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
Scale
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.
