Grilled Steak, Avocado, and Spicy Crema Sandwiches Recipe

Updated June 18, 2019

At least once a week I get a craving for red meat. A medium-rare steak, a sizzling burger, paper-thin slices of carpaccio—it doesn't matter what form it takes, but it needs to be beef.

If I'm going out to dinner I'll have a specific cut in mind, but on a weeknight my go-tos are hanger or skirt steak. Both cuts are very quick to cook and are rich and flavorful, needing little other than salt, pepper, and a hot skillet to be successfully prepared.

Steak and avocado are a common duo on my weekly menus; the combination never seems to get old. As I mentioned, I find hanger flavorful on its own; here it is seasoned only with salt and pepper, then seared until lightly charred on the outside and juicy in the center (I go for medium-rare, but cook your steak to the temperature you prefer). The avocado is a quick mash-up made with cilantro, lime juice and zest for extra punch, scallions, and garlic. Usually, I'd throw in chiles for heat, but I leave them out, adding heat via hot sauce stirred into thick, buttery, tart crema.

Toasted bread, pleasantly chewy steak, velvety avocado, and cool spicy crema make this an incredibly satisfying sandwich.

Note: An equivalent weight of flank, flap, tri-tip, strip, or tenderloin steak can be used in place of hanger or skirt steak.

Recipe Details

Grilled Steak, Avocado, and Spicy Crema Sandwiches Recipe

Active 30 mins

Total 30 mins

Serves 4 sandwiches

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds hanger or skirt steak (see note)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices boule or rustic bread
2 ripe avocados
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons juice and 1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest from 2 limes
2 scallions, finely chopped
2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 cup crema or sour cream
1 tablespoon (or more to taste) hot sauce

Directions

For the Steak and Bread: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large grill pan over medium-high heat until just smoking, or, heat grill according to manufacturer’s instructions. Pat steak dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning frequently until well-charred and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each steak registers 125°F for medium rare or 130°F for medium, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Proceed to step 3.
Alternatively, to finish indoors: Pat steak dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil in a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add steak and cook, turning frequently, until an instant-read thermometer registers 120 to 125°F for medium-rare, reducing heat as necessary if steak smokes excessively or starts to burn. Transfer to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet and allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, wipe out grill pan, if using, or pan. Brush one side of each bread slice with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and cook over medium heat, 2 slices at a time, oiled side down, until golden and toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack.
For the Avocado Spread and Crema: Remove and discard avocado pits, then scoop flesh out into large bowl. Coarsely mash with fork. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, scallions, and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In small bowl, stir together crema and and hot sauce.
To Assemble: Cut steak into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Spread 4 bread slices with avocado spread, then top with sliced steak. Spread remaining 4 bread slices with crema and press down on sandwich. Cut sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

Special equipment

grill pan or grill, paper towels, cutting board, foil, pastry brush, wire cooling rack

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
769	Calories
41g	Fat
60g	Carbs
41g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	769
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 41g	53%
Saturated Fat 13g	63%
Cholesterol 89mg	30%
Sodium 824mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate 60g	22%
Dietary Fiber 7g	25%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 41g
Vitamin C 54mg	269%
Calcium 188mg	14%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 1044mg	22%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.