Zesty Steak Sandwich with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Juicy, tender slices of perfectly grilled steak nestled between crusty bread with a zesty horseradish sauce can turn an ordinary lunch into a mouthwatering experience.

This hearty steak sandwich with creamy horseradish sauce delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of succulent meat paired with a tangy, creamy condiment create an irresistible combination.

The sauce adds a delightful kick that complements the rich, smoky beef.

Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes provide fresh contrast to the robust meat and piquant sauce.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this sandwich a go-to meal for anyone craving a restaurant-quality lunch at home.

Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this delectable recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

What Tools You’ll Use for This Steak Sandwich

• Grill: Essential for cooking the steak and onions at high temperature.
• Food processor: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing horseradish mayo ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing steak and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing steak against the grain.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning steak and onions on the grill.
• Resealable storage bag or bowl: Used for marinating the steak.
• Mixing spoon: Helpful for stirring mayo ingredients and combining marinade.

Building the Perfect Steak Sandwich with Sauce

• Flavor Infusion

Create a zesty marinade by blending olive oil with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Coat the skirt steak thoroughly and let it soak up the flavors for 20 minutes.

• Charred Onion Preparation

Toss red onion slices in olive oil and grill until they develop a soft, caramelized texture with beautiful char marks.

• Steak Grilling

Cook the marinated steak over direct heat for a quick sear, then move to indirect heat to reach desired doneness. Allow the meat to rest before slicing to keep juices locked in.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Whip together mayonnaise, horseradish, and fresh chives to create a tangy, creamy condiment that will elevate the sandwich’s flavor profile.

• Sandwich Assembly

Layer the grilled steak slices on toasted ciabatta bread, adding grilled onions and crisp lettuce. Spread the zesty horseradish sauce generously and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Tips to Make Horseradish Sauce Pop

• Cut the skirt steak perpendicular to its muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
• Adjust the cayenne and horseradish quantities to match your personal heat preference, ranging from mild to extra zesty for adventurous palates.
• Swap skirt steak with flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin for different texture and flavor profiles while maintaining the sandwich's delicious essence.
• Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu steaks, keeping the horseradish sauce and grilled onion components for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Experiment with different bread types like sourdough, rustic French bread, or whole grain rolls to add unique textures and complement the robust steak flavors.

How to Serve This Bold Steak Sandwich

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss together fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices to balance the rich, meaty sandwich with a light, refreshing accompaniment.
• Serve with Crunchy Potato Chips: Select thick-cut kettle chips or homemade seasoned potato wedges for a delightful crispy texture that complements the tender grilled steak.
• Add Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Place tangy pickled jalapeños, quick-pickled red onions, or dill pickle spears on the side to cut through the richness and add a zesty flavor punch.
• Pair with Cold Beer Recommendation: Choose a hoppy IPA or crisp lager that can stand up to the bold flavors of the grilled steak and creamy horseradish sauce.

How to Store Steak Sandwich Ingredients Separately

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover steak and grilled onions in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the sandwich components separate to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual steak slices in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Frozen steak can last up to 2 months when properly stored, perfect for quick future meals.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate the steak and mix horseradish sauce one day in advance. Keep refrigerated in separate containers to enhance flavors and save time during meal preparation.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Gently reheat cold steak in a skillet on medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Warm toast the buns briefly to restore their original texture and warmth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 728 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Steak Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce

• Skirt Steak: Tender, flavorful cut perfect for grilling with a rich, meaty texture that absorbs marinades beautifully. Choose fresh, bright red meat with minimal fat marbling for the best results.
• Chives: Delicate herb that adds a subtle oniony freshness and vibrant green color to the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and tenderize the meat while adding a smooth, rich flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances meat's natural flavors and helps create a perfect crust during grilling.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming heat and complexity to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a deep, smoky undertone that complements the grilled meat.
• Cumin: Introduces an earthy, warm spice with a distinctive aroma.
• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor that penetrates the meat deeply.
• Oregano: Contributes a classic Mediterranean herb note with slightly bitter undertones.
• Cayenne: Adds a subtle, spicy kick to wake up the taste buds.

• Ciabatta Buns: Rustic Italian bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior, perfect for holding juicy steak.
• Red Onions: Provides a sweet, slightly sharp crunch when grilled.
• Lettuce: Adds fresh, crisp texture and a light, green element to the sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the zesty horseradish sauce.

Juicy Steak Sandwich With Tangy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mediterranean-style steak sandwich with creamy horseradish sauce delivers bold flavors between crusty ciabatta bread. Grilled beef, tangy sauce, and fresh herbs create a delicious lunch experience you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) skirt steak
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• ¼ cup plus 2 tbsps (90 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 2 tsps cumin
• 2 tsps dry oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 large red onion, sliced ½ inch thick
• 4 ciabatta buns, toasted
• 4 red leaf lettuce leaves
• 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps chopped chives

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, oregano, and cayenne in a food processor until achieving a smooth, aromatic mixture.
2. Marinating: Thoroughly coat skirt steaks in the prepared marinade, allowing the meat to absorb flavors at room temperature for optimal taste infusion.
3. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to 425°F (218°C), establishing distinct direct and indirect heat zones for precise cooking.
4. Vegetable Grilling: Coat red onion slices with olive oil and grill over direct heat until tender and caramelized, developing a rich, smoky character.
5. Steak Searing: Position marinated steaks on direct heat, creating a robust exterior crust by grilling for a brief period on each side.
6. Steak Finishing: Transition steaks to indirect heat, covering the grill to ensure even cooking and achieve perfect medium doneness.
7. Resting: Remove steaks from heat and allow them to rest, enabling internal juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
8. Sauce Creation: Combine mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, kosher salt, black pepper, and finely chopped chives, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
9. Bread Preparation: Toast ciabatta buns until achieving a golden, crisp exterior that provides textural contrast.
10. Assembly: Spread horseradish sauce generously on bun halves, layer with grilled steak slices, caramelized onions, and crisp lettuce leaves, then crown with top bun.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let steak absorb flavors at room temperature for even seasoning and optimal tenderness.
• Grill with Precision: Create dual heat zones to develop perfect sear and controlled internal cooking, preventing overcooking.
• Rest Meat Completely: Allow steak to rest 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture retention.
• Sauce Balance: Adjust horseradish quantity to personal heat preference, whisking thoroughly for smooth, consistent texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 728
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1120 mg
• Fat: 61 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 53 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg