Steak and Caramelized Onion Sandwich with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Introduction

This steak sandwich is a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring tender sirloin steak, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, it’s a flavorful combination that’s easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cooked to desired doneness and thinly sliced
• 8 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
• 4 slices Provolone or Pepper Jack cheese
• 1 cup caramelized onions
• ½ cup garlic aioli
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Butter the outside of all bread slices. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on the griddle and top each with a slice of cheese.
3. Step 3: On the griddle, place the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side down. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over these slices.
4. Step 4: Cook for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and toasted. If needed, cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.
5. Step 5: Spread garlic aioli over the melted cheese, then top with the sliced steak.
6. Step 6: Assemble each sandwich by placing the onion-topped bread on top of the steak slices. Remove from heat, transfer to a cutting board, and cut in half to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat and better toasting on the bread.
• Substitute the garlic aioli with horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
• Add fresh arugula or baby spinach for a touch of green and freshness.
• Try different cheeses like sharp cheddar or mozzarella for varied flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the bread crispy and cheese melted, rather than using a microwave to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank steak, ribeye, or strip steak can be used as alternatives. Just be sure to cook and slice them thinly for the best texture in the sandwich.

How do I make caramelized onions?

Slice onions thinly and cook them slowly in a bit of oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweet—this usually takes about 30–40 minutes.

Steak and Caramelized Onion Sandwich with Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.9 from 111 reviews

This hearty steak sandwich features tender, thinly sliced sirloin steak layered with melted Provolone cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a flavorful garlic aioli, all sandwiched between slices of buttery toasted sourdough bread. Perfectly cooked on a griddle or skillet, this sandwich offers a satisfying blend of textures and rich flavors ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Cheese

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cooked to desired doneness and thinly sliced
• 4 slices Provolone or Pepper Jack cheese

Bread and Spread

• 8 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
• ½ cup garlic aioli
• 4 tablespoons softened butter

Additional

• 1 cup caramelized onions

Instructions

1. Preheat Griddle or Skillet: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for toasting the bread and melting the cheese.
2. Prepare Bread with Butter and Cheese: Butter the outside of all eight slices of sourdough bread. Place four slices of bread, buttered side down, on the hot griddle. Immediately top these slices with the four slices of cheese.
3. Add Onions on Remaining Bread: Take the remaining four bread slices, buttered side down, and place them on the griddle separately. Evenly divide the caramelized onions over these four slices.
4. Toast and Melt the Cheese: Cook the bread and cheese for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown and toasted. If needed, cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to fully melt.
5. Spread Aioli and Add Steak: Spread the garlic aioli over the melted cheese on the first set of bread slices, then top each with a portion of the sliced steak.
6. Assemble Sandwiches and Serve: Place the caramelized onion-topped bread slices on top of the steak and cheese slices to assemble the sandwiches. Remove from the heat, transfer to a cutting board, and cut each sandwich in half before serving.

Notes

• For best results, cook the steak to your preferred doneness before slicing thinly.
• Use thick-cut sourdough bread to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
• Caramelized onions can be prepared ahead of time and stored refrigerated.
• If garlic aioli is not available, mayonnaise with minced garlic can be used as a substitute.
• Covering the skillet while toasting helps melt the cheese evenly.

Keywords: steak sandwich, sourdough sandwich, caramelized onion sandwich, grilled cheese steak, garlic aioli sandwich