Learn how to make the ultimate steak sandwich recipe with juicy ribeye, tangy chipotle mayo, and a crispy baguette. A few simple tips leave you with a perfectly cooked steak sandwich every time!
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Our house loves a good sandwich night and this steak sandwich has been on the top of our list for quite time. It’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
But, I have to say the best part of this dinner is getting my two kids involved. I cook the steak and onions and they do the rest! My son helps me mix the sauce together while my daughter stacks the goodies on the sandwich.
And, if you love steak, you will love my salisbury steak, london broil marinade, steak fajitas, and tri tip sandwich.
What makes this the Best Steak Sandwich Recipe
- Juicy, delicious rib-eye
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Simple ingredients
- Customizable toppings
- Great for any occasion
Steak Sandwich Recipe ingredients
- Ribeye steak
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Red onion
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Baguette
- Cheese slices — cheddar or Swiss cheese (I used white cheddar)
- Banana peppers — optional
- Dijon mustard — optional
- Arugula — optional
What cut of beef is used for steak sandwich?
The best steak sandwich recipe starts with ribeye steak! This cut is known for its marbling and flavor, which means every bite will be tender, juicy, and oh-so-delicious.
Best cheese for Steak Sandwich
I love using cheddar and Swiss cheese when making a steak sandwich. Which one we use depends what we have at home, but if I had to choose my favorite, it would be white cheddar! Either sharp or medium will work best.
Best bread for steak sandwich
A crusty baguette works best for this sandwich. It gives you just the right amount of sturdiness, and the crunch you get after toasting is so satisfying.
The light, airy interior is also great for absorbing the chipotle mayo without becoming soggy.
How to make a Steak Sandwich
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste, then set aside in the refrigerator.
STEP TWO: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large cast-iron skillet.
STEP THREE: Add red onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until the slices begin to soften.
STEP FOUR: Reduce the heat to medium-low, season with salt, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deeply golden brown and caramelize. Set aside.
STEP FIVE: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
STEP SIX: Once hot, add the steak strips in a single layer.
STEP SEVEN: Season with salt and black pepper, then cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the strips are cooked to your desired level of doneness. I prefer medium rare, for a temperature of 130 degrees F. Remove the steak strips from the heat and let them rest.
STEP EIGHT: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until lightly brown and crispy.
STEP NINE: Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo each half of toasted baguette.
STEP TEN: Arrange the cooked slices of steak on top of one half of the baguette, then layer sliced cheese on top of the steak strips. Top the steak with caramelized onions and any additional desired toppings.
STEP ELEVEN: Close the sandwich, pressing it down gently. Slice the steak sandwich in half and serve immediately.
How to serve the Best Steak Sandwich
Steak Sandwich sauce
The chipotle mayo is a game-changer for this steak sandwich recipe! It gives the sandwich an amazing smoky depth with just the right amount of heat that complements the steak instead of overpowering it.
Steak Sandwich sides
I love a nice light salad on the side such as my caprese salad, watermelon cucumber feta salad, or some a veggie like air fryer corn on the cob.
If you want a larger option, try my steak fries, waffle fries, or tater tots!
How to Store a Steak Sandwich
I don’t recommend pre-assembling this sandwich, as the ingredients can make the bread soggy. If you have leftovers of any ingredients, it’s best to store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
The ribeye should be enjoyed within 3 days. Chipotle mayo and caramelized onions will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe FAQs
How do you make steak soft and not chewy?
Overcooking steak will make it chewy and more difficult to eat in a sandwich. The trick to tender, juicy steak is to cook it just right.
To achieve the best texture, use medium-high heat and cook the steak to 130 degrees F for medium doneness. I use a meat thermometer to get as close to that temperature as possible.
Easy Steak Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 11.45 ounces ribeye steak cut into thin strips
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt to taste
For the Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
- 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the chipotle pepper can
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- salt to taste
For Sandwich:
- 1 baguette cut into two sandwich-sized pieces and sliced horizontally
- sliced cheese such as cheddar or Swiss, as desired
- banana peppers optional
- Dijon mustard optional
- arugula optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning according to your taste. Set the sauce aside in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large cast-iron skillet. Add the thinly sliced red onions to the skillet and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Season with salt and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden brown and caramelize. Set them aside once they are caramelized.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak strips in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Season the ribeye strips with salt and black pepper and cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). Remove the strip steaks from the heat and let them rest.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until it turns lightly brown and crispy (optional).
- Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on one of the toasted baguette halves.
- Arrange the cooked slices of steak on top of the mayo.
- Layer sliced cheese on top of the steak strips.
- Top the steak with caramelized onions and any additional toppings such as banana peppers, mustard, or peppery arugula.
- Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the other toasted baguette half and close the sandwich, pressing it down gently.
- Slice the juicy steak sandwich in half if necessary and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
