Ingredients
1.5 lbs ribeye or sirloin steak, about 1-inch thick
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 ciabatta rolls (or preferred bread), split horizontally
4 slices provolone cheese (or preferred cheese)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and very soft. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Aioli. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Prepare the Steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Sear the Steak. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over high heat until just smoking. Carefully place the seasoned steak in the hot pan. For a medium-rare steak, sear for 3-4 minutes per side. For medium, cook 4-5 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time for desired doneness.
Step 5: Rest the Steak. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful steak.
Step 6: Toast the Bread and Melt the Cheese. While the steak rests, lightly toast the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls in the same skillet or under a broiler until golden brown. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the bottom half of each toasted roll and return to the skillet or broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Slice the Steak. Against the grain, thinly slice the rested steak.
Step 8: Assemble the Sandwich. Spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted, cheesy rolls. Layer the sliced steak on the bottom bun. Top with a generous portion of caramelized onions. Place the top bun on the assembled sandwich.
Step 9: Serve. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade gourmet steak sandwich!
Notes
For the best flavor and tenderness, allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before searing. Always slice the steak against the grain after resting it to ensure maximum tenderness. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak to achieve a good, even sear.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg