If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and simply satisfying, this Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s packed with tender, savory shaved steak, sweet caramelized onions, fresh arugula, and creamy Lemon Basil Aioli, all nestled into perfectly toasted ciabatta bread. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and bright, savory flavors that feel indulgent yet so easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this sandwich delivers big on taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building a rich and balanced flavor, from the tender shaved steak to the zingy, herbaceous aioli. All come together to create a sandwich that’s both cozy and full of fresh, vibrant flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Provides a rich base for sautéing onions and steak without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 onion (thinly sliced): Caramelizes beautifully to add a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the steak.
- 1 pound shaved steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum tenderness; you can usually find this ready-shaved at your butcher or grocery store.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided): Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the meat and onions perfectly.
- 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese): Melts smoothly over the steak, adding creamy richness and a little tang.
- 1 ciabatta (cut into 4 pieces or use baguette): A crusty but soft bread that holds up well to the juicy filling.
- ¼ cup Lemon Basil Aioli (divided or use mayo): Adds a fresh, zesty element with a hint of herbaceous basil to brighten each bite.
- 1 ½ cups arugula (divided): Peppery and crisp, the arugula adds contrast and a fresh finish.
How to Make Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating half the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir often and let them cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This process brings out the onions’ natural sweetness, creating a beautiful depth of flavor that will melt into the steak later. Once ready, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Increase the heat to high and add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the shaved steak along with the rest of the salt. This quick sear should take around 5 minutes and is what locks in the steak’s juiciness while developing that irresistible browned crust. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently to get an even cook without overcooking any thin strips.
Step 3: Combine Steak and Onions
Once the steak is beautifully browned, remove the pan from the heat and gently fold the caramelized onions back into the meat. Combining these flavors now lets them marry perfectly, ensuring every bite has that delicious balance of sweet and savory.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble the Sandwich
Slice your ciabatta into four equal pieces, then cut each piece in half horizontally. Lightly toast the bread until golden and crisp but still soft inside. Spread a generous layer of Lemon Basil Aioli on both sides of the bread—this is where the sandwich starts to shine with freshness. On the bottom half, pile on the steak and onion mixture, then top with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Pop your sandwich into a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
Step 5: Add Greens and Serve
Remove the sandwich from the heat and layer on a handful of fresh arugula for a pleasant peppery crunch. Place the top piece of bread on, give it a gentle press, and cut the sandwich in half. Enjoy immediately for the best melty-cheesy, savory-steaky experience!
How to Serve Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
While this sandwich is fantastic on its own, adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate it even more. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled over the arugula can add a herbaceous note, or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top can bring a touch of spice. For zing, consider a few pickled jalapeños if you like heat. These garnishes enhance the flavor without complicating your sandwich.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that complement its richness. Consider a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, crispy sweet potato fries, or a crunchy coleslaw. If you want to stick to a classic combo, a handful of kettle-cooked chips or a cup of tomato soup would also make a perfect pairing on a cozy day.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or loved ones? Serve the steak sandwiches cut into smaller sliders for a party platter, or slice them diagonally and arrange on a wooden board with small bowls of extra aioli and pickles. Wrapping each one in parchment paper tied with a rustic twine makes a charming picnic presentation. This Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe is versatile and looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the steak and onions separately from the bread to prevent sogginess. Place the steak and onions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the toasted bread wrapped in foil or a zip-top bag so it stays as fresh as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the steak and onion mixture in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. Avoid freezing the assembled sandwich, especially with fresh greens and bread, as it affects the overall quality.
Reheating
Reheat the steak and onions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, then re-toast the bread lightly. Add fresh arugula and aioli after reheating to maintain their crispness and flavor. This way, your Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe tastes almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak?
Absolutely! While shaved sirloin or ribeye work beautifully, you can use thinly sliced flank or skirt steak for a more budget-friendly option. Just make sure it’s sliced very thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
Is there a substitute for Lemon Basil Aioli?
If you don’t have Lemon Basil Aioli on hand, a good-quality mayonnaise mixed with fresh lemon juice and finely chopped basil makes a fantastic substitute. It keeps the sandwich bright and flavorful.
Can I prepare this sandwich vegetarian?
Though the Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe centers on steak, you can swap the meat for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu strips for a savory vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What bread works best besides ciabatta?
Ciabatta is ideal because of its crust and soft inside, but a baguette or a sturdy sourdough loaf also make great alternatives. Just pick breads that can hold all the fillings without becoming too soggy.
How spicy is this sandwich?
This sandwich is mild by default, focusing on savory and fresh flavors. If you want to add heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your aioli for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe is the perfect combination of quick, straightforward cooking and deeply satisfying flavor. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal or sharing with friends over a casual lunch, it never fails to impress. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy steak sandwich recipe features tender shaved steak sautéed with caramelized onions and seasoned perfectly, served on toasted ciabatta with melted Monterey Jack cheese, zesty Lemon Basil Aioli, and fresh arugula. A simple yet flavorful sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 pound shaved steak
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
For the Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 ciabatta loaf (cut into 4 pieces or use a baguette)
- ¼ cup Lemon Basil Aioli (divided or substitute with mayonnaise)
- 1 ½ cups arugula (divided)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and slightly caramelized. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Cook the Steak: Increase the pan’s heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shaved steak along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the steak is nicely browned.
- Combine Steak and Onions: Remove the pan from heat. Return the caramelized onions to the pan and stir together with the steak to combine all the flavors.
- Prepare the Bread and Melt Cheese: Cut the ciabatta into 4 equal pieces, then slice each piece in half. Lightly toast each bread piece to give it a little crunch. Spread Lemon Basil Aioli evenly on both halves. Add the steak and onion mixture on the bottom halves, then top each with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Place the sandwiches in a toaster oven and toast for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the sandwiches once the cheese has melted. Top the meat and cheese with fresh arugula, then place the top half of the bread on the sandwich. Cut each sandwich in half for easier eating and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use shaved steak for quicker cooking and tender texture; sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices.
- You can substitute the ciabatta with a baguette or your favorite sandwich roll.
- Lemon Basil Aioli can be replaced with garlic mayo or simple mayonnaise if preferred.
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced roasted red peppers or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions.
- Make sure not to overcook the steak to keep it juicy and tender.
- Toasting the bread enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the aioli.
