The grilled steak is tender, the cheese is decadently creamy, and the sweet caramelized onions and fig jam will have you licking your plate clean. This easy steak sandwich recipe is as elegant as these Fig Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites and as primally satisfying as the best Air Fryer Steak. Tender, juicy pieces of medium-rare steak smothered in Brie cheese tucked between crusty artisan bread with fig jam, Dijon caramelized onions, and peppery arugula, its complex blend of flavors that will make you feel like a star chef. Perfect for busy weeknights or your next fancy dinner with friends, family, or someone special, these gourmet steak sandwiches can be prepared as a full-size entree or as miniature steak sandwich sliders for a hearty appetizer. (Serve alongside Spinach Puffs for a truly elevated affair.) No matter the reason, this is one steak sandwich recipe that can rise to any occasion (or appetite).
How to Make a Steak Sandwich
A gourmet steak sandwich doesn’t need to be reserved just for evenings out. It’s simple to create an easy version at home. Touches like arugula and caramelized onions (which also elevate this Blue Cheese Burger) set this sandwich apart from its peers.
The Ingredients
Steaks. Juicy and flavorful, you know it’s a special night when steak is involved. (If you love steak, don’t miss these Steak Tacos!)
Red Onion + Dijon Mustard. For perfect tangy caramelized onions, a bit of Dijon takes these onions to next-level yum and pairs nicely with the fig and Brie.Fig Jam. In lieu of a steak sandwich sauce or a steak sandwich with au jus, I used fig jam for a touch of added elegance and ease. Its sweetness plays well with the savory steak and cheese without overpowering it.
Arugula. Adds a fresh, peppery element to the sandwiches.Brie Cheese. Unbelievably creamy, cheesy goodness that oozes dreamily down the sides of the sandwich. (Leftover Brie? Make a batch of Brie Bites.)
Bread. Will either make or break your steak sandwiches. For the BEST steak sandwiches, choose a nice, artisan-style bread. Something soft enough to bite easily but hearty enough to hold the weight of the steak will be your best bet. Ciabatta bread, a sliced baguette, or No Knead Focaccia are all great options.
The Directions
Tips for Tenderizing Steak
No one wants a bland, tough steak sandwich! When selecting steak for sandwiches, look for ones with a nice balance of lean meat and fat. Here are a few of my favorite cuts of steak for sandwiches:
NY strip steaksHanger steaksSirloin steaksRibeye steaksFilet mignon (or beef tenderloin)Flank steak or skirt steak—If you go this route, be sure to marinade first to tenderize the meat (try this simple steak marinade in my Steak Salad recipe).
No matter the cut you choose, slice the steak against the grain THINLY (as you do for Beef Fajitas). This will make the steak easier to bite through on the sandwich and give the meat a better mouth feel.
Let the Meat Come to Room Temperature Before Searing. Cold steaks won’t cook uniformly and may become tough.Season Generously. Salt and pepper bring out the best in steak.Don’t Overcook. Keep an instant-read thermometer nearby, and make sure you remove your steaks from the heat when they reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees F. The residual heat will continue to cook them a little as they sit. Medium-rare steak should be cooked to about 135 degrees F.Wait to Slice. Once you’ve removed your steak from the skillet, cover it with aluminum foil and wait at least 10 minutes before slicing it into strips. This results in a juicier, better-tasting steak because the juices can reincorporate into the meat. Slice THIN and Across the Grain. One of the best ways to tenderize steak is to ensure you cut it across the grain, which breaks down fibers. Thinner slices also produce more tender steak.
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.To Reheat. Gently rewarm sandwiches in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Nonstick Pan. The perfect pan for making the caramelized onions and searing the steak. A cast iron skillet also works well.Baking Dish. You’ll find yourself constantly reaching for this invaluable kitchen tool.Instant Read Thermometer. The best way to make sure your beef is cooked through.
I hope this tasty, classy steak sandwich recipe adds a touch of elegance to an evening for you soon!
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