How to Cook Sandwich Steak
There really isn’t much better than a good steak sandwich, is there? I’m personally a big fan of a Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich with fries, but a steak sandwich stacked with fried onions is hard to resist too.
However you like your sandwich steak served, the important thing is cooking it quickly, keeping the pan hot, and not overdoing it. Sandwich steak is usually cut thin, so it does not need long in the pan.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook sandwich steak properly, how long it takes, how to keep it tender, and what to serve it with.
What Is Sandwich Steak?
Sandwich steak is a thin-cut beef steak used for steak sandwiches, steak rolls, subs, wraps, baguettes and quick pan-fried meals.
Because it is sliced thin, sandwich steak cooks very quickly. It is ideal for frying in a hot pan or on a griddle, then serving in bread with onions, cheese, sauce, salad, mushrooms or chips.
Our sandwich steak is cut from rump, which gives you good beef flavour while still cooking quickly enough for sandwiches.
This recipe works perfectly with our beef sandwich steak, which is cut thin and ready for quick frying.
What Cut of Meat Is Sandwich Steak?
Sandwich steak can be cut from a few different beef cuts, including rump, top rump, sirloin or topside.
Because sandwich steak is cut thin, it does not always need to come from the most expensive steak cuts. The key is that it should be sliced thinly and cooked quickly over a high heat.
We cut our sandwich steaks from rump because it gives a good balance of flavour, texture and value. If you prefer a thicker steak, take a look at our rump steak.
You can also browse our full beef and steak range for more steaks, roasting joints, mince and slow-cooking cuts.
Are Sandwich Steaks Tough?
Sandwich steaks should not be tough if they are good quality, sliced thinly and cooked properly.
The most common reason sandwich steak becomes tough is overcooking. Because the steak is thin, it only needs around a minute each side in a hot pan. If you cook it for too long, it can become dry and chewy.
How Do You Tenderise Sandwich Steak?
You can tenderise sandwich steak with a meat tenderiser or tenderising hammer.
Place the sandwich steaks on a chopping board, cover loosely with cling film or baking paper, and gently pound them with the textured side of the tenderising hammer until they are thin and even.
You can also use a marinade with acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, but for sandwich steak, a meat tenderiser is usually the simplest option.
How to Cook Sandwich Steak
Sandwich steak is best cooked quickly in a very hot frying pan, skillet or griddle.
Ingredients
- Beef sandwich steak
- Unsalted butter or oil
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: onions, mushrooms, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, steak sauce or bread rolls
Method
- Rest before cooking - Remove the sandwich steak from the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for around 10 minutes before cooking.
- Heat the pan - Preheat a frying pan, skillet or griddle until very hot. You want the steak to sizzle as soon as it touches the pan.
- Season - Season the steak with salt just before it goes into the pan.
- Add butter or oil - Add a little butter or oil to the pan. If using butter, do not let it burn.
- Cook quickly - Add the steak to the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan, or you will lose heat and the steak may steam instead of fry.
- Turn once - Cook for around 1 minute on each side, turning once a golden crust has formed.
- Cook longer if needed - For well-done sandwich steak, reduce the heat and cook for a further 30 seconds each side.
- Rest - Rest the steak on a warm plate for 2 minutes before serving.
- Finish - Season with freshly cracked black pepper, then serve in your sandwich.
How Long Does Sandwich Steak Take to Cook?
Sandwich steak cooks very quickly because it is thin.
As a guide:
- Medium: around 1 minute each side
- Well done: around 1 minute each side, then another 30 seconds each side on a lower heat
The exact time depends on how thin the steak is and how hot your pan is. The main thing is not to leave it cooking for too long.
Should You Cook Sandwich Steak in Butter or Oil?
You can cook sandwich steak in butter or oil.
Butter gives good flavour, but it can burn if the pan is too hot. Oil handles high heat better. A good option is to start with a little oil, then add a small knob of butter near the end for flavour.
What to Put in a Steak Sandwich
There are loads of ways to serve sandwich steak. Good fillings include:
- Fried onions
- Mushrooms
- Cheese
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Steak sauce
- Peppercorn sauce
- Rocket or lettuce
- Pickles
- Chips or fries on the side
For a Philly cheesesteak-style sandwich, try fried onions, melted cheese and soft bread. For a simple British steak sandwich, fried onions, mustard and a crusty roll will do the job nicely.
Can You Cook Sandwich Steak from Frozen?
It is best to defrost sandwich steak before cooking.
Because the steak is thin and cooks quickly, cooking from frozen can make it harder to get a good crust without overcooking parts of the meat. Defrost in the fridge, pat dry, then cook in a hot pan.
Final Thoughts
Sandwich steak is quick, simple and perfect for a proper steak sandwich at home. The key is to use a hot pan, avoid overcrowding, and cook it quickly.
Do not treat sandwich steak like a thick steak. It only needs a short time in the pan, then a quick rest before serving.
Add fried onions, cheese, mustard, mushrooms or whatever else you fancy, and you have a brilliant lunch, dinner or weekend treat.
If you are cooking a thicker steak instead, see our guide on how to cook steak in the oven.
FAQs
How do you cook sandwich steak?
Cook sandwich steak quickly in a very hot frying pan or griddle. Season with salt, add a little butter or oil, and cook for around 1 minute each side.
How long does sandwich steak take to cook?
Sandwich steak usually takes around 1 minute each side because it is cut thin. For well done, cook for a little longer on a lower heat.
What cut is sandwich steak?
Sandwich steak can be cut from rump, top rump, sirloin or topside. At True Bites, our sandwich steaks are cut from rump.
Why is my sandwich steak tough?
Sandwich steak is usually tough because it has been overcooked. Cook it quickly over high heat and rest it briefly before serving.
Do you need to tenderise sandwich steak?
You do not always need to tenderise sandwich steak, but you can use a meat tenderiser to make it thinner and more even before cooking.
Can you use sandwich steak for Philly cheesesteak?
Yes, sandwich steak works well for Philly cheesesteak-style sandwiches, especially when cooked quickly and served with onions and melted cheese.
Should you marinate sandwich steak?
You can marinate sandwich steak, but it is not essential. Because it is thin, it cooks quickly and works well with simple salt, pepper and butter.
