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Crispy breaded beef layered in a sandwich roll, paired with fries and creamy dressing

Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich

This Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich features crispy breaded flank steak, warm marinara, and melted mozzarella on soft rolls. It is a hearty, cheesy sandwich that makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: Chicago-Inspired, Italian-American
Keyword: Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 2 1/2 lbs flank steak trimmed into 6 large cutlets and pounded
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • Avocado oil for pan frying

For Assembly

  • 4 c whole milk low-moisture mozzarella grated
  • 24 oz Rao’s marinara sauce
  • 2 soft baguettes cut into rolls

Instructions

Prepare the Breading Station

  • Arrange three large bowls for breading. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs in the third. Whisk the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning into the flour until evenly combined. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set a wire rack nearby.

Season and Bread the Steak

  • Season both sides of the pounded flank steak cutlets with salt and black pepper. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, coating each cutlet thoroughly. Transfer the breaded steaks to the wire rack and repeat with the remaining pieces.

Heat the Oil

  • In a wide skillet or sauté pan, add enough avocado oil to create approximately 1 inch of depth. Heat the oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until ready for frying.

Fry the Steak

  • Working in batches, place the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent over-browning. Remove the cooked steaks and place them on the parchment-lined sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.

Heat the Marinara Sauce

  • Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Transfer the sauce to a large bowl if desired for easier dipping.

Sauce the Steaks

  • Submerge each fried steak cutlet briefly in the hot marinara sauce so that it is fully coated.

Assemble the Sandwiches

  • Place each sauced steak cutlet onto a soft roll. Top generously with grated mozzarella cheese.

Broil the Sandwiches

  • Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler and heat until the mozzarella is melted, gooey, and lightly browned.

Steam Briefly

  • Wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the sandwich to steam slightly and the flavors to settle together.

Serve

  • Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To make this Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich gluten free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the marinara sauce, seasonings, and mozzarella packaging to confirm they are gluten free and free from cross-contact risks. You will also need gluten-free sandwich rolls or baguettes for serving. The frying method and assembly can remain the same once those substitutions are made.