The Perfect Steak Sandwich With Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Steak sandwiches elevate an ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience with their robust flavors and satisfying textures.

Tender meat sliced perfectly crafts an everyday meal into something extraordinary.

Crisp bread provides the ideal canvas for juicy, seasoned protein that promises delightful culinary moments.

Robust seasonings and carefully selected ingredients make this sandwich more than just a quick bite.

The secret weapon lies in the zingy horseradish sauce, which adds a creamy, tangy dimension to each mouthwatering layer.

Fresh ingredients and strategic preparation turn a simple concept into a memorable dining adventure.

Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of bold flavors and sophisticated techniques that create this remarkable sandwich.

Why Steak Sandwich with Creamy Horseradish Sauce Hits the Spot

• Craft Explosive Flavor Combinations: The marinade blends smoky spices like smoked paprika and cumin with zesty garlic and oregano, creating a bold taste profile that transforms an ordinary steak sandwich into a gourmet experience.
• Master Quick and Impressive Grilling Techniques: Cooking the steak and onions over direct and indirect heat ensures perfectly charred exterior with a juicy interior, demonstrating professional-level grilling skills in under 30 minutes.
• Elevate with Creamy Horseradish Kick: The homemade horseradish mayo adds a tangy, creamy element that cuts through the rich meat, providing a sophisticated sauce that takes the sandwich from good to extraordinary.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: This sandwich works brilliantly for casual backyard cookouts, weekend lunches, or even an impressive date night dinner, making it a go-to recipe for multiple scenarios.

The Ingredients Behind the Best Steak Sandwich Ever

• Skirt Steak: Tender and flavorful cut perfect for grilling, best when marinated and sliced against the grain.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps meat moist during grilling.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning for enhancing meat's natural flavor.
• Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Cayenne: Spices that add depth and mild heat to the steak.
• Garlic, Oregano: Herbs and aromatics that provide additional flavor complexity.

• Ciabatta Buns: Rustic Italian bread with a soft interior and crispy crust, ideal for holding juicy steak.
• Red Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized flavor when grilled.
• Lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and textural contrast.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the sauce.
• Horseradish: Provides sharp, spicy kick to complement the rich steak.
• Chives: Fresh herb that adds mild onion flavor and green color.

How to Build a Steak Sandwich That’s Big on Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Cayenne

Pulse for 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate Steak

Pour marinade over skirt steaks in bowl or storage bag. Massage marinade into meat, ensuring even coating. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Grill Onions

Toss red onion slices with olive oil. Grill over direct heat 3-4 minutes until tender. Move to indirect heat if cooking too quickly. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook Steak

Preheat grill to 425°F. Place marinated steaks on direct heat. Grill 2 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat, cover grill, cook additional 5 minutes for medium doneness. Remove and rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Create Creamy Horseradish Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Horseradish
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped chives

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble Sandwich

• Grilled onions
• Lettuce
• Sliced grilled steak

Top with bun and serve immediately.

Tips for Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Juicy Steak

• Marinate Masterfully: Let the steak absorb marinade flavors at room temperature to ensure deep, even seasoning and maximum tenderness.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut the steak perpendicular to its muscle fibers to guarantee a more tender, easier-to-chew sandwich experience.
• Rest Your Meat: Always allow the steak to rest after grilling, which helps redistribute juices and prevents dry, tough meat.
• Control Grill Temperature: Use two-zone grilling with direct and indirect heat zones to prevent burning and achieve perfect doneness.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust horseradish amount to personal preference, starting with less and gradually increasing for a customized creamy kick.

Store and Reheat Your Steak Sandwich the Right Way

• Store Leftovers: Wrap individual steak sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Label with the date and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Store leftover steak slices and sauce separately in sealed containers. Refrigerate components within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety. Keep steak and sauce in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
• Reheating Technique: Warm steak slices gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to retain moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

What Goes Well with a Steak Sandwich and Sauce

• Spice Up with Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the robust, smoky flavors of the grilled steak. Its rich tannins will cut through the creamy horseradish sauce and enhance the meat's deep, charred notes.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Grab an IPA or amber ale to balance the sandwich's spicy kick. The hoppy bitterness and malty undertones will refresh your palate between bites of the intense, flavorful steak.
• Crisp Side Salad Pairing: Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the sandwich's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus will cleanse your palate and add a zesty freshness to the meal.
• Tangy Pickle Accompaniment: Serve some crisp dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables on the side. Their sharp, acidic crunch will perfectly offset the creamy horseradish sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Flavor Combos for Upgrading Steak Sandwiches

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace smoked paprika and cumin with chipotle powder and chili lime seasoning for a bold, zesty kick. Add roasted poblano peppers and pepper jack cheese to amplify the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap oregano for fresh rosemary and thyme. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sliced cucumber. Use tzatziki sauce instead of horseradish mayo for a Greek-style transformation.
• Smoky Mushroom Enhancement: Add grilled portobello mushrooms alongside the steak for extra umami depth. Mix in some truffle oil to the horseradish sauce for an elegant, earthy undertone. Replace ciabatta with rustic sourdough bread to complement the rich flavors.
• Korean BBQ Crossover: Marinate steak in gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top sandwich with kimchi and quick-pickled carrots. Blend gochujang into the mayo for a spicy, tangy sauce that elevates the entire sandwich experience.

Steak Sandwich With Creamy Horseradish Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy, tender steak nestles between crusty bread slices, elevated by zesty horseradish sauce. Layers of savory flavors and creamy textures promise a sandwich experience that delights with each hearty bite you savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) skirt steak
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons dry oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Oils, Herbs, and Condiments:

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 ml) olive oil
• 1 large red onion, sliced ½ inch thick
• 4 ciabatta buns, toasted
• 4 red leaf lettuce leaves
• 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by blending olive oil with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, oregano, and cayenne in a food processor for 30 seconds until achieving a smooth consistency.
2. Submerge skirt steaks in the marinade, ensuring complete and even coating. Allow the meat to rest and absorb flavors at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare grill to 425°F (218°C), establishing both direct and indirect heat zones.
4. Toss red onion slices with remaining olive oil, then grill over direct heat for 3-4 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
5. Position marinated steaks on direct heat, grilling for 2 minutes per side to develop a rich sear.
6. Transfer steaks to indirect heat, covering grill and cooking for additional 5 minutes to achieve medium doneness.
7. Remove steaks from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute.
8. Whisk mayonnaise with prepared horseradish, kosher salt, black pepper, and finely chopped chives until smooth and well-integrated.
9. Toast ciabatta buns until golden and crisp around edges.
10. Generously spread horseradish sauce on both bun halves.
11. Layer grilled steak slices, caramelized onions, and crisp lettuce leaves.
12. Crown with top bun and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are optimal.

Notes

• Marinate skirt steak for maximum flavor infusion, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply within 20 minutes at room temperature.
• Grill onions first over direct heat to caramelize edges and develop a sweet, smoky char without burning.
• Cook steak precisely to achieve perfect medium doneness, moving between direct and indirect heat zones for even cooking.
• Rest grilled steak for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and succulent.
• Customize horseradish mayo by adjusting spice levels to match personal heat preference, blending for smooth, creamy consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality ciabatta bread toasted until golden for a crisp foundation that complements the juicy steak and creamy sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg