Juicy Steak Horseradish Sandwich

Featured in Ultimate Comfort Food Dishes.

This juicy steak sandwich pairs a punchy horseradish mayo with marinated, seared skirt steak. Garlic, paprika, and herbs infuse flavor into the steak, while caramelized onions add a bit of sweetness. Topped with crisp lettuce and stuffed into toasted ciabatta, it’s ideal for leftover steak or a planned feast. Restaurant vibes in your kitchen.
Un'immagine di una donna con i capelli raccolti in una borsa.
Updated on Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:34:34 GMT
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Tender Sandwich Packed with Steak and Horseradish Sauce | kyliecook.com

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.
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Mouthwatering Steak Sandwich with Zesty Horseradish Sauce | kyliecook.com

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.

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Sizzling Steak Sandwich with Spicy Horseradish Sauce | kyliecook.com

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.

Steak Sandwich Horseradish

Seared, garlicky skirt steak layered with tangy horseradish sauce and caramelized onions. All stuffed into crispy, toasted ciabatta.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Cozy & Classic

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Steak Marinade

01 3 lbs skirt steak
02 6 tablespoons olive oil, split
03 2 tablespoons sea salt
04 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
05 2 teaspoons smoked paprika powder
06 2 teaspoons ground cumin
07 5 garlic cloves, crushed
08 2 teaspoons oregano, dried
09 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Creamy Horseradish Sauce

10 1¼ cups mayo
11 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
12 ½ teaspoon flaky salt
13 ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
14 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

→ Putting It Together

15 1 big red onion, cut into ½-inch rings
16 4 toasted ciabatta rolls
17 4 crisp red leaf lettuce pieces

Instructions

Step 01

Fire up the grill to 425°F, using cooler indirect heat. In a food processor, blitz together ¼ cup of the olive oil and spices for a 30-second blend. Coat the steak in marinade and let it chill on the counter for 20 minutes.

Step 02

Drizzle the onion slices with whatever olive oil’s left. Lay them on the grill over direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping as needed. If they’re browning too fast, shift to a cooler spot.

Step 03

Sear steaks 2 minutes on each side, then slide them to indirect heat. Cover, and cook another 5 minutes for a medium finish. Let them rest for 5 minutes and slice thinly across the grain.

Step 04

While the steak hangs out, stir together the mayo, horseradish, chives, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth.

Step 05

Slather the mayo onto both sides of the warm buns. Stack on the grilled onions, lettuce, and juicy steak slices to finish.

Notes

  1. Slicing meat against the grain keeps it tender.
  2. Don’t have skirt steak? Try sirloin flap instead.
  3. Start with a little horseradish—you can always add more later.

Tools You'll Need

  • Barbecue grill
  • Blender or food processor
  • Small bowls for mixing
  • A sharp kitchen knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs are in the mayonnaise
  • Ciabatta rolls contain gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 1147
  • Total Fat: 79 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 80 g