Gourmet Steak Sandwich

This gourmet steak sandwich combines tender New York strip steak with sweet caramelized Dijon onions, creamy Brie cheese, and fig jam for a flavor explosion that elevates the humble sandwich to restaurant quality. The contrast between the savory steak, tangy Dijon onions, and sweet fig jam creates a memorable meal that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.

I first made these sandwiches for a casual dinner party and my guests were fighting over the last one. Now they've become my go to recipe whenever I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• New York strip steak provides the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor while offering consistent marbling throughout
• Red onions become incredibly sweet when caramelized and balance perfectly with the Dijon mustard
• Brie cheese adds a creamy richness that melts beautifully around the other ingredients
• Fig jam provides the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory elements
• Arugula contributes a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness
• Focaccia or ciabatta buns offer structure to handle the hearty fillings while providing excellent texture

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Steak

Allow the steak to come to room temperature while you pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step ensures proper browning and even cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly than cold meat straight from the refrigerator.

Caramelize the Onions

Cook thinly sliced red onions in olive oil over medium high heat for about 5 to 8 minutes until they begin to soften and brown. Then reduce heat to low and continue cooking for another 15 minutes until they become very soft and deeply caramelized. This slow cooking process transforms the sharp onion flavor into sweet umami richness. Stir in Dijon mustard for a tangy depth that complements the sweet onions perfectly.

Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a skillet until almost smoking. Add the steak and sear for one minute per side to develop a flavorful crust. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 7 to 10 minutes, turning once, until the meat reaches 125°F for rare. This two stage cooking method ensures a beautiful exterior with a perfectly cooked interior. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain to ensure tender bites.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Butter a baking dish and arrange the bottom buns in a single layer. Layer arugula, sliced steak, Brie cheese, and Dijon onions. Spread fig jam on the inside of the top buns and complete the sandwiches. Brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish when baked.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until the cheese melts completely. This final baking step brings all the flavors together while creating the perfect melty cheese texture that holds everything in place.

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The first time I served these sandwiches at a football watch party, they disappeared within minutes. My brother in law who typically avoids fancy food claimed it was the best sandwich he'd ever tasted and now requests them whenever he visits.

Creative Serving Ideas

These steak sandwiches can be transformed into elegant appetizers by using mini buns and cutting each sandwich into quarters. Secure with decorative toothpicks for easy handling at parties. I love serving these alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a complete meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Customizing Your Sandwich

While this recipe features Brie cheese and fig jam, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Try substituting blue cheese for a bolder flavor or goat cheese for tangy creaminess. Replace fig jam with cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, or even a sweet onion jam. The caramelized Dijon onions work beautifully with any of these variations, making this recipe endlessly adaptable to your pantry and preferences.

The Secret to Perfect Steak

The key to these sandwiches is properly cooked steak. For best results, invest in a good quality meat thermometer and remove the steak from heat when it reaches 125°F for rare. The meat will continue cooking as it rests, resulting in perfectly tender, juicy steak. Allowing the meat to rest before slicing is crucial as it gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when sliced.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ What's the best bread to use for this steak sandwich?

Focaccia, ciabatta, or a crusty baguette work best as they're sturdy enough to hold the substantial fillings without getting soggy. For sliders or smaller portions, mini French rolls or pretzel buns are excellent options. The ideal bread should be soft enough to bite through easily but sturdy enough to support the steak and toppings.

→ Can I substitute the Brie cheese with something else?

Absolutely! While Brie provides a wonderful creamy element, you could substitute it with Camembert, Gruyère, blue cheese, or even a sharp white cheddar. Each cheese will provide a different flavor profile but will work beautifully with the steak and caramelized onions.

→ What can I use instead of fig jam?

If fig jam isn't available, try other sweet fruit preserves like apricot, cherry, or blackberry jam. Red pepper jelly provides a sweet-spicy alternative, while caramelized onion jam or balsamic glaze offer more savory options that still provide the sweet counterpoint to the savory steak and cheese.

→ How do I know when my steak is properly cooked for this sandwich?

For the best texture in a steak sandwich, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness (125°F to 135°F internal temperature). The steak should be seared on the outside while maintaining some pinkness in the center. Always let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices, and cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

→ Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The complete sandwiches can be assembled up to 1 hour before serving and kept at room temperature. Just wait to bake them until shortly before serving so the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread is warm and toasty.

→ What side dishes pair well with this steak sandwich?

This gourmet sandwich pairs beautifully with crispy potato chips, french fries, or sweet potato fries. For lighter options, consider a simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. A cup of tomato soup also makes a wonderful accompaniment, especially during cooler months.