Steak sandwiches hold a special place in my heart, reminiscent of summer barbecues with family and friends. One particular memory that stands out is a sunny afternoon picnic by the lake, where my uncle, a grill master in his own right, introduced me to his version of the steak sandwich. The secret, he said, was all in the herb butter. Inspired by that delicious experience, I’ve adapted his recipe to create my own take on this classic, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia.
This recipe features a beautifully tender steak, perfectly seasoned and complemented by the rich, aromatic herb butter. The addition of sautéed onions and melted Havarti cheese brings everything together in a way that is both simple and extraordinary. The preparation is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both weekday meals and casual gatherings.
One tweak I’ve found particularly delightful is the inclusion of fresh dill in the herb butter. Dill adds a unique, fresh flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich. However, if dill isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with other herbs like parsley or chives. Another variation to consider is using different types of cheese. While Havarti is wonderfully creamy and melts beautifully, cheeses like provolone or Swiss can add a different depth of flavor.
To make slicing the steak easier, try freezing it for about 30 minutes before cutting. This technique allows for thinner, more uniform slices, ensuring even cooking. When it comes to the bread, a baguette is my go-to choice for its crusty exterior and soft interior, but any sturdy bread can work well.
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or just craving a hearty sandwich, this steak sandwich recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s quick to make, yet feels indulgent, bringing together simple ingredients to create a memorable meal. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Making Steak Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound steak
- 1 tablespoon salt (to taste)
- 1 baguette
Directions
- Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh dill until smooth. Set the herb butter aside.
- Thinly slice the steak. For easier slicing, you can slightly freeze the steak beforehand.
- In a hot skillet, heat the oil. Add the steak strips and season with salt. Cook until just browned, then remove and set aside.
- Slice the onion into half rings and sauté in the same skillet until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice the baguette lengthwise and spread the herb butter on both halves. Arrange the steak slices, sautéed onions, and Havarti cheese on the bread.
- Broil the open-faced sandwich for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately while the sandwich is warm.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover steak sandwich components separately. Keep the cooked steak and sautéed onions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The herb butter can be refrigerated for up to a week. Assemble and heat the sandwich fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese for the steak sandwich?
Yes, you can substitute Havarti cheese with other types of cheese like Swiss, provolone, or cheddar, depending on your preference.
What is the best cut of steak to use for a steak sandwich?
For steak sandwiches, tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are ideal. They are flavorful and cook quickly.
How can I make the steak more tender?
To make the steak more tender, you can marinate it for a few hours before cooking or slice it very thinly against the grain.
Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?
Absolutely! The herb butter can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it soften before spreading on the baguette.
Is there a way to make this sandwich spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the herb butter or add sliced jalapeños to the sandwich.
Can I use a different type of bread for the sandwich?
Yes, you can use other types of bread like ciabatta, hoagie rolls, or even sourdough, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Steak Sandwich
Ingredients
Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Steak Sandwich:
- 1 lb steak
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp salt to taste
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 1 baguette
Instructions
Herb Butter
- Mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped dill until well combined. Set aside.
Steak Sandwich
- Thinly slice the steak. Pro tip: slightly freeze the steak before slicing to make it easier.
- Heat a skillet with oil over high heat. Add the steak strips and season with salt. Cook until just browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Slice the onion into half rings. Using the same skillet, sauté the onions until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cut the baguette lengthwise and spread the herb butter on both sides. Layer the steak slices, sautéed onions, and Havarti cheese slices on the bread.
- Keep the sandwich open-faced and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately while still warm.
