Grandpa Joe's
Steak Sloppy Joe

Definitely not my grandmother's sloppy Joe.

About this recipe

The flat iron steak is the secret to making this sandwich especially memorable.  Some folks claim that the hanger steak is even more delicious for this recipe, but I have had great difficulty finding butchers who sell it.  Regardless of the steak you use, the important criterion is to grill it rare (or medium rare) and serve it on the best bun you can find.  I prefer freshly baked Brioche Buns.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound flat iron steak
  • 10 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • ¼cup cider vinegar
  • ¾ cup chicken stock
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Cole Slaw
  • Brioche Buns
  • lettuce
  • tomato, sliced

Directions

  1. Place the dried chiles in a small sauce pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Simmer, covered, over low heat for 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer the chiles and ½ cup of the cooking water to a blender.  Add the garlic, oregano, and 4 tablespoons of olive oil.  Puree until smooth, then strain and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Brush the puree onto both sides of the steak.  Place the steak in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Meanwhile, or the next day, saute the diced onion in a medium saucepan over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the chile puree, brown sugar, vinegar, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until reduced by about half.
  6. Before grilling, allow the refrigerated steaks to warm to room temperature.  Grill the meat over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the meat) until medium-rare to medium.  Baste the meat frequently with the chile sauce.
  7. After allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes, slice across the grain.  Cut each slice into 2 or 3 smaller pieces.
  8. Starting with a sliced and toasted brioche bun, add a slice of fresh tomato, 2 or 3 lettuce leaves, a generous portion of meat, an equally generous dollop of chile sauce, and an even more generous portion of cole slaw.
Freshly baked Brioche Buns.
Flat iron steaks on the grill.
Steak Sloppy Joe with a side of potato salad and caper berries.

Notes

  • I prefer Romaine lettuce here, but any salad greens will work perfectly well.
Posted: April 2016.