Sliced Steak and Mushroom Sandwiches

A mushroom Marsala and shallot sauce makes a terrific topping for sliced steak sammies.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced
• Sea salt and pepper
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup Marsala or dry sherry
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, at room temperature
• 4 ciabatta rolls, split
• 2 large cloves garlic, halved

Preparation

Pre-heat a cast iron skillet, griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat.

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt until foaming. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 10 minutes; season with sea salt and pepper. Stir in the shallots and thyme for 2 minutes. Stir in the Marsala (or sherry) and cook until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the beef stock and keep at a low simmer.

Meanwhile, pre-heat the broiler and drizzle the steak with EVOO. Cook on the pre-heated skillet, turning once, for 12 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Season the meat with sea salt and pepper and let rest for a few minutes. Thinly slice the meat against the grain.

Toast the cut sides of the split rolls under a hot broiler until deep golden. Rub with the halved garlic, then drizzle with EVOO. Layer the meat and mushrooms on the roll bottoms and cover with the roll tops.