
Tender grilled beef, thinly sliced and seasoned to perfection, tucked inside crispy ciabatta with charred onions and tangy horseradish cream makes this the best steak sandwich ever. Every mouthful combines succulent meat, sweetened grilled onions, and that zippy sauce that ties it all together.
I whipped up this sandwich when I needed something simple but impressive for casual get-togethers. Now this combo of juicy skirt steak and spicy horseradish has become what I make for everything from football Sundays to busy weeknight meals.
Key Ingredients
- Skirt steak: The open grain texture soaks up flavors really well and it cooks super fast
- Fresh horseradish: Adds that zingy heat that balances out the fatty meat
- Ciabatta bread: Stays firm and doesn't get mushy from the meat juices
- Red onions: Get extra sweet when you throw them on the grill
- Quality mayonnaise: Forms the foundation for a smooth, rich topping
Cooking Method
- 1. Mix Your Marinade
- Start with olive oil and add a tasty mix of spices - cumin, smoky paprika, and crushed garlic create deep flavor. Rub this all over the meat to soften it up and add flavor.
- 2. Nail the Grilling Technique
- Get your grill super hot for good searing and flavor. Cook the meat just 2-3 minutes each side for medium-rare, then let it sit before cutting across the grain for the most tender bites.
- 3. Cook Those Onions
- While your meat rests, toss thick onion slices on the grill until they get some nice char marks and soften up. They'll get naturally sweeter, which goes great with the savory meat.
- 4. Whip Up Your Sauce
- Mix mayo with fresh horseradish, adding more or less depending on how spicy you want it. Throw in some snipped chives for fresh flavor that works with both the meat and sauce.
- 5. Put It All Together
- Stack everything carefully - spread sauce on both pieces of toasted bread, then add lettuce, grilled onions, and those thin slices of steak. How you layer affects both how it holds together and tastes.

During a summer cookout, while trying different steak cuts, I found that skirt steak's loose texture made it fantastic for sandwiches. I love how quickly it cooks and soaks up flavors, making it my top pick when friends come over.
Steak Doneness Guide
For the yummiest results, watch your meat's internal temp. If you want rare steak with a red middle, shoot for 125°F. For medium-rare with a warm pink center, aim for 135°F. If you like it a bit more done with just a hint of pink, cook to 145°F for medium.
Prep Ahead Options
You can make the horseradish sauce up to three days early and keep it in the fridge. The marinade can be mixed a day before, but don't put it on the meat until about 20-30 minutes before you're ready to cook.
Bread Suggestions
While I love ciabatta best, any hearty bread works well. Just make sure to toast it so it doesn't get soggy from the juicy meat. Sourdough and French bread make great substitutes too.
Ways To Switch It Up
Build your dream sandwich by adding grilled mushrooms, melty provolone, or crunchy bacon. Want more heat? Throw in extra horseradish or some pickled jalapeños.
From summer cookouts to rushed weeknight dinners, this steak sandwich has become my go-to meal. The mix of perfectly grilled meat, sweet charred onions, and that kickin' horseradish sauce creates something that's easy but feels special. Whether you're a grill master or just learning, you can make restaurant-quality sandwiches right in your own kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap skirt steak for another cut?
- Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin flap, or some pre-cooked leftover steak will do the trick.
- → Is the horseradish sauce super spicy?
- Not at all! It’s mild with the given ratio, but feel free to add more horseradish bit by bit if you want a kick.
- → Can this be prepped in advance?
- You can make the sauce up to two days before, and the steak can marinate in the fridge for up to eight hours.
- → What if I can’t grill?
- No problem! A cast iron pan or stovetop grill works just as well. Sear the steak 3-4 minutes each side for medium-rare.
- → Why slice against the grain?
- It helps break up the muscle fibers, making each bite tender and easier to chew.