less fat, striploin or sirloin are great options. Happy steak sandwich feasting, bestie!
Topping Options
We're keeping it simple here, but there are tons of different ways to top a steak sandwich. Here's a little list for inspo:
Truffle Mayo: Indulge in the luxurious and earthy flavor of truffle mayo. Spread a dollop of truffle mayo on the bun for a gourmet twist.
Caramelized Onions: Enhance the sweetness and depth of flavors by adding caramelized onions. Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter until golden brown and soft, then pile them onto your steak sandwich.
Avocado Slices: For a creamy and buttery element, add some slices of ripe avocado. It adds a delightful richness and pairs well with the other ingredients.
Roasted Red Peppers: Amp up the flavors with roasted red peppers. Slice them into strips and layer them on top of the steak for a sweet and smoky kick.
Arugula: If you enjoy a peppery bite, add a handful of fresh arugula leaves. It adds a vibrant, slightly bitter note that complements the richness of the steak and cheese.
Crispy Bacon: Take your sandwich to irresistible levels with crispy bacon. Cook bacon until it's golden and crispy, then place a few slices on top of the steak for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Chipotle Aioli: Add a spicy and smoky kick with chipotle aioli. Mix mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a flavorful and slightly fiery spread.
Pickled Red Onions: Give your sandwich a tangy and vibrant twist with pickled red onions. Thinly slice red onions, then pickle them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for a quick and tangy topping.
Crispy Onion Strings: For a satisfying crunch, top your steak sandwich with crispy onion strings. Thinly slice onions, dip them in a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Crumble some blue cheese over your steak for a bold and tangy flavor. It adds a creamy, savory element that pairs wonderfully with the steak.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Elevate the umami factor by adding sautéed mushrooms. Cook sliced mushrooms in butter until golden and tender, then pile them on top of the steak.
Jalapeño Slices: If you crave some heat, add thinly sliced jalapeños to your sandwich. It adds a spicy kick that balances well with the richness of the steak and cheese.
Ingredients
Brioche Bun: We're using a brioche bun for its rich and buttery flavor that adds a touch of indulgence to the sandwich. The soft and fluffy texture of the bun provides a perfect base, holding all the mouthwatering fillings together.
Ribeye: The ribeye is a juicy and flavorful cut of steak that brings succulent meaty goodness to the sandwich. Its marbling ensures tenderness and enhances the overall taste experience.
Cheese: Adding melty cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, brings a creamy and savory element to the sandwich. It adds richness and complements the steak beautifully.
Tomato: The slices of tomato bring a burst of freshness, juiciness, and a subtle tanginess to the sandwich. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the steak and cheese.
Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves add vibrant color to the sandwich and contribute a mild earthiness and a satisfying crunch. They bring a nutritious element while adding textural interest.
Horseradish Mayo: The zesty horseradish mayo adds a delightful kick and tang to the sandwich. Its creamy and slightly spicy flavor cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
How To Make a Steak Sandwich
To be clear, you can definitely pile all these ingredients together on the bun and have at it. This is for those who want to take it up a notch and make sure their buns are toasty, cheese is melty, and steak is warm (which will lead to better flavor anyway).
Preheating the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Toasting the buns:
Place the bottom halves of the brioche buns directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly crispy and warm. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-toasting.
Warming the steak and melting the cheese:
Place the pre-cooked ribeye steak slices on the toasted buns.
Once the steak is warmed, place the cheese slices on top of the steak. Add the top of the bun halves and return it to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Assembling the sandwich:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add a few slices of tomato and a handful of fresh spinach leaves on top of the steak.
Spread a generous amount of horseradish mayo on the inside of the top bun.
Completing the sandwich:
Place the top bun with horseradish mayo on top of the spinach, tomato, and steak.
Gently press the sandwich together.
Your steak sandwich is now ready to be enjoyed! The gentle warming process ensures that the steak, buns, and cheese are heated through without overcooking. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips & Tricks
Slice the steak thinly: For easy eating and optimal sandwich assembly, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness and allows the steak to meld perfectly with the other ingredients.
Prevent a soggy bun: To prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy, toast it lightly before assembling the sandwich. This creates a barrier that helps maintain the bun's structure.
Melt the cheese effectively: When melting the cheese, cover the cooked steak with the cheese slices and return it to the oven briefly. Alternatively, you can use a broiler for a quick melt. This ensures that the cheese becomes perfectly gooey and luscious.
Layer the ingredients thoughtfully: Assemble your sandwich thoughtfully to ensure a balanced bite in every mouthful. Start with the toasted bottom bun, followed by the steak and melted cheese. Add the spinach, tomato slices, and a generous dollop of horseradish mayo for that perfect combination of flavors.
Add extra flavor boosters: Consider adding additional flavor boosters like caramelized onions, truffle mayo, or crispy bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness. These ingredients can take your sandwich to a whole new level of taste. (P.S. If you're looking for another wildly flavorful sandwich, check out this Chopped Italian Sandwich - unreal!).
Wrap it up properly: If you're taking the sandwich to-go or saving it for later, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil to keep it intact and maintain the flavors.
How to Serve It
Crispy Truffle French Fries: Classic and always satisfying, a side of truffle French fries complements the sandwich perfectly. Serve them hot and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings.
Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on traditional fries, opt for sweet potato fries. They offer a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the richness of the steak sandwich.
Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the sandwich with a refreshing side salad. Opt for a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite dressing.
Homemade Coleslaw: Add a cool and crunchy element to the meal with homemade coleslaw. Its creamy and tangy dressing complements the flavors of the sandwich.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs make for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. The crispy exterior and tender interior are the perfect accompaniment.
Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and prepare some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The charred and smoky flavors add a delightful contrast to the sandwich.
Soup: If you're looking for a heartier option, serve the sandwich with a warm bowl of soup. Tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup can be a comforting and satisfying choice.
Wine Pairings
Remember, bestie, personal taste preferences play a big role in wine pairings. Feel free to explore these options and select the one that resonates with your palate. Cheers to a fantastic meal!
Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic choice, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the richness of the steak and cheese. Its bold flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and hints of oak complement the robustness of the dish.
Malbec: Malbec is known for its medium to full-bodied profile and smooth tannins. It offers flavors of dark fruits, plum, and a touch of spice, making it a great match for the steak sandwich.
Syrah/Shiraz: With its bold and peppery characteristics, Syrah or Shiraz pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the sandwich. Look for ones with blackberry and black pepper notes to enhance the flavors.
Merlot: Merlot offers a softer and fruit-forward option. Its velvety texture, along with flavors of ripe plum, black cherry, and a touch of spice, complements the steak sandwich without overpowering it.
Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a versatile option with fruity and jammy characteristics. Look for ones with medium tannins and flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and spice. It adds a lively and vibrant element to the pairing.
📖 Recipe
The Ultimate Steak Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 brioche buns sliced in half
- 1 ribeye steak cooked, and thinly sliced
- 2 slices cheese such as provolone or cheddar
- 2 slices tomato
- spinach leaves
- ¼ C mayo
- 1-2 tablespoon creamy horseradish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the bottom halves of the brioche buns directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they are slightly crispy and warm. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-toasting.
- Take the toasted halves out of the oven, and pile them with steak slices. Return to the oven and heat through, for about 5-7 minutes.
- Take the steak/buns out of the oven, and top with cheese slices. Add the top haves of the buns to the baking sheet to toast. Return to the oven and wait for the cheese to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Take the sandwiches out of the oven. Layer the warmed steak with melted cheese on top of the bottom bun. Add a few slices of tomato and a handful of fresh spinach leaves on top of the steak. Spread a generous amount of horseradish mayo on the inside of the top bun.
- Place the top bun with horseradish mayo on top of the spinach, tomato, and steak, and gently press the sandwich together.
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Notes
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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