Chipotle Mayo Steak Sandwich

Featured in Stacked sandwiches worth craving.

This hearty sandwich brings together thinly sliced, seared steak and rich caramelized onions, topped with melted provolone and creamy chipotle mayo. Building layers of flavor takes time, especially with the slow-cooked onions, but the result is incredible. The steak is cooked to a charred finish, sliced thin to keep it tender, and served on a crusty roll. Optional arugula adds a fresh peppery bite. Finish by baking until bubbly and warm. The smoky mayo ties everything together for an unforgettable sandwich.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:01:10 GMT
Mouthwatering Steak Sandwich Pin it
Mouthwatering Steak Sandwich | tasteofsavor.com

These mouthwatering steak sandwiches mix juicy seared skirt steak, rich caramelized onions, gooey provolone cheese, and spicy chipotle mayo on a crunchy baguette. Each mouthful delivers just the right mix of soft meat, smooth sauce, and crisp bread, making this sandwich perfect for any fancy dinner or casual get-together.

I remember the first time I whipped these sandwiches up for my family - my kitchen smelled amazing with those onions slowly cooking down and that steak sizzling away. My husband couldn't even speak after his first bite, just closed his eyes and smiled. We now make these whenever friends come over.

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice

  • Skirt steak: Go for pieces with good fat streaks and even thickness. Always dry them before adding seasoning
  • Baguette: Pick one with a crunchy outside and fluffy inside. Slightly stale bread actually works great
  • Provolone: Get it cut sandwich-thin at the deli for the best melt
  • Red onions: Look for ones that feel heavy and don't have soft spots
  • Chipotles in adobo: Try a tiny bit of the sauce first to check how hot it is
  • Baby arugula: Pick bright, perky leaves that'll add a peppery kick

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Nail Your Steak: Let meat sit out until it's not cold. Wipe it totally dry with paper towels. Add plenty of salt and pepper. Get your pan super hot before cooking. Don't move the meat while it's searing. Let it rest after cooking before you cut it.
Step 2:
Get Those Onions Right: Cut onions into same-size slices. Add a bit of water at first to help them soften. Turn the heat down slowly as they cook. Give them a stir now and then so they don't stick. Keep an eye on their color for that perfect brown. Add a splash of water if they start to burn.
Step 3:
Put It All Together: Lightly toast your baguette until it's just crunchy. Slather on plenty of chipotle mayo. Lay down your steak slices evenly. Pile on warm caramelized onions. Cover with provolone cheese. Top with fresh arugula. Press down slightly to get everything to stick together.
The Best Steak Sandwich cheese Pin it
The Best Steak Sandwich cheese | tasteofsavor.com

Just last weekend, I had some friends over and set up a build-your-own sandwich station with all the fixings laid out. Everyone had a blast making their perfect sandwich. Funny thing is, the caramelized onions were gone in minutes - they're that tasty!

Watch Your Heat

Cover your cooked steak with foil to keep it warm while you get everything else ready. That little bit of warmth will help melt your cheese just right when you build your sandwich.

Prep-Ahead Plan

Get things ready before the big day: Cook those onions up to three days early. Mix up your chipotle mayo the night before. Cut your bread and wash your greens in advance. Then just focus on cooking the steak right before eating.

What To Serve With It

These sandwiches go great with hot crispy fries, a simple arugula salad, or crunchy homemade chips. If you're feeding a crowd, try cutting them into smaller pieces so they're easier to handle.

Different Ways To Enjoy

I've learned to switch up this sandwich for all kinds of occasions. When I'm hosting something fancy, I cut them into cute little bites. For lunch with friends, I keep them big and put extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Try Different Breads

Though crusty baguette works great, don't be afraid to try other options: Ciabatta gives you more chew with those little holes that catch the sauce. Sourdough adds a nice tangy flavor. French rolls work perfectly for single servings. Using garlic bread kicks up the flavor even more.

Mix Up Your Sauce

You can change the chipotle mayo in so many ways: Throw in some roasted garlic for extra flavor. Add fresh herbs to brighten it up. Mix in horseradish for more kick. Blend in some roasted red peppers. Stir in a bit of Dijon mustard.

Use Up Leftovers

Any extra ingredients can make totally new meals: Put steak and onions in your morning eggs. Toss them on greens for a filling lunch. Make breakfast sandwiches by adding eggs. Mix with pasta for a quick dinner. Stuff them in quesadillas.

easy The Best Steak Sandwich Pin it
easy The Best Steak Sandwich | tasteofsavor.com

Making this sandwich has taught me that amazing food doesn't need fancy ingredients, just care and attention to detail. Whenever I make these, I'm reminded that good food brings everyone together around the table, creating special moments. Whether you cook all the time or you're just starting out, you can make something truly delicious with this sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make parts of this earlier?
Absolutely! The chipotle mayo and caramelized onions can stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days.
→ Why slice steak a certain way?
Cutting against the grain shortens the tough fibers, so each bite is easier to chew.
→ Are other steaks okay to use?
For sure! You can swap skirt steak for ribeye or flank steak.
→ Is the chipotle mayo too spicy?
With 3 peppers, it's medium spicy. Use more or less based on your taste.
→ What bread works best?
Go for crusty rolls like ciabatta or a baguette to handle all the juicy goodness.

Chipotle Mayo Steak Sandwich

An irresistible sandwich packed with juicy steak slices, sweet onions, gooey provolone, and homemade chipotle mayo for a little kick.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Cooked Onions

01 3 large red onions, thinly sliced
02 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
04 1/2 cup water, more if needed

→ Spicy Mayo

05 1 cup mayonnaise
06 1/4 cup sour cream
07 3 chipotle peppers in adobo (from a can)
08 3 tablespoons of the adobo sauce

→ Sandwich Ingredients

09 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
10 1 large baguette or 4 ciabatta rolls
11 1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
12 1-2 cups fresh baby arugula (optional)
13 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
14 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 2 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil
16 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra if needed

Instructions

Step 01

In a large pan, toss together the onions, salt, olive oil, and water. Cover and cook on medium-high for around 12-15 minutes until softened. Remove the lid, lower the heat to medium, and cook for another 30 minutes or so until golden and sticky, adding water occasionally if the pan gets too dry.

Step 02

Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to adjust the flavor.

Step 03

Warm up a pan over medium-high heat. Dry the steak after cutting it to fit the pan, and season all over with pepper and salt. Cook in hot oil for about 3 minutes per side to brown nicely. Let it rest for 5 minutes under a foil tent, then slice against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide.

Step 04

Set the oven to 450°F. Slice the baguette in half and place it on a baking sheet covered with foil. Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom, then layer on the steak, onions, and provolone cheese. Brush the top piece of bread with olive oil. Bake for 3-5 minutes until the cheese gets gooey. Add arugula if you want, close the sandwich, and cut into servings.

Notes

  1. Don’t have time? Cook onions in 5-10 minutes instead of caramelizing.
  2. Onions can be prepped ahead and kept in the fridge.
  3. Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in foil at 350°F.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan with a lid
  • Heavy-bottomed pan, like cast iron or stainless steel
  • Sheet pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • A sharp cutting knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, sour cream)
  • Includes eggs (mayo)
  • Contains gluten (bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 871
  • Total Fat: 51.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 49.2 g
  • Protein: 52.9 g