Mouth-Watering Jamie Oliver Steak Sarnie Recipe

Sizzling Jamie Oliver Steak Sarnie Recipe for Tasty Lunches

A steak sarnie bursts with flavors that elevate comfort food to an art form.

This iconic sandwich transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds.

Bold and robust, each bite promises a symphony of textures and sensations.

Tender, perfectly seasoned meat takes center stage between crisp, golden-toasted bread slices.

Caramelized onions weave a sweet undertone through the rich protein, while zesty condiments add unexpected spark.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected accompaniments turn this simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.

Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey that will redefine your lunch expectations.

How to Make Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

How to Make Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie
  • Craft Silky Caramelized Onions

Slice onions into delicate rounds. Warm a skillet over gentle heat with a splash of olive oil and knob of butter. Sprinkle salt and let onions transform slowly, stirring occasionally for half an hour until they turn a rich, golden hue.

  • Boost Onion Depth

Midway through cooking, drizzle brown sugar and squeeze fresh lime juice. Continue simmering until onions become deeply bronzed and luxuriously soft.

  • Season Steak Brilliantly

Blend spices creating a robust rub – mix salt, smoky paprika, zesty onion powder, fiery chili powder, and aromatic garlic powder. Generously coat steak with this flavor-packed mixture.

  • Sear Steak Perfectly

Heat pan until sizzling hot with a touch of olive oil. Place steak and cook until a gorgeous caramelized crust forms, about 5 minutes per side for a perfect medium doneness.

  • Rest and Slice Steak

Transfer steak to cutting board and allow it to relax for several minutes. Slice against the grain into elegant, thin strips.

  • Prepare Bread Base

Warm ciabatta in oven until edges crisp slightly. Split bread and spread a layer of tangy Dijon mustard on one half.

  • Assemble Steak Sarnie

Layer sandwich with peppery watercress, tender steak slices, and those luscious caramelized onions. Crown with bread top and slice diagonally for a stunning presentation.

Tips and Variations for Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

  • Elevate Caramelization Technique: Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect golden-brown color. Use a sharp knife for clean, consistent cuts that promote faster and more balanced caramelization.
  • Customize Steak Seasoning Blend: Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to create a personalized seasoning profile that matches your taste preferences.
  • Bread Selection Strategies: Choose artisan ciabatta or sourdough for maximum texture and flavor absorption. Lightly toasting bread enhances its structural integrity and prevents soggy sandwich syndrome.
  • Temperature Control Mastery: Let steak rest after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring a more tender and flavorful meat experience. Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and consistent results every time.

Serving Ideas for Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

  • Savor Sandwich Pairings: Crisp watercress salad on the side adds fresh crunch and balances the rich steak.
  • Enhance Flavor Companions: Tangy pickled vegetables or cornichons complement the caramelized onions and cut through the meat's richness.
  • Perfect Wine Selection: Bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec match beautifully with the steak's robust flavors and caramelized notes.
  • Create Hearty Side: Roasted potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a delicious accompaniment that soaks up the sandwich's delectable juices.

Storage and Prep Advice for Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Slice onions and mix steak seasoning up to 24 hours before cooking to save time during meal preparation.
  • Quick Refrigeration Tip: Store leftover steak sarnie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for maximum freshness up to 2 days in refrigerator.
  • Smart Ingredient Preservation: Keep caramelized onions in sealed container in refrigerator for up to 5 days, perfect for adding instant flavor to multiple dishes.
  • Freezing Technique: Freeze sliced cooked steak in airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring protein is ready for quick future meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 1200 kcal

Servings: 2

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

For Caramelizing Base:
  • Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions with firm, shiny skins and no soft spots.
  • Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed extra virgin for rich, smooth flavor.
  • Butter: Look for high-quality unsalted butter with creamy texture.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.
For Sweet and Tangy Enhancers:
  • Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper, more complex caramel notes.
  • Lime Juice: Select fresh, bright lime with vibrant green color and firm skin.
For Steak Seasoning:
  • Salt, Paprika, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: Choose freshly ground spices from reputable brands for maximum flavor intensity.
For Bread and Accompaniments:
  • Ciabatta Bread: Select artisan loaf with airy, open crumb and crisp crust.
  • Dijon Mustard: Pick whole grain mustard for robust, tangy character.
  • Watercress: Choose crisp, bright green leaves without wilting or yellowing.

Tools You’ll Need for Jamie Oliver’s Steak Sarnie

  • Cutting board: For slicing onions, steak, and bread.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting.
  • Large skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions and cooking steak.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurately portioning seasoning ingredients.
  • Mixing bowl: To combine steak seasoning spices.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring onions during caramelization.
  • Oven: To warm ciabatta bread.
  • Baking sheet: Optional for warming bread.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling steak during cooking.
Print
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Mouth-Watering Jamie Oliver Steak Sarnie Recipe

Mouth-Watering Jamie Oliver Steak Sarnie Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent Jamie Oliver steak sarnie delivers British street food magic to home kitchens. Crispy bread, juicy meat, and zesty condiments create an irresistible sandwich experience we’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz (425 g) beef steak
  • 1 12×3-inch ciabatta bread
  • 2 handfuls watercress
  • 2 onions
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 4 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • Juice of ¼ lime

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Sauté sliced onions in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat, gradually developing rich golden-brown color. Midway, incorporate brown sugar and lime juice to enhance depth of flavor, continuing to cook until deeply caramelized and sweet.
  2. Season Meat: Blend salt, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, and garlic powder. Thoroughly coat steak with spice mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Sear Steak: Heat skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature. Cook steak for 5 minutes per side, creating a robust golden crust while maintaining internal tenderness. Allow meat to rest 5 minutes before slicing into thin, uniform strips.
  4. Prepare Bread: Warm ciabatta in 350°F oven for 3 minutes until lightly crisp. Slice horizontally and spread Dijon mustard across interior surface.
  5. Assemble Sandwich: Layer toasted bread with fresh watercress, seasoned steak strips, and luxurious caramelized onions. Cut diagonally to create visually appealing presentation and serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Master Caramelization Technique: Low and slow cooking transforms onions into sweet, rich golden strands by maintaining medium-low heat and stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.
  • Perfect Steak Searing Strategy: Use high heat and precise 5-minute cooking on each side to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust while preserving tender, juicy interior.
  • Strategic Meat Resting Rule: Allow steak to rest 5 minutes after cooking, enabling internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor retention.
  • Bread Toasting Pro Tip: Briefly toast ciabatta at 350°F for 3 minutes to create a crisp exterior that provides textural contrast and prevents sandwich sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 1200
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 1860 mg
  • Fat: 82 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 50 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 83 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 61 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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