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    Home » Recipes » Italian Recipes

    Flank Steak Sandwich

    Published: Oct 22, 2015 · Modified: Jul 10, 2023 · by Debra with Leave a Comment · 1327 words. About 7 minutes to read this article. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This flank steak sandwich is full of Italian flavors! Sweet bell peppers balance the bitter tanginess of radicchio roasted with balsamic vinegar. This is an easy summer grilling recipe or an unexpected twist on tailgating recipes.

    A steak sandwich with radicchio and red peppers on a wooden cutting  board.

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links posted below, I may receive compensation. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy here.

    This is the ultimate flank steak sandwich for summer grilling, tailgating or game day! Cooking steak at home is easier than you think, and it's FAST!

    We're using flank steak or skirt steak here, which are cuts that you must cook "high and fast" which means a very hot grill for just a few minutes on each side and no further than medium-rare.

    And let's zhuzh it up with classic Italian flavors. Grilling bitter radicchio slathered in balsamic vinegar provides another layer of smokiness, and store-bought roasted red peppers keep us on track for this quick and easy vibe.

    It all adds up to a tasty flank steak sandwich made for discerning grownups, with very little effort. For more sandwich recipes try my eggplant sandwiches or these salami sandwiches with frico and mostarda.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for grilled flank steak sandwiches
    • How to make a flank steak sandwich
    • Tips for grilled flank steak sandwiches
    • FAQs
    • What to serve with flank steak sandwiches
    • This steak sandwich is quick, easy and versatile!
    • Recipe
    Raw steak, a head of radicchio, roasted red peppers, half a loaf of bread, and two small ramekins of mascarpone and balsamic vinegar.

    Ingredients for grilled flank steak sandwiches

    We are all about grilling when it comes to this flank steak sandwich recipe. We'll grill the steak, as well as some marinated radicchio for bittersweet smoky flavor.

    • Flank steak or skirt steak: Both of these cuts are great for grilling and sandwiches. They are both long, flat cuts that are pretty lean. Because there is so little fat and they are from tougher muscles, you'll need to cook them quickly at high heat and not go past medium-rare to ensure tenderness. If you overcook these cuts, they will be tough and hard to chew.
    • Roasted red peppers: Keep things simple and use these straight from the jar! Yay for store-bought shortcuts.
    • Mascarpone cheese: Sometimes called Italian cream cheese, mascarpone cheese is not quite as thick and not quite as tangy as the American version.
    • Radicchio: I love this bitter chicory and its beautiful color. It stands up well to grilling and can take on the flavors of the balsamic.
    • Balsamic vinegar: This will add a great acidity and sweetness to the radicchio.
    • Italian bread: If you can find a rustic Italian loaf that would be great. Otherwise, maybe a French country bread. Just make sure you can get sandwich slices from it, and that it's sturdy enough to stand up to steak.
    Sliced radicchio on a white plate.

    How to make a flank steak sandwich

    Step 1: Prep the vegetables

    Cut radicchio into wedges about 1 inch thick, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and marinate for up to one hour.

    Slice roasted red peppers into strips.

    Step 2: Grill the radicchio

    Preheat a grill to medium high.

    Grill radicchio on both sides until edges begin to char, set aside.

    Grilled radicchio with balsamic vinegar on a white plate.

    While radicchio is grilling, toast bread on both sides on the grill.

    Step 3: Grill the flank steak

    Season steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper and grill over direct heat for about 3 - 4 minutes each side for medium rare.

    PREP TIP I think Anthony Bourdain said "put it on the grill and LEAVEITALONE!" Don't fiddle with it. Don't poke it, mash it down, or keep moving it around. This will ensure that the steak cooks perfectly and that you retain all of the juices to keep it and tender.

    Step 4: Assemble the sandwich

    While steak rests, spread mascarpone cheese onto one side of each slice of bread. Layer roasted red peppers on the bottom slice of bread, top with sliced steak, then radicchio and the top slice of bread.

    Sliced grilled flank steak.

    Tips for grilled flank steak sandwiches

    • Get the grill nice and hot.
    • Grill the flank steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare and no further. This is a very lean cut of meat, the longer you cook it the tougher it will get. Medium rare temperature is about 135 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer and remember that the steak will continue to cook a little bit while it rests.
    • Don't move the meat around during the cooking process.
    • Let the flank steak rest before slicing, then cut it against the grain.
    • Swap out ingredients to make different versions of this flank steak sandwich all year long. If you don't like radicchio, swap it for grilled romaine. Not a fan of roasted red peppers? Try sun dried tomatoes instead! Endless possibilities!

    FAQs

    How to you keep flank steak tender?

    There are 3 tricks to keeping flank steak tender. First, don't cook flank steak past medium rare. Second, once it's cooked, let it rest for at least 5 - 10 minutes so the juices stop running and go back into the meat. Finally, slice the meat against the grain, not with it. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and allows the meat to fall apart and melt in your mouth when you chew it.

    Can you serve this sandwich cold?

    Yes! If you want to grill the flank steak ahead of time and make sandwiches later, that is perfectly fine. Store the grilled flank steak in the refrigerator for up to two days. Wait to slice the meat until you're ready to make sandwiches.

    What to serve with flank steak sandwiches

    A sandwich is definitely a main dish, but sometimes you also need a side. Try these ideas.

    • What goes better with grilling and sandwiches than a classic Dill Potato Salad?
    • This Green Bean Salad with Feta and Tomatoes doesn't require any cooking!
    • You can't go wrong with a sandwich/slaw combination. Try my Mango Slaw for a fresh change of pace.

    This steak sandwich is quick, easy and versatile!

    • Flank steak cooks in about 8 minutes.
    • No marinating the meat ahead of time, just season and grill.
    • Change up the sandwich toppings and type of bread to suit your mood and the ingredients you have on hand.

    If you enjoy this recipe, please leave me a 5-star rating in the recipe card! It really helps others find my content and helps my business grow! Thank you! Sign up for my newsletter for recipes delivered to your inbox!

    Recipe

    A steak sandwich with radicchio and red peppers on a wooden cutting board.

    Flank Steak Sandwich Recipe

    This flank steak sandwich recipe is full of Italian flavors. Sweet bell peppers balance the bitter tanginess of radicchio roasted with balsamic vinegar. An easy weeknight dinner or an unexpected twist on tailgating recipes. 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: flank steak sandwich, Steak sandwich recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 546kcal

    Equipment

    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • meat thermometer

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz skirt steak or flank steak
    • 1 head radicchio
    • 1 jar roasted red peppers
    • mascarpone cheese
    • 4 slices italian bread
    • balsamic vinegar
    • olive oil
    • kosher salt to taste
    • cracked black pepper to taste
    US Customary - Metric
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    Instructions

    • Cut radicchio into wedges about 1 inch thick, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and marinate for up to one hour.
    • Slice roasted red peppers into strips.
    • Place radicchio wedges on a medium-high grill, cooking until charred at the edges on both sides.
    • While radicchio is grilling, toast bread on both sides on the grill.
    • Season steak with salt and pepper and grill about 3-4 minutes each side for medium rare.
    • While steak rests, spread mascarpone cheese onto one side of each slice of bread. Layer roasted red peppers on the bottom slice of bread, top with sliced steak, then radicchio and the other slice of bread.

    Notes

    Tips for grilling flank steak or skirt steak: 
    • Get the grill nice and hot.
    • Both cuts are from tough muscles, so don't cook past medium-rare. 
    • Cook 3 - 4 minutes per side to about 135 degrees F for medium rare. 
    • Don't move around during the cooking process. 
    • Slice thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness. 
     
    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy here.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 2619mg | Potassium: 1254mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 920IU | Vitamin C: 90.3mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 6mg

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    Hi, I'm Debra! I'm a detail-oriented Virgo, so it's my jam to simplify recipes and break them down into easy to follow steps. I help you bring the world to your table!

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