Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe is a flavorful, high‑protein meal that brings together grilled hanger steak, sautéed mushrooms and onions, smoked Gouda cheese, and a zesty hanger steak marinade all tucked into toasted ciabatta for the ultimate grilled steak sandwich experience. This steak sandwich recipe includes a cast iron skillet steak option and a dry rub for steak, giving you the best steak for sandwiches with fork‑tender, juicy results. Ideal for a carnivore diet or weight loss recipes with beef, this sandwich rings in high protein benefits and essential nutrition.
How to cook hanger steak perfectly, whether using a grilled hanger steak or cast iron skillet method, ensures every bite delivers maximum flavor. Learn how to crisp ciabatta steak sandwich edges, punch it up with hot sauce, and incorporate steak and onion sandwich elements all with a butcher’s cut that rivals New York strip steak.
Here’s a natural transition to our detailed recipe card. For more delicious beef meals, don’t miss our recipes like Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles and Korean‑style Steak perfect complements to this hearty sandwich.
Let’s move on to prepare you for the recipe below.
In This Recipe
How to make Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe At Home
Get ready to master the art of creating the perfect hanger steak sandwich at home. This section primes you for the full Tasty card recipe ahead no ingredients or instructions just yet so you’re mentally set to follow along step by step.
PrintMaster the Perfect Hanger Steak Sandwich with Melty Gouda
This hanger steak sandwich recipe delivers a high-protein, flavor-packed bite perfect for carnivore recipes or satisfying weight loss meals with beef. Using a butcher’s cut like hanger steak or NY strip steak, this sandwich pairs grilled steak with sautéed mushrooms, smoked gouda, and a savory marinade all piled into toasted ciabatta bread. Whether you’re grilling or using a cast iron skillet, the result is a steak sandwich with mushrooms and onions that hits every savory note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
- Method: Grilled or Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs hanger steak (or substitute with NY strip steak)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dry rub for steak (paprika, black pepper, garlic powder)
- 1 tsp hanger steak salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced and lightly toasted
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 slices smoked gouda cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: mayonnaise, arugula, mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Hanger Steak
Place hanger steak in a bowl. Mix soy sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and hanger steak salt. Coat steak evenly, cover, and marinate for 30 minutes (up to 12 hours).
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms and Onions
In a cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions. Sauté until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 3: Grill or Sear the Hanger Steak
Grill steak over medium-high heat or sear in a hot cast iron skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
Step 4: Toast the Ciabatta and Assemble
Toast ciabatta rolls until crisp. Layer sliced hanger steak, mushroom-onion mix, smoked gouda, and optional hot sauce or mayo. Broil sandwich briefly to melt cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice in half, plate, and serve with a side of leafy greens or roasted veggies. Pairs well with carnivore-friendly sauces and is ideal for protein-packed lunches.
Notes
- You can swap hanger steak with NY strip steak if unavailable.
- Smoked gouda adds depth, but cheddar or provolone work too.
- Ideal for carnivore recipes or high-protein weight loss meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Tips, Variations & Make-Ahead Advice
The beauty of Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for busy days, there are plenty of ways to tweak this cozy soup recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or fridge contents.
Spice it Up or Keep it Mild
If you love heat, don’t be shy this dish thrives on chili oil, jalapeños, or even a few spoonfuls of the broth from a Spicy Beef Pho with Beech Mushrooms and Sweet Potato Noodles variant. The mild sweetness of the spiralized sweet potato balances spice beautifully.
Prefer a gentle bowl? Skip the chilies and lean into flavor-building with mushrooms, lime, and fragrant herbs. Either way, the base your homemade umami broth does the heavy lifting.
Make-Ahead Magic
The broth can be made 2–3 days ahead and even frozen. The key is letting it simmer long enough (at least 2.5 hours) to extract the full depth of the marrow and pho spice mix. Once cooled, it stores beautifully in glass jars or freezer-safe containers.
Spiralize your sweet potatoes and store them dry in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Blanch them just before serving to retain their firm texture.
And for busy weeknights? Use pre-cooked beef. Leftovers from this flavorful Korean-style steak bring bold character to your bowl in minutes. Same goes for thin slices of hanger steak from your last Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe they hold up well and add satisfying richness.
Special Diet Adaptations
- Paleo pho: Skip the hoisin and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Gluten-free pho: Ensure your soy and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free.
- Carnivore recipes: Stick to broth, beef, and marrow simple, rich, and fully compliant.
Whether you’re using it to warm up on a winter day or as part of your weekly meal prep routine, this broth-based recipe adapts beautifully to your lifestyle, flavor preferences, and nutrition goals.
Variations and Global Twists on the Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe
The beauty of the hanger steak sandwich recipe lies in how easily you can customize it without compromising its core grilled hanger steak wrapped in a ciabatta steak sandwich loaded with bold flavor. Whether you’re craving spice, cheese, or a different steak cut, these global twists offer creative takes that stay true to this sandwich’s rich, carnivore appeal.
Chile-Lime Mayo and Arugula Style
For a bright, zesty lift, whip together mayo, fresh lime juice, and minced chile peppers. Add a handful of arugula over your sliced grilled hanger steak. This combo offers the peppery bite of greens with citrus heat, making it a standout among carnivore recipes that still respect the steak-first focus.
Horseradish Aioli Rustic Sandwich
Blend horseradish, garlic, and light mayo for a creamy, tangy spread that balances smoked gouda’s richness. The aioli melts beautifully over your hot steak and mushrooms, giving your steak sandwich recipe a rustic, deli-style finish that feels luxurious but hearty.
Korean-Style Steak Remix
Inspired by our beloved Korean-style steak recipe, marinate your hanger steak in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of honey before grilling. Add kimchi slaw or pickled onions for crunch and zing. These elements elevate the sandwich with fermented heat and umami while staying high protein and ideal for carnivore diets.
Spicy Cotija Mayo & Charred Onion Build
Craving something bolder? Blend mayo with crumbled Cotija cheese and a few dashes of hot sauce. Top your sandwich with charred red onions and fresh cilantro. The Cotija adds a salty punch that plays well with the hanger steak marinade, giving this version a Mexican-inspired flavor depth.
Each of these variations keeps the hanger steak at the heart of the sandwich while playing with texture, heat, and cheese so no matter your taste, there’s a high-protein twist that fits your diet or culinary curiosity.
For another globally inspired, nutrient-rich idea, try our comforting Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles. Its slow-cooked beef and fragrant broth offer a lighter contrast to the grilled hanger steak richness.
Nutritional Insights High Protein and Carnivore-Friendly Benefits
If you’re following a carnivore diet or looking for weight loss recipes with beef, this hanger steak sandwich recipe delivers the ideal nutritional profile. With a lean butcher’s cut and simple seasoning like hanger steak salt and a dry rub for steak, it provides balanced macros while satisfying those bold flavor cravings.
High Protein Power
Each sandwich packs approximately 48 grams of protein, making it a muscle-building powerhouse. That’s especially valuable for those on strength training plans or looking to fuel up with complete amino acids. The grilled hanger steak or NY strip steak cuts used are known for their high protein-to-fat ratio, making them some of the best steak for sandwiches when health is a priority.
Perfect for Carnivore Diet Enthusiasts
The carnivore diet emphasizes animal-based meals, and this steak sandwich recipe fits beautifully particularly when served bunless or wrapped in lettuce. For those who allow limited vegetables, the mushrooms and onions complement hanger steak’s flavor without disrupting dietary goals. Cast iron skillet steak preparations also help retain nutrients and flavor without added oils or carbs.
Weight Loss Without Sacrificing Flavor
Using ciabatta bread in moderation and avoiding sugary sauces ensures the sandwich remains relatively low in carbohydrates. You can also swap out the roll for a low-carb alternative or even a portobello mushroom “bun” if you’re focused on weight loss. Compared to fattier cuts or overly processed deli meats, this grilled hanger steak keeps things lean, satisfying, and nutrient-dense.
Looking to keep things balanced with more high-protein, flavorful meals? Don’t miss our Korean-style steak and Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles. Both deliver nourishing, carnivore-friendly options that pair beautifully with your hanger steak sandwich journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hanger Steak Sandwich
What cut of steak is best for sandwiches?
Hanger steak is often considered the best steak for sandwiches thanks to its tenderness and rich flavor. It rivals NY strip steak and skirt steak for juiciness and ease of slicing, making it ideal for a grilled hanger steak or cast iron skillet steak sandwich.
Is hanger steak healthy to eat?
Yes, hanger steak is a lean cut that’s high in protein and iron, making it a healthy choice especially when paired with simple seasonings like hanger steak salt or a dry rub for steak.
What is hanger steak best for?
Hanger steak is perfect for quick grilling or searing, making it a go-to for steak sandwiches, especially a mushroom and onion steak sandwich with hot sauce or smoked gouda cheese.
How many calories in a hanger steak sandwich?
One hanger steak sandwich has about 610 calories, with 48 grams of protein, 34 grams of fat, and 29 grams of carbs, depending on your toppings and bread choices.
Is a steak sandwich good for weight loss?
Yes, a hanger steak sandwich can be a great weight loss meal if made with lean cuts, minimal cheese, and served with low-carb bread or lettuce wraps. It’s one of the best carnivore recipes that blends nutrition with satisfaction.
Is hanger steak a healthy cut?
Absolutely. As a butcher’s cut, hanger steak is known for being lean and nutrient-dense. It provides essential B vitamins, iron, and high-quality protein, making it ideal for weight loss recipes with beef.
What is hanger steak best used for?
Aside from steak sandwiches, hanger steak shines in fajitas, stir-fries, and grilled steak salads. Its rich flavor means it doesn’t need heavy sauces, making it great for clean eating and carnivore diets.
Is hanger steak good for sandwiches?
Yes, its tenderness and flavor make it perfect for grilled steak sandwiches, especially when paired with mushrooms, onions, smoked gouda, and a simple hanger steak marinade.
How do you grill hanger steak?
Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice against the grain. A simple marinade with soy sauce or a flavorful dry rub for steak enhances its flavor.
What’s the difference between hanger steak and skirt steak?
Hanger steak is more tender and has a more pronounced beefy flavor. Skirt steak is slightly tougher and thinner. Both work in steak sandwich recipes, but hanger steak wins on texture.
How do you tenderize hanger steak?
Marinate it for at least 30 minutes, then grill or sear it quickly over high heat. Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
How long should you cook hanger steak?
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Overcooking can toughen it. Whether you choose grilled hanger steak or cast iron skillet steak, timing is key.
What cheese goes best on a steak sandwich?
Smoked gouda cheese adds creamy, smoky depth. You can also try provolone, cheddar, or queso. Pair with sautéed mushrooms and onions for maximum flavor.
Can I use another cut instead of hanger steak?
Yes, NY strip steak or even flank steak work as substitutes. But for the classic butcher’s cut experience, hanger steak is unmatched in a ciabatta steak sandwich.
Looking for other beef-forward recipes with bold flavor? Visit our Korean-style steak and Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles for more protein-packed ideas.
Conclusion
This hanger steak sandwich recipe gives you everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal juicy grilled hanger steak, sautéed mushrooms and onions, smoky gouda, and toasted ciabatta. It’s a butcher’s cut classic that suits both a carnivore diet and weight loss recipes with beef thanks to its lean protein content and customizable build. Whether you’re using a cast iron skillet or grilling, the technique is simple, and the results are spectacular.
If you’re exploring more beef-based, high-protein ideas, don’t miss our popular Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles and savory Korean-style steak. These dishes complement the hanger steak sandwich beautifully with their global flavors and nutrition-packed ingredients.
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