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Tasty Steak Sandwich

Featured in Sandwiches Worth Making at Home.

This sandwich mixes tender grilled skirt steak, bold horseradish mayo, and caramelized onions. With a garlicky marinade and toasted ciabatta bread, it’s a simple way to enjoy amazing flavor, whether you're using leftovers or making it fresh. Every bite balances zesty, sweet, and savory notes perfectly.
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Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:22:07 GMT
Juicy Steak Sandwich with Creamy Horseradish Mayo Pin it
Juicy Steak Sandwich with Creamy Horseradish Mayo | cookbybook.com

Tender steak hot off the grill, thinly cut and well-seasoned, tucked between crunchy ciabatta with softened grilled onions and tangy horseradish cream makes this sandwich unforgettable. Every mouthful offers a mix of soft meat, charred sweet onions, and zippy sauce that ties it all together.

I came up with this idea when I needed something easy but wow-worthy for casual get-togethers. Now the mix of juicy skirt steak and spicy horseradish sauce is what I make for everything from watching sports to quick family dinners.

Key Ingredients

  • Skirt steak: The open grain pattern helps it soak up flavors and it cooks up fast
  • Fresh horseradish: Adds a sharp kick that cuts through the meaty richness
  • Ciabatta bread: Stays firm and won't get mushy from the juicy meat
  • Red onions: Get even sweeter when they hit the grill
  • Quality mayonnaise: Forms the foundation for a smooth, rich topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix Your Flavors
Start by stirring olive oil with bold spices - cumin, smoky paprika, and chopped garlic to build flavor layers. Rub this mix all over the steak to soften and flavor the meat.
2. Nail the Grill Technique
Get your grill smoking hot for proper browning. Cook the steak quickly, about 2-3 minutes each side for medium-rare, then let it sit before cutting across the grain for extra tenderness.
3. Cook Those Onions
While your meat rests, throw thick onion slices on the grill until they show grill marks and soften. They'll naturally sweeten as they cook, balancing the savory steak.
4. Whip Up Your Spread
Mix mayo with fresh horseradish, using more or less depending on how spicy you want it. Toss in snipped chives for a fresh onion flavor that works with both meat and sauce.
5. Stack Everything Up
Put it all together carefully - spread sauce on both pieces of toasted bread, then add lettuce, grilled onions, and thin steak slices. The way you layer affects both how it holds together and tastes.
Mouthwatering Steak Sandwich with Tangy Horseradish Sauce Pin it
Mouthwatering Steak Sandwich with Tangy Horseradish Sauce | cookbybook.com

During a summer cookout, I tried different steak cuts and found that skirt steak's open texture makes it perfect for sandwiches. I love how it quickly soaks up flavors and cooks so fast, making it my top pick when friends come over.

Cooking Temperature Guidance

For the tastiest results, cook your steak to just the right temp inside. If you want rare with a red middle, go for 125°F. For that warm pink center of medium-rare, aim for 135°F. If you like just a hint of pink, cook to 145°F for a medium finish.

Prep Ahead Planning

You can make the horseradish sauce up to three days early and keep it in a sealed container. Mix the marinade a day before, but don't put it on the meat until 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Bread Picking Advice

Ciabatta's my top choice, but any sturdy bread will do the job. Just make sure to toast it so it doesn't get soggy from the meat juice. Sourdough and French bread work great too.

Ways To Switch It Up

Build your dream sandwich by adding grilled mushrooms, melty provolone, or crispy bacon bits. Want more heat? Throw in extra horseradish or some pickled jalapeños.

This steak sandwich has become my signature dish for everything from backyard cookouts to rushed weeknight meals. The mix of grilled meat, sweet charred onions, and zingy horseradish sauce is both simple and special. Whether you're a grill master or just starting out, you'll get restaurant-quality sandwiches right from your home kitchen.

Juicy Steak Sandwich with Zesty Horseradish Sauce Pin it
Juicy Steak Sandwich with Zesty Horseradish Sauce | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other steak cuts?
Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin flap, or leftover grilled steak are great alternatives to skirt steak.
→ Is the horseradish sauce spicy?
It’s mild as listed, but you can bump up the heat by gradually adding more horseradish to suit your taste.
→ Can I prep this earlier?
Yep! The sauce holds up for 2 days in the fridge, and the marinated steak can chill up to 8 hours before cooking.
→ What if I don’t own a grill?
No problem! Sear the steak in a grill pan or a cast iron skillet, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
→ Why slice steak against the grain?
It makes the meat easier to chew by breaking down tough muscle fibers into tender pieces.

Steak and Horseradish Sandwich

Juicy skirt steak layered with zippy horseradish mayo, sweet onions, and crispy ciabatta bread. A toasted delight!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Steak Marinade

01 3 lbs skirt steak
02 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup olive oil
03 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 2 tablespoons kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 5 smashed garlic cloves
07 2 teaspoons cumin powder
08 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
09 2 teaspoons dried oregano

→ Creamy Horseradish Spread

10 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
11 1¼ cups of mayo
12 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
13 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
14 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sandwich Components

15 4 red leaf lettuce pieces
16 4 toasted ciabatta rolls
17 1 large red onion, cut into ½-inch slices

Instructions

Step 01

Set grill to 425°F for indirect cooking. Blend ¼ cup oil with spices in a processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Coat the steaks with the mixture and let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 02

Toss onion slices in the leftover oil. Cook over the hot side of the grill for about 3-4 minutes till soft. Move them to the cooler area if they start to burn.

Step 03

Cook steaks over direct heat for 2 minutes per side. Shift to the cooler part, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes to get a medium temp. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Step 04

While the steaks are resting, stir mayo, horseradish, salt, pepper, and chives together in a bowl until creamy.

Step 05

Slather mayo on both insides of each bun, then layer with grilled onions, lettuce, and thinly cut steak slices.

Notes

  1. Slice steak thinly against the grain for tender pieces.
  2. Sirloin flap meat works well as a replacement for skirt steak.
  3. Add horseradish a little at a time so you don’t go overboard.

Tools You'll Need

  • Outdoor grill
  • Food chopping machine
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Sharp cutting tool

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Has gluten (ciabatta rolls)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1147
  • Total Fat: 79 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 80 g