Manly (yet still delicious) Steak Sandwiches

Okay, so I get it...it's football season and all the cooking shows feel like they have to talk about tailgate/manly food. Alright, I'll buy into this. Here's a man-approved steak sandwich, juicy and ready for the football season. Bring. It. On.


Most of you probably tailgate for the big football games, and grilling steak is (of course) a classic. But for those of you stuck at home, watching football on Monday nights on ESPN, here's a good recipe to try out. All you need is a skillet. 


Now, hold on. I know it doesn't scream MANLY or FOOTBALL or BBQ and I understand most men feel a strong desire to grill and you know what, if you absolutely have to then go for it. But, seriously, this sandwich is perfectly delicious made on the stovetop as well. I dare you to try it...


Deliciously Manly Steak Sandwiches:
(serving size: 2)

2 tbs. of mayo
1 tbs. of dijon mustard
1 tbs. of butter and just a touch of canola oil
2 nice pieces of sirloin (or any nice thick cut of steak, filet would be divine)
2 ciabatta rolls
1/2 cup of arugula 
2 tbs. of blue cheese crumbles
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper


Directions:


To begin cut the ciabatta rolls in half and mix together the mayo and dijon (to make what I like to call a "dijon ailoi," but really is just a nice spicy, mustardy, delicious spread for your sandwich). 

Spread the mayo mixture evenly onto the inside of the top and bottom of the ciabatta rolls. The mayo and dijon will act as a nice barrier between the bread and the steak, keeping all those juices from making your bread too soggy.

At this point you want to heat your skillet to about medium-high heat and add the butter and just a touch of canola oil, I'd say 1/2 tbs. This will raise the smoking temperature of the butter, which keeps it from burning but still allows you to get a delicious sear on your steak.

Sprinkle the steak with salt and pepper and cook steak on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the steak is done to your liking. If you have a strapping young man in your kitchen, like I did, you can even ask him to cook it for you!

After cooking the steak remove them to a plate and tent the steak with foil, allowing it to finish cooking and rest. 

Once you've allowed the steak to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, slice the steak and place on the bottom half of the ciabatta roll. Sprinkle each with about 1 tbs. of the blue cheese crumbles and top with 1/4 cup of the arugula. Add the top half of the ciabatta roll and you have a delicious steak sandwich!

You could really mix this recipe up to your liking. Say you wanted to add horseradish to top with caramelized onions instead of blue cheese, or add a balsamic vinegar reduction to your mayo. Or, what's that, you say you like horseradish in your mayo?

Really, the possibilities are endless...

Until next time, buon appetito!