Table of Contents

Chipotle Grilled Steak Sandwich

The first time I tasted a perfectly grilled steak sandwich, it was at a bustling street fair in Miami. The air was thick with the aroma of sizzling meat and sweet plantains, a combination I’d never encountered before. The vendor, a charismatic man with a well-worn grill, handed me the sandwich with a flourish. The explosion of flavors – the smoky steak, the sweet and savory plantains, the creamy chipotle mayo – was a revelation. It was a culinary symphony that transported me to a place of pure bliss, and I’ve been chasing that perfect bite ever since.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Yields: 4 sandwiches
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

2 large green plantains, about 10 inches long and 2-3 inches wide
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Cajun Spice

1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder

Cajun Steak

24 ounces skirt steaks
6 ounces salted butter, melted
1 cup Cajun spices (see above)

Chipotle Mayonnaise

1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chipotle chili sauce

Crispy Fried Onions

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 large Spanish onion

Assembly

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Equipment Needed

Large pot or deep-fryer
Metal flat spatula
Knife
Flat top or metal skillet
Mixing bowl
Paper towels
Broiler or microwave

Instructions

Begin by preparing the plantains. Peel them and cut each plantain in half widthwise, then cut each half lengthwise.
In a large pot or deep-fryer, preheat vegetable oil to 325°F. It’s crucial to monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer for best results.
Carefully add the plantains to the hot oil and fry for 5 minutes. This first fry softens the plantains, preparing them for the pressing process.
Remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a flat surface lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Increase the heat of the oil to 375°F. This higher temperature will crisp up the plantains in the second fry.
Using a metal flat spatula, press down onto the plantains until they are flattened to less than 1/4 inch thick. This step is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture. Be careful not to press too hard, as the plantains can break apart.
Using a knife to help scrape the flattened plantain off the spatula, carefully deep-fry them again for 3 minutes. This second fry is where the magic happens, turning the plantains into crispy, golden-brown delights.
Remove the plantains from the oil and season immediately with salt and pepper to taste. The salt will adhere better while the plantains are still hot.
Now, prepare the Cajun spice mixture. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Next, prepare the skirt steaks. Cut the skirt steak into roughly 6 ounce portions. Dip each piece of steak into 4 ounces of melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated.
Immediately dip the buttered steak into the Cajun spice mix, thoroughly coating both sides. Press the spice mixture into the steak to help it adhere.
Spread the remaining melted butter onto a flat top griddle or metal skillet. Place the seasoned steaks on the buttered surface and cook on both sides until medium or your preferred degree of doneness. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness, but generally, it will take about 3-5 minutes per side for medium.
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures the steak is tender and easy to chew.
Prepare the Chipotle Mayonnaise by combining the mayonnaise and chipotle chili sauce in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Adjust the amount of chipotle sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
Time to make the Crispy Fried Onions. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Slice the Spanish onion very thinly. Uniform slices are key to even frying.
Place the sliced onion in the flour mixture. Squeeze the slices of onion as you are mixing them with the flour mixture to ensure they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour before frying.
Carefully drop a small amount of onions into the 375°F oil at a time, being mindful not to overcrowd the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onions.
Cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Remove the fried onions and drain them on paper towels. Season lightly with salt while they are still hot.
Now for the fun part: assembling the sandwich! Layer one fried plantain on a plate.
Spread one tablespoon of chipotle mayonnaise evenly on the bottom plantain.
Top with sliced steak and 1/3 cup of shredded cheese.
Place the assembled sandwich under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes, or use the microwave, to melt the cheese. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Continue layering with 1/2 cup of fried onion, 1 more tablespoon of chipotle mayonnaise spread evenly on top of the onions, and finish with one more fried plantain on top.
Before serving, cut the sandwich in half.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra smoky flavor, grill the skirt steak over charcoal instead of on a flat top.
If you don’t have time to make the crispy fried onions from scratch, store-bought crispy fried onions can be used as a substitute.
To prevent the fried plantains from becoming soggy, make sure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pot.
The Cajun spice mix can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chipotle Grilled Steak Sandwich immediately after assembly for the best taste and texture. The crispy plantains and fried onions tend to soften over time.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the plantains and fried onions will lose their crispness. Reheat the steak and plantains separately in a skillet or oven before reassembling the sandwich. It is not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwich.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1509.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	878 g	58%
Total Fat	97.6 g	150%
Saturated Fat	44.6 g	222%
Cholesterol	277.1 mg	92%
Sodium	3057 mg	127%
Total Carbohydrate	94.3 g	31%
Dietary Fiber	8 g	31%
Sugars	28.2 g	N/A
Protein	69.6 g	139%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variations & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, add more chipotle chili sauce to the mayonnaise, or incorporate some chopped jalapenos into the fried onion mixture.
If you prefer a different type of cheese, try using provolone, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for added flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the skirt steak with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar and herbs.
If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the Cajun spice mix and ensure the flour for the fried onions is a gluten-free blend.
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan mayonnaise.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: While skirt steak is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can use other cuts like flank steak or ribeye, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Q: How do I prevent the fried onions from sticking together?
A: Ensure the oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pot. Shake off any excess flour from the onion slices before frying.

Q: Can I make the fried plantains ahead of time?
A: It’s best to fry the plantains right before assembling the sandwich to maintain their crispness. If you must make them ahead, reheat them in a hot oven to try and restore some crispness.

Q: How can I adjust the level of spiciness?
A: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili sauce in the mayonnaise and the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice and fried onion mixtures to your preference.

Q: What can I serve with this sandwich?
A: This sandwich pairs well with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or a creamy coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Grilled Steak Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of textures and flavors is truly unforgettable. Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps – each one contributes to the overall deliciousness of the final product. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or skillet), and get ready to create a sandwich that will transport your taste buds. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I encourage you to share your feedback and any creative twists you might add. Happy cooking!

Chipotle Grilled Steak Sandwich Recipe