
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.

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.

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.