A gourmet take on the classic, drive-through version, my Easy Steak Sandwich recipe uses extra onions, premium steak, and a splash of tangy sauce. This recipe takes mere minutes to prepare and is the perfect last-minute, one-pan dinner.
You’ve probably made the steak sandwich recipe on the back of the package before, right? And, I mean, they’re fine, right? They’re actually quite good, honestly, and most of us have probably never met a steak sandwich we wouldn’t happily eat.
But… I wanted better than just “good” 😉
I made a few key changes to transform the original recipe into something much more gourmet. More butter (and better butter, more on that in a moment). Real caramelized onions (shockingly lacking in the original recipe). Lots of extra cheese. The end result is soft, messy and full of flavor. You are going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich delivers big flavor with very little stress. Each layer plays its part and nothing feels extra.
Fast and filling: Steak cooks quickly and feeds serious hunger.
Sweet and savory balance: Caramelized onions bring softness to every bite.
Creamy sauce: Garlic mayo adds richness without overpowering the steak.
Great texture: Crisp bread, tender beef, and fresh greens work together.
Perfect anytime: Works for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak Sandwich
- ¾ cup mayonnaise preferably whole egg
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 600 to 700 g grilling beef steak
- Salt and pepper for steak
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tomatoes thickly sliced
- 60 g rocket arugula
- Mustard to taste
- Turkish bread about 2 feet long
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large onions peeled and finely sliced
- 40 g butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Step by Step Instructions
1. Make the Garlic Mayo
Start by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside so the flavors blend while you cook.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add sliced onions and stir gently. Cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
3. Sweeten the Onions
Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and stir well. Add balsamic vinegar and let everything cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until glossy and deeply flavored. Set aside.
4. Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the Steak
Heat a heavy pan over high heat and add vegetable oil. Place the steak in the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Aim for a juicy center.
6. Rest and Slice
Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
7. Prepare the Bread
Slice the Turkish bread lengthwise. Lightly toast the inside if you like extra texture.
8. Assemble the Sandwich
Spread garlic mayo on the bread. Add sliced steak, caramelized onions, tomato slices, rocket, and a light swipe of mustard. Close the sandwich gently and slice to serve.
Tips and Variations
- Let the steak rest before slicing so the juices stay inside.
- Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning.
- Add cheese if you want extra richness.
- Swap rocket for lettuce if you prefer something milder.
- A splash of pan juices over the steak adds even more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sandwich warm while the steak stays juicy. I like cutting it into large sections so everyone gets a full mix of layers.
Crispy fries, potato wedges, or a simple side salad work well here. Cold drinks balance the richness and keep things relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of steak works best?
Any grilling steak with good marbling works well.
Can I make the onions ahead?
Yes, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Slice thinly against the grain after resting.
Can I skip the mustard?
Yes, the sandwich still tastes great without it.
Is this good for a crowd?
Yes, slice into portions and serve buffet style.
Final Thoughts
Easy Steak Sandwich brings bold flavor, comfort, and simplicity together in one big bite. Juicy steak, sweet onions, creamy sauce, and fresh greens make it feel balanced and satisfying.
Easy Steak Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Steak Sandwich
- ¾ cup mayonnaise preferably whole egg
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 600 to 700 g grilling beef steak
- Salt and pepper for steak
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tomatoes thickly sliced
- 60 g rocket arugula
- Mustard to taste
- Turkish bread about 2 feet long
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large onions peeled and finely sliced
- 40 g butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Make the Garlic Mayo: Start by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside so the flavors blend while you cook.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a wide pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add sliced onions and stir gently. Cook slowly for about 15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
- Sweeten the Onions: Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and stir well. Add balsamic vinegar and let everything cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until glossy and deeply flavored. Set aside.
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a heavy pan over high heat and add vegetable oil. Place the steak in the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Aim for a juicy center.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the Turkish bread lengthwise. Lightly toast the inside if you like extra texture.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread garlic mayo on the bread. Add sliced steak, caramelized onions, tomato slices, rocket, and a light swipe of mustard. Close the sandwich gently and slice to serve.




