SIMPLE and DELICIOUS Breaded Steak Sandwiches

SIMPLE and DELICIOUS Breaded Steak Sandwiches is a easy American (Chicago) recipe that serves 4. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by Racevice Smokehouse & Grill on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 52 min

Cost: $193.41 total, $48.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Sirloin Tip Sandwich Steaks (Thinly sliced, tenderized with a meat mallet and cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 cups Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs (Provides the double crunchy coating)
  • 2 large Eggs (Beaten, used for the first dip)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Shortening (Crisco) (Mild‑flavored oil for frying; can be substituted with canola or peanut oil)
  • 4 pieces French Rolls (Soft rolls, split open for sandwich assembly)
  • 1 cup Store‑Bought Pasta Sauce (Marinara or any tomato‑based sauce; can be homemade for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Jarir Peppers (Pickled pepper, carrot, celery mix; adds heat and crunch)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Melted on top of the steak before serving)

Instructions

  1. Tenderize and Cut Steaks

    Place each thin sirloin tip steak on a cutting board and gently pound with a meat mallet until uniformly thin. Trim any overly large pieces and cut the steaks into bite‑size strips about 1‑2 inches long.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Set Up Breading Station

    In one bowl beat the two eggs. In a second bowl spread the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Have a third shallow dish ready for the second breadcrumb coating.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bread the Steak Pieces

    Working one piece at a time, dip the steak strip into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, return it to the egg, and coat again for a double layer. Place the fully coated pieces on a plate.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Heat Oil and Fry

    Add vegetable shortening to the frying pan to a depth of about 1‑2 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the oil reaches 350‑375°F (use a thermometer). Fry the breaded steak strips in batches, 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan.

    Time: PT17M

    Temperature: 350‑375°F

  5. Drain and Rest

    Using tongs, transfer the fried steak strips to a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Assemble Sandwiches

    Slice each French roll lengthwise. Spread a generous spoonful of pasta sauce on the bottom half, add a handful of Jarir peppers, place 2‑3 fried steak strips, and top with shredded mozzarella. Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Melt Cheese

    Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for about 1 minute, or microwave for 30‑45 seconds, until the cheese melts and bubbles.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 450°F (broiler)

Nutrition Facts

Calories
600
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
25g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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SIMPLE and DELICIOUS Breaded Steak Sandwiches

Recipe by Racevice Smokehouse & Grill

Crispy, double‑breaded thin steak strips fried to golden perfection and piled on a soft French roll with marinara sauce, pick‑spicy Jarir peppers and melted cheese. Inspired by Chicago’s iconic breaded steak sandwich, this recipe uses thin sirloin tip, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and vegetable shortening for a tender, crunchy bite.

EasyAmerican (Chicago)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$193.41
Total cost
$48.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Tenderizing the steak ensures a bite‑through texture
  • Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates the signature crunch
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350‑375°F prevents soggy coating
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a thermometer and keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle raw steak with clean hands and wash surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Breaded Steak Sandwiches in Chicago cuisine?

A

Breaded steak sandwiches are a beloved Chicago street‑food staple, originating from Italian‑American delis in the early 20th century. The thin, fried steak layered with sauce, peppers and cheese became a lunchtime favorite for workers and is still celebrated at iconic spots like Rickey’s Benny’s.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Breaded Steak Sandwiches within the United States?

A

While Chicago’s version uses Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Jarir‑style pickled peppers, other regions may use plain breadcrumbs, different hot‑pepper relishes, or swap the roll for a hoagie bun. Some Southern takes add a creamy cheese sauce instead of tomato sauce.

cultural
Q

How is a classic Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich traditionally served?

A

Traditionally it is served on a soft French or Italian roll, generously topped with marinara or pizza sauce, a mound of pickled pepper salad (often called “Giardiniera” or “Jarir”), and melted mozzarella or provolone cheese, all eaten hot.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is the Breaded Steak Sandwich commonly enjoyed in Chicago culture?

A

It’s a popular birthday or celebration dish at local delis, a go‑to lunch for workers, and often appears at sports‑watch gatherings and community fairs as a hearty, portable meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Breaded Steak Sandwiches special or unique in American (Chicago) cuisine?

A

The combination of ultra‑thin, tenderized steak, a double‑crunch breadcrumb coating, and the bright, spicy Jarir pepper salad creates a texture and flavor contrast that is uniquely Chicago, blending Italian‑American influences with Midwestern comfort food.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Breaded Steak Sandwiches at home?

A

Common errors include not pounding the steak thin enough, overcrowding the pan which drops oil temperature, skipping the second breadcrumb dip, and over‑cooking the steak which makes it tough. Follow the tenderizing and oil‑temp steps carefully.

technical
Q

Why does this Breaded Steak Sandwich recipe use a double coating of egg and breadcrumbs instead of a single coating?

A

The double coating creates a thicker, crunchier crust that stays crisp even after the steak is fried and later topped with sauce and cheese, ensuring each bite has a satisfying crunch.

technical
Q

Can I make the Breaded Steak Sandwiches ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can tenderize, cut, and bread the steak strips a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Fry them when ready, or freeze the breaded strips and fry from frozen. Store assembled sandwiches in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating the steak and melting the cheese before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Racevice Smokehouse & Grill specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Racevice Smokehouse & Grill specializes in hearty American grill and smokehouse recipes, focusing on classic comfort foods like steaks, burgers, ribs, and regional specialties such as Chicago‑style sandwiches.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Racevice Smokehouse & Grill's approach to American (Chicago) cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Racevice Smokehouse & Grill emphasizes practical, backyard‑grill techniques, uses straightforward ingredient lists, and often highlights regional Chicago favorites with personal family recipes, whereas many other channels focus on upscale plating or international cuisines.

channel

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