Recipe

The "Flankenstein" Sandwich

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The "Flankenstein" Sandwich

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by zieker

The "Flankenstein" Sandwich

Photo 2 of 2
by zieker

  • This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Flank Steak
  • hardlikearmour's Testing Notes: The Flankenstein is really a perfect Greek taverna salad in steak sandwich form. I used the red wine vinegar option in the dressing, but omitted the wine. As I didn't have anchovy paste on...

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  • Chef

    zieker's Notes: I must give credit, where credit is due. This sandwich came about 17 yrs ago while I was hanging out with some friends at a local Baltimore Pub. The chef, also a friend, decided to see what...

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Serves 2-6

  1. Put all ingredients in a tight fitting, lidded jar and shake to blend. Adjust salt, pepper, vinegar and oil to taste.

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  2. I make this dressing 1-2 days ahead of time so that the flavors meld, and then adjust to taste if necessary (usually a hint more wine!)

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  3. Refrigerate if making ahead of time, but make sure to remove and let come to room temperature before using in the sandwiches. (Olive oil congeals in the fridge.)

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The Flankenstein Sandwich:

1-2 pound Flank steak (est. 1/4 lb per sandwich, pre-cooked weight) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 head or fresh Romaine lettuce Ask a question about this ingredient

1 med-lg Purple Onion Ask a question about this ingredient

1-2 med-lg fresh Tomaotes Ask a question about this ingredient

1 6-8oz. block of Feta Cheese (I like herbed feta, but plain is good) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 Hothouse/English Cucumber or 2-4 small Asian cucumbers Ask a question about this ingredient

Kalamata olives (pitted are easiest) Ask a question about this ingredient

1-2 loaves of fresh French Bread* or rolls* Ask a question about this ingredient

  1. I like to spend the extra money on grass-fed beef and not marinate, so that the flavor of the beef stands on it's own.Generously salt your flank steak on both sides, cover loosely with a paper towel and let come to room temperature; about 30-40 minutes, if it's been in the refrigerator.

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  2. If cooking on the stove (A&M had a great video of this method!): Lightly oil and heat a cast iron skillet. Pat the meat dry on both sides with paper towels. Sear meat 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness and your preferred doneness. (I prefer medium, so mine stays in longer.)

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  3. If grilling (gas grill): Pre-heat your grill on high, then turn down to medium when you're ready to put the meat on the grill. Pat the meat dry on both sides. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on size and thickness and desired doneness).

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  4. Remove meat from pan or grill and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing in 1/4" slices. (Always slice against the grain of the meat.)

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  5. While your meat is resting, prepare the rest of the ingredients: 1. Wash and dry lettuce leaves. 2. Thinly slice onion and tomatoes. 3. Slice cucumbers length-wise into strips the length of your sandwich. 4. Cut olives in half. 5. Cut bread into sandwich-sized lengths and pull out some of the bread from the inside so that you have room for all the toppings.

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  6. The Assembly: this can really be done anyway you want adding or omitting the ingredients to suit your taste. 1. Place pieces of flank steak on the bottom half of the bread. 2. Drizzle with a little dressing. 3. Crumble feta on top of the meat and drizzle with a little more dressing. 4. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes. (I put the top of the bread in the oven, face down, for about a minute to warm it up and get the top crisp) 5. Add olives and onions on top. 6. On top half put tomatoes down, then cucumbers and drizzle with a little more dressing. 7. Add the lettuce to hold that all up and gingerly put the 2 halves together.

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  7. Garnish with some pepperoncini's if you like, and serve with cold beer.

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  8. *Don't use whole wheat or multi-grain bread. It just doesn't work. I've also found sour dough bread/rolls don't really taste as good as plain, white, crusty on the outside/fluffy on the inside Italian or French loaves. Skip the baguettes also. Too hard to bite through. — With all those fresh veggies inside, who needs the whole grains anyway!

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4 Comments on The "Flankenstein" Sandwich

New_years_kitchen_hlc_only Reply

This one looks soooo good. I could eat a Greek salad every day. I simply cannot wait to try this! ;o)

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Thanks, Antonia! This is one of those messy sandwiches where the flavors and textures just meld together. And it's so easy to make. Just make sure to have your napkin handy if you're like me and like a lot of dressing on it. :-)

Reply

We'll have to make these again soon and have Mr. L grill the flank steak next time. Thanks for the loaner skillet and coming to sample. :-)

036 Reply

I got to sample this sandwich (and by sample I mean, eat a whole one. Before dinner) and it is delicious! One to add to your sandwich arsenal for sure.

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