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Marry Me Steak Sandwich Recipe

4.8 from 99 reviews

The Marry Me Steak Sandwich is a rich and flavorful sandwich featuring a perfectly seared New York Strip steak, sweet caramelized onions with balsamic glaze, fresh arugula, and zesty lemon herb aioli on toasted ciabatta. This hearty, decadent sandwich combines savory and tangy flavors for an irresistible gourmet experience that’s perfect for a special meal or indulgent lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1 New York Strip steak
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional, for basting)
  • Drizzle of oil or pork lard (for searing)

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp salt (for onions)
  • 1 tsp balsamic glaze (for onions)

Sandwich Assembly

  • 1 ciabatta loaf, sliced in half
  • Lemon herb aioli (Stonewall brand recommended)
  • 1 handful fresh arugula
  • 1 tsp balsamic glaze (extra drizzle for assembly)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Remove the New York Strip steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about an hour. Generously season all sides of the steak with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor while it rests.
  2. Sear the Steak: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil or pork lard. First, sear the steak on the fat cap side for about 1 minute to render fat. Then cook the steak 2 to 3 minutes per side until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of butter during the last flip and baste the steak with the melted butter.
  3. Rest and Slice Steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
  4. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the thinly sliced onions and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the onions become soft and caramelized. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze over the onions during cooking for a subtle sweetness and to deepen the golden color. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Toast the Bread: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half and toast each half until golden and crispy. This can be done in a toaster or in a pan over medium heat, adding a slight crunch and warmth to the sandwich.
  6. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread lemon herb aioli generously on the toasted ciabatta halves. Layer fresh arugula on the bottom half, followed by the thinly sliced steak (season with a pinch of salt if desired), caramelized onions, and finish with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor balance.
  7. Serve: Slice the assembled sandwich in half and serve while warm. Enjoy the delicious combination of juicy steak, sweet onions, tangy aioli, and fresh arugula. Be mindful, this sandwich could charm anyone you make it for!

Notes

  • Allowing the steak to come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan for best searing results.
  • Butter basting adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter sandwich.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep flavor without burning.
  • Lemon herb aioli adds a bright, creamy contrast—Stonewall brand is recommended but any quality brand works.
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze over onions and sandwich for subtle sweetness and acidity balance.
  • Let steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Use ciabatta for ideal texture; substitute with another crusty bread if needed.

Keywords: steak sandwich, caramelized onions, balsamic glaze, lemon herb aioli, New York strip steak, ciabatta sandwich, gourmet sandwich