Steak Sandwich Recipe loaded with tender, evenly cooked steak, creamy lemon aioli, ripe avocado, peppery arugula, and tangy pickled onions on warm toasted ciabatta.
Author’s Note
My All-Time Favorite Steak Sandwich and I’m Not Being Dramatic
Whenever I go out to lunch, if there’s a steak sandwich on the menu, I’m ordering it. No hesitation. I’ve probably tried close to a hundred over the years, and I’m fully convinced this one is the best.
To be fair, I did stack all a reliable things between two pieces of reliable ciabatta, so it was pretty much destined to be good. But wow! This is the sandwich I’ve been craving nonstop since the minute I made it.
evenly tender, medium-rare steak, well-seasoned and juicy, layered with peppery arugula, the ripest avocado, tangy pickled onions, and that lemon aioli…the sauce is truly next level. All of it tucked into warm, freshly toasted ciabatta? I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever stop talking about this one.
What You’ll Need To Make This Steak Sandwich Recipe
| Ingredients | Tip |
|---|---|
| Flat iron steak, olive oil, salt & pepper | Pat the steak dry and season generously for the best crust and flavor. |
| Mayo, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest | Use good-quality mayo and fresh lemons for the brightest, best aioli. |
| Soft ciabatta | Grab fresh bread and lightly toast it so it stays sturdy and doesn’t get soggy. |
| Arugula, ripe avocado | Choose a evenly ripe avocado for the creamiest texture. |
| Red pickled onions | Quick-pickled onions add a tangy bite that balances the rich steak and aioli beautifully. |
Quick Tip
Want a shortcut? Use pre-cooked sous vide steak.
Variations
Put Your Own Spin on This Steak Sandwich Recipe!
- Add cheese: Try a slice of provolone or white Cheddar.
- Swap greens: Use spinach, mixed greens, or shredded romaine instead of arugula.
- Use a different bread: Try a baguette, sourdough, or a soft sandwich roll.
- Replace pickled with crispy onions: Store-bought crispy onions add great crunch.
- Add sliced tomatoes: A few thin slices add freshness and juiciness.
Featured Comment
“This is so good, it could be my last meal. No complaints.”
– Jolynn
How To Know When Steak Is Done
Use A Meat Thermometer!
Pull at 130–135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Flat iron and flank are best at medium-rare, which also makes this steak sandwich recipe best!
No thermometer? Press the center. Soft and springy means medium-rare; slightly firm means medium.
Top Steak Cooking Tips:
- Start hot: Use a fully heated grill or pan so the steak sears and doesn’t stick.
- Pat dry: A dry surface gives better browning.
- Don’t move it: Let the steak cook undisturbed for a good crust.
- Rest before slicing: About 10 minutes keeps it juicy.
- Slice against the grain: Thin slices keep the steak tender and make this steak sandwich recipe easier to eat. A sharp knife helps a lot.
Storage
Best eaten right after assembling. Steak doesn’t store very well, but the lemon aioli keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Other Favorite Sandwiches:
Dinner
Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Lunch
Avocado Tuna Salad
Salads
The BEST Chicken Salad Recipe
Dinner
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
