Sink your teeth into this: a juicy steak sandwich, piled high with tender slices of beef, caramelised onion, garlic aioli, mustard, lettuce and tomato. Fantastic for a quick midweek meal or for gatherings with family and friends!
A big, juicy Steak Sandwich!
There are sandwiches….then there are sandwiches. THEN there are SANDWICHES. This is the latter.
I find it ironic that I call this a sandwich because it is about as far as you can get from the ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich that I slapped together to munch on as I was setting up to photograph these Steak Sandwiches. (And yes, I totally see how ridiculous it must seem that I’m munching on a basic sandwich when I have these in front of me but I was hungry, couldn’t wait until I finished shooting, and the last time I rushed photos because I was so starving, I wasn’t happy with them so I had to remake and rephotograph it. #FirstWorldProblems #LifeAsAFoodBlogger)
Other than how irresistibly delicious Steak Sandwiches are in general, one reason I’m excited to be bringing this recipe to you is to share the cut of beef I used for this. It’s a great value secondary beef cut called Bavette that’s part of the flank and skirt steak family. It’s also known as flap meat, flap steak, sirloin flap steak and sirloin tip.
Having tried it several times over the summer, I am now convinced that the reason why it’s not widely available in Australia is because butchers are squirrelling it away for themselves. It’s that good. Really. The first time I tried it, I was blown away. It is like flank and skirt steak but better. It’s more tender and it’s a thicker cut. It has more of a beefy flavour than most more pricey steaks, and is best cooked hard and fast. And you must must MUST cut it across the grain.
Do that, and this is what you get: slices of beef that are so tender with an almost delicate texture. Literally, each slice is almost “fall apart” tender.
I got the Bavette Steaks from Harris Farms – it’s part of their Curious Cuts range. I was curious. I tried. I loved!
I definitely prefer making Steak Sandwiches using a thick piece of beef which is then sliced and piled high onto the sandwiches. But you could also use thin (or thick!) “quick sear” cuts of beef which is usually sold as “minute steaks” here in Australia.
Thin and lean, so even if you use a smoking hot BBQ or skillet, it will be cooked through. Keep it to 30 seconds on each side, and it will still be very tender. Over 1 1/2 minutes, and it will be pretty dry. (Sorry everyone, just sharing my opinion here. I know many people are a fan of these minute steaks).
You can make a basic Steak Sandwich with steak, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and mustard. Or you could get super fancy and make a really gourmet one. The possibilities are endless!
My Steak Sandwich lies in between. 🙂 I know I’ve made it a bit fancy by adding caramelised onions….but gosh, seriously, it is worth every minute of time (and the very little effort) because it really takes a humble Steak Sandwich up to that next level. Caramelised Onions are like a magic secret ingredient because it’s so cheap to make and can transform the most humble of things into something that tastes so gourmet!
When was the last time you made a Steak Sandwich? I don’t make it as often as I should.
So why not grab a beer, put on the music, sear a steak and make yourself a Steak Sandwich tonight?? (OK, you might not have everything you need to make it, so pencil it in for tomorrow 😎) – Nagi x
More Burgers, Sliders and Sandwiches
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Chicken Burger – juicy seasoned chicken breast steak with the lot!
Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burger – chicken marinated in a homemade flavour bomb Peri Peri sauce
Cubanos – The famous Cuban roast pork sandwich from The Chef movie
Pastrami Sandwiches – Rye bread piled high with homemade pastrami. EPIC!
Veggie Burger – Meatless made amazing. Puts those doughy bricks at the shops to shame!
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Steak Sandwich
Ingredients
Quick Garlic Aioli (Note 1)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise , preferably whole egg
- 1 large garlic clove , minced
Caramelised Onion (Note 2)
- 3 large onions , peeled and finely sliced (brown, white or yellow)
- 40 g / 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt & pepper
Steak Sandwich
- 600 – 700 g / 1.2 – 1.4 lb grilling beef steak (Note 3)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tomatoes , thickly sliced
- 60 g / 2 oz rocket /arugula or other lettuce of choice
- Mustard (I use American)
- Turkish bread , about 60cm / 2 feet long (or 4 rolls / buns of choice)
Instructions
- Garlic Aioli: Mix mayonnaise and garlic together. Set aside for 30 minutes+ for the flavour to develop (do not keep for more than 3 days tops).
- Caramelised Onion: Melt butter in a skillet over medium low heat. Add onions and stir to coat in butter. Place lid on (or place a baking tray over skillet) and leave for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove lid then cook for a further 20 minutes, stirring every now and then, until onion is golden (increase heat slightly if the colour is not changing). Add sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook for a further 10 minutes until jammy. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Beef
- Take beef out of fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over high heat (or heat BBQ). Cook steak to your liking – if using a secondary cut like Bavette, skirt or flat iron, it’s best medium rare.
- Transfer beef to a plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 – 10 minutes. Then slice thinlyagainst the grain.
Assemble sandwich
- Cut turkish bread into 15cm/6″ lengths and split into half. Toast lightly.
- Spread the bottom piece generously with garlic aioli. Top with rocket, then tomato slices, beef, caramelised onion. Spread the top piece of bread with mustard then place on top.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
Just gazing out over his playground……. wondering if he should dash out over there or bound into the water over there or go fishing over there (yes, he really fishes photo coming soon).
Better than a pub steak sandwich! Deliciousness abounds.
I made this last night. It was so delicious and perfect! My kids asked me to make it again today!
Absolutely delicious, hubby says “the best steak sandwich I have ever eaten, and I’ve eaten a lot of steak sandwiches.” Thanks for posting this one Nagi, it’s on order again in a few days! Winner.
Fantastic recipe!
Love, love, loved this steak sandwich!! I made if for my husband and myself and he was extremely impressed. He said he’s not really one for Turkish bread but he said it all worked so well together. Definitely will be making it again.
Nagi…seriously – a steak sambo with NO BEETROOT!!!!! Who are you 🙂
I am addicted to beetroot, just love it.
To the extent we grow it and pickle it every year.
Grumble grimble – no beet on the steak sambo…..it’s just not right.
Hi Peta, it’s just so annoying when you take a bite and your whole steak slides off because of a slippery piece of beetroot – but by all means, add it if you like! N x
Made this today. Was a total hit with the family! Will definitely be making it again
Made this for my partner and I. Added bacon and cheese. Incredible! Well worth the effort on the onions. Definitely making this a regular.
My tradie husband has seen a steak sandwich or two in his life, but declared this steak sandwich to be the best ever!! Thanks so much for a wonderful recipe!
Yum, yum, yum
Got some Wagu steak and put it in my sandwich. Loved the onions and garlic aioli.
So, soooooo good!!! All the family loved them, huge hit. Thanks heaps Nagi 🙂
Wahoo, that’s great to hear Charley! N x
Wow wow wow…I cannot believ how good this was, my only variation was to add a slice of cheese (love cheese)…it was perfect in every way!!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Maryanna!
Having this again tonight was amazing last time and my teenage kids loved it. 10/10
That’s great to hear Michael!!
I made this tonight, following the recipe closely. I wasn’t sure what Turkish bread was, so I subbed a flat ciabatta loaf. It was fabulous! Don’t know when I’ve had a better one. I was worried about the mustard but the whole thing was just perfect.
Wahoooo! Perfect Jill!
OMG – this is the best steak sandwich. I made the garlic aoili with Kewpie Japanese mayo (it was all I had) and it was sensational. I also added avocado and had it on lightly toasted rye bread. Thanks for another easy Sunday night recipe.
Sounds like you nailed it! – N x
Soooo good. Really works with the caramelised onions recipe in the link attached. Thanks so much 🙂
You’re so welcome!
The onions totally make these sandwiches…definately worth the extra time. Used shop brought aioli and herb mini foccacia breads. Absolutely delish!!!
Sounds divine Kirsty!!
Nagi this was utterly delicious. I couldn’t have guessed how much cooking the onions in butter instead of oil would add. I had some garlic butter in fridge so spread the bread with that and mayo with English mustard obvo 🙂 Even winter-disappointing-tomatoes tasted good. I think a veggie version with big mushroom would also be lovely.
Sounds fabulous Kath!!!
american mustard…. tut tut tut…. you can’t have a steak sandwich without the fire of real English mustard. keep american mustard for junk food! Apart from the wrong mustard…. 😉 great sandwich… just like the ones i normally make at home!
This sandwich was EXCELLENT! The garlic aioli and caramelized onions put the flavors over the top!!
I wanted to have a second one, however, I practiced some self control, and didn’t!
That’s terrific to hear Monique! Thanks for taking the time to let me know – N x
Looks delicious! I will need to make this for my steak loving boys! And caramelized onions are my favorite!
Can’t deprive those steak loving boys of yours! 😂