McDonalds Steak: Is It Worth the Hype?

McDonald’s Steak – yes, you read that right! Prepare to be amazed as we embark on a culinary adventure recreating a dish that once graced the McDonald’s menu: the elusive and surprisingly delicious Steak Sandwich. While it might seem like a distant memory for many, this sandwich holds a special place in fast-food history, and I’m here to bring it back to life in your very own kitchen.

Back in the day, the McDonald’s Steak Sandwich was a bold move for the golden arches, a foray into a slightly more upscale offering. It was a limited-time menu item that quickly gained a cult following. Some say it was inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak, others believe it was simply McDonald’s attempt to cater to a more mature palate. Whatever its origins, it was a unique and memorable offering.

So, why did people love it? Well, imagine tender, thinly sliced steak, perfectly seasoned and nestled between a soft, toasted roll. Add to that a generous helping of savory grilled onions and peppers, and you have a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and comforting. It was a quick and easy way to enjoy a steak-like experience without the fuss of a steakhouse. And now, you can recreate that nostalgic taste with my easy-to-follow recipe for McDonald’s Steak. Get ready to transport yourself back in time and savor every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Steak Patty:
• 1.5 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb Beef Short Ribs, boneless, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes (for added richness)
• 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp Beef Tallow or Vegetable Oil (for searing)
• For the Grilled Onions:
• 2 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Granulated Sugar (optional, for caramelization)
• For the Sauce (Copycat Au Jus):
• 4 cups Beef Broth, low sodium
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp cold water to form a slurry)
• For the Sandwich Assembly:
• 4 Hoagie Rolls or Sub Rolls, good quality
• Optional: Provolone Cheese slices

Preparing the Steak Patty Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our McDonald’s Steak Sandwich – the steak patty itself! The key here is to use a good blend of beef that will give us both flavor and texture. I like using chuck roast as the base because it’s relatively inexpensive and has great beefy flavor. Adding a bit of short rib takes it to the next level, adding richness and marbling. Don’t skip the short rib if you can find it; it makes a huge difference!

1. Chill the Meat: Place the cubed chuck roast and short ribs in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This will help them firm up, making them easier to grind. You don’t want them frozen solid, just very cold.
2. Grind the Meat: Using a meat grinder (a stand mixer attachment works great!), grind the chilled beef. I prefer a medium grind for this, but you can adjust it to your preference. If you don’t have a grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind the meat for you, or you can pulse the meat in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process it into a paste. You want a coarse, ground texture.
3. Season the Ground Beef: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patty tough. Just mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into an oval-shaped patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to make them roughly the same size and shape as the McDonald’s steak patties. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
5. Chill the Patties: Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during cooking.

Preparing the Grilled Onions:

Next up, let’s tackle the grilled onions. These are a crucial component of the McDonald’s Steak Sandwich, adding sweetness and savory flavor. The key is to cook them low and slow to allow them to caramelize properly.

1. Slice the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. The thinner the slices, the faster they will cook and caramelize.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper. If you want a touch of extra sweetness, add the granulated sugar.
3. Cook the Onions: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. The key is to be patient and not rush the process. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan.
4. Keep Warm: Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.

Making the Au Jus Sauce:

Now, let’s create a copycat version of the au jus sauce that complements the steak perfectly. This sauce is simple to make but adds a ton of flavor to the sandwich.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
4. Cook Until Thickened: Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Keep Warm: Remove the sauce from the heat and keep it warm until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Cooking the Steak Patties:

Alright, it’s time to cook those steak patties! We want a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

1. Heat the Pan: Heat the beef tallow or vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be very hot before adding the patties.
2. Sear the Patties: Carefully place the chilled steak patties in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare patty, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, aim for 135-140°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Rest the Patties: Remove the cooked steak patties from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful patty.

Assembling the McDonald’s Steak Sandwich:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling our delicious McDonald’s Steak Sandwiches! This is where all our hard work comes together.

1. Prepare the Rolls: Lightly toast the hoagie rolls or sub rolls. This will help prevent them from getting soggy from the au jus sauce.
2. Add Cheese (Optional): If using provolone cheese, place a slice or two on the bottom half of each roll.
3. Place the Steak Patty: Place a cooked steak patty on top of the cheese (if using) or directly on the bottom half of each roll.
4. Top with Grilled Onions: Generously top each steak patty with the caramelized grilled onions.
5. Drizzle with Au Jus: Drizzle the au jus sauce over the steak patty and onions. Don’t be shy with the sauce – it’s what makes the sandwich extra delicious! You can also serve extra au jus on the side for dipping.
6. Top with the Other Half of the Roll: Place the top half of the roll on top of the steak patty, onions, and sauce.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the McDonald’s Steak Sandwiches immediately while they are hot and juicy. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This isn’t just another recipe; it’s your passport to recreating a nostalgic favorite, the McDonald’s Steak, right in your own kitchen. I know, I know, it sounds ambitious, but trust me, the results are absolutely worth it. We’ve meticulously broken down each step, ensuring that even a novice cook can achieve that signature savory flavor and satisfying texture that made this menu item so beloved. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the obvious nostalgia factor, it’s about control. You get to choose the quality of your steak, ensuring a tender and flavorful base for this culinary adventure. You control the seasonings, tailoring them to your exact preferences. And, perhaps most importantly, you know exactly what’s going into your food. No mystery ingredients here! Plus, let’s be honest, recreating a discontinued menu item is just plain fun! It’s a conversation starter, a culinary challenge, and a delicious reward all rolled into one. Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While the classic McDonald’s Steak was often served on a toasted English muffin, don’t feel limited by tradition. Imagine this succulent steak nestled in a warm, crusty baguette with melted provolone cheese and caramelized onions. Or, for a lighter option, slice it thinly and toss it into a vibrant salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dollop of horseradish cream or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor. For breakfast, you could easily adapt this recipe into a hearty steak and egg breakfast sandwich. Simply cook a fried egg to your liking and layer it on top of the steak, along with your favorite cheese and condiments. Or, for a more sophisticated brunch option, serve the steak alongside creamy polenta and a poached egg. And don’t forget about sides! Crispy hash browns, a side of creamy coleslaw, or even a simple green salad would perfectly complement the richness of the steak. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing. One variation I’m particularly excited about is using a different cut of steak. While we’ve focused on a sirloin or round steak for this recipe, you could certainly experiment with other cuts, such as flank steak or even a ribeye for a more decadent experience. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Another fun variation is to experiment with different marinades. While the recipe calls for a simple blend of seasonings, you could easily add a touch of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of red wine vinegar to create a more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! Ultimately, this recipe is a starting point, a foundation upon which you can build your own culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to tweak, and to personalize it to your own tastes. After all, the best recipes are those that are made with love and a little bit of creativity. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up your skillet, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey back in time. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this iconic McDonald’s Steak at home. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Share your photos, your stories, and your feedback in the comments below. Let’s create a community of McDonald’s Steak enthusiasts and celebrate the joy of recreating a beloved classic. Happy cooking!

Print