Steak and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches
In short: Thin seared sirloin, slow-browned onions, peppery arugula and mustard mayonnaise piled into crusty rolls for a quick hot sandwich dinner. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 610 kcal
A steak sandwich is a good use for a small piece of good beef. The steak is seared quickly, rested and sliced very thin, so a modest 450 g (1 lb) fills four rolls. The real work is the onions, which need about 25 minutes of slow cooking to turn sweet and jammy. Mustard mayonnaise and peppery arugula cut the richness. Warm the rolls and eat straight away, because the juices are what make this sandwich.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and salt and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until deep golden and soft.
- Stir the thyme and balsamic vinegar into the onions for the last minute, then move them to a bowl. Wipe out the pan.
- Pat the steak dry and season with the salt and pepper. Heat the neutral oil in the pan over high heat.
- Sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until a thermometer in the center reads 58°C (136°F). Rest it on a board for 5 minutes, during which it reaches about 63°C (145°F).
- Stir the mayonnaise and mustard together. Toast the cut sides of the rolls in the pan or under the broiler.
- Slice the steak very thinly across the grain. Spread the rolls with the mustard mayonnaise, then layer on the steak, onions, cheese if using and arugula. Pour the resting juices over the meat and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook the onions a day ahead. They keep for 5 days in the fridge, which makes weeknight assembly a 15-minute job.
- For a melty sandwich, lay a cheese slice on the warm onions and put the open rolls under the broiler for 1 minute before adding the steak.
Questions and answers
Which cut of steak is best for steak sandwiches?
Sirloin, rump, flank and ribeye all work. Slice the meat thinly across the grain so each bite is tender.
How do I stop the roll from going soggy?
Toast the cut sides and spread the mayonnaise right to the edges to make a barrier. Assemble the sandwiches just before eating.
Can I use pre-sliced beef?
Yes. Thin slices of about 3 mm cook in 1 minute per side in a very hot pan. Work in batches so the beef browns instead of steaming.
How long does it take to make Steak and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches?
About 45 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Steak and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches?
About 610 kcal per serving, with 38 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 610 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
