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Tasty Chipotle Steak Sandwich

Featured in: Main Dishes

This fancy Steak Sandwich pairs perfectly cooked skirt steak with sweet, slowly cooked onions and melty provolone cheese, all brought together by a smoky pepper mayo. The recipe needs time, especially for getting those onions just right, but you'll be glad you waited. Cook the steak until it's nicely browned, then cut it thin across the grain so it's super tender. Stack everything on a crusty bread roll with some peppery arugula if you want extra flavor and color, then warm it briefly until the cheese gets all gooey. The homemade spicy mayo adds a creamy kick that makes this sandwich taste like it came from a fancy restaurant.
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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:34:22 GMT
The Best Steak Sandwich Pin it
The Best Steak Sandwich | twistytaste.com

These mouthwatering steak sandwiches mix juicy grilled skirt steak, rich slow-cooked onions, gooey provolone cheese, and spicy chipotle mayo on crisp baguette. Each mouthful delivers an amazing combo of soft meat, smooth sauce, and crunchy bread, making this sandwich worthy of both fancy dinners and everyday meals.

I still remember the first batch of these sandwiches I made for my family - our kitchen smelled amazing with those sweet onions and sizzling meat. My husband couldn't even talk after his first bite, he just closed his eyes. Now we always make these when friends come over.

Key Ingredients and Shopping Tips

  • Skirt steak: Go for pieces with good fat streaks and even thickness. Always dry it before adding seasoning
  • Baguette: Pick one with a crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Slightly stale bread actually works better
  • Provolone: Get it freshly sliced thin at the deli for the best melt
  • Red onions: Choose ones that feel heavy and don't have soft spots for the sweetest results
  • Chipotles in adobo: Sample the sauce first to check how spicy it is
  • Baby arugula: Look for bright, perky leaves for that peppery kick

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Nail Your Steak: Let meat sit on counter before cooking. Wipe it completely dry with towels. Use plenty of salt and pepper. Get your pan super hot. Don't move the meat while it's getting that nice crust. Let it rest before you cut it.
Step 2:
Handle Those Onions: Cut onions the same size so they cook evenly. Start them with a bit of water to help them soften. Lower the heat as they cook down. Give them a stir now and then so they don't stick. Watch them closely for that golden color. Add a splash of water if they start to burn.
Step 3:
Stack Your Sandwich: Lightly toast the bread until it's just crunchy. Smear lots of chipotle mayo on both sides. Add steak pieces in an even layer. Pile on warm onions. Put cheese on top. Finish with fresh arugula. Push down slightly to help it all stick together.
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The Best Steak Sandwich cheese | twistytaste.com

Last week I had some friends over and set up a build-your-own sandwich station with all the fixings laid out. Everyone got to make their perfect version. The onions were gone in minutes - they're seriously that tasty!

Heat Is Important

Cover your sliced steak with foil to keep it warm during sandwich prep. The warmth will help your cheese get all melty when you put everything together.

Do-Ahead Tricks

Get stuff ready early for less stress: Cook onions up to three days before. Mix up your spicy mayo a day ahead. Cut bread and wash greens in the morning. Only cook the steak right when you need it.

What To Serve With It

These sandwiches go great with hot crispy fries, a simple arugula salad, or homemade chips. If you're feeding a crowd, try cutting them into smaller pieces so they're easier to handle.

Extra Ideas

I've learned to switch up this sandwich for different situations. For fancy parties, I cut them tiny and pretty. For lunch with friends, I make them big and juicy with extra sauce on the side.

Different Bread Options

Though baguettes work great, other breads can be awesome too: Ciabatta has nice chewy holes that catch the sauce. Sourdough adds a bit of tang to each bite. French rolls work perfectly for single servings. Using garlic bread takes the flavor up another notch.

Sauce Switch-ups

You can play with the chipotle mayo in lots of ways: Mix in some cooked garlic for deeper flavor. Add fresh herbs to make it brighter. Put in horseradish for extra zing. Blend with roasted red peppers. Stir in some Dijon for tanginess.

Using Up Leftovers

Any extra ingredients can become totally new meals: Toss steak and onions into morning eggs. Add them to greens for a hearty lunch. Make breakfast sandwiches with a fried egg on top. Mix with pasta for a quick dinner. Stuff into quesadillas for a snack.

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easy The Best Steak Sandwich | twistytaste.com

This sandwich has shown me that amazing food doesn't need fancy ingredients - just some care and attention to detail. Whenever I make these, I'm reminded that good meals bring folks together and create happy moments around the table. Whether you're super experienced or just starting to cook, this sandwich gives you a chance to make something really special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make any parts beforehand?
Sure thing, you can cook the onions and mix up the spicy mayo up to 3 days early and keep them in the fridge.
→ What's the deal with cutting meat against the grain?
When you cut across the muscle fibers, you make the meat way more tender and it won't be tough to bite through.
→ Can I swap out the meat type?
Absolutely, flank steak or ribeye work great if you can't find skirt steak.
→ How hot is the mayo mixture?
With 3 peppers it's got a nice kick but won't burn your mouth. Just add fewer peppers if you want it milder.
→ What bread works best?
Go for something sturdy like a baguette or ciabatta that won't get soggy from all those tasty juices.

Meaty Chipotle Steak Sandwich

A fancy sandwich loaded with tender skirt steak, slow-cooked sweet onions, gooey provolone, and homemade smoky chipotle spread.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Caramelized Onions

01 3 big red onions, thinly sliced
02 3 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
04 1/2 cup water plus extra when needed

→ Chipotle Mayo

05 1 cup mayo
06 1/4 cup sour cream
07 3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo
08 3 tbsp adobo sauce from the can

→ Sandwich Components

09 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
10 One large baguette (or 4 ciabatta rolls)
11 1/2 pound sliced provolone from deli counter
12 1-2 cups baby arugula (if you want)
13 2 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
14 1/2 tsp black pepper
15 2 tbsp neutral oil
16 1 tbsp olive oil with more as needed

Instructions

Step 01

Put onions, water, oil and salt together in a big pan. Cover and cook on medium-high about 12-15 mins till soft. Then take off the lid, turn heat down to medium, and keep cooking around 30 mins till they turn dark brown. Add a splash of water if they start sticking.

Step 02

Blend the mayo, sour cream, chipotles and adobo sauce in a bowl. Add salt and pepper till it tastes good to you.

Step 03

Get your pan really hot on medium-high. Trim the steak to fit, dry it with paper towels, and rub in salt and pepper. Toss in hot oil and cook about 3 mins each side till nice and brown. Let it rest under foil for 5 mins, then cut against the grain into thin strips.

Step 04

Warm oven to 450°F. Cut the baguette open and place on a foil-covered tray. Spread spicy mayo on bottom half, then stack with meat, brown onions, and cheese. Brush some oil on the top bread part. Bake for 3-5 mins till cheese gets melty. Throw on arugula if you want, close it up, and cut into pieces.

Notes

  1. Want it faster? Just cook onions for 5-10 mins instead of fully caramelizing
  2. You can make the onions a day before
  3. Keeps in the fridge for 3 days - just warm up in foil at 350°F

Tools You'll Need

  • Big cooking pan with cover
  • Heavy skillet (iron or steel works best)
  • Cookie sheet
  • Tin foil
  • Good cutting knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy stuff (cheese and sour cream)
  • Contains egg products (in the mayo)
  • Made with wheat (in the bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 871
  • Total Fat: 51.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49.2 g
  • Protein: 52.9 g