Indulge in a Satisfying Habit Steak Sandwich
When you're craving a hearty, savory sandwich for lunch or dinner, the Habit Steak Sandwich delivers big, juicy flavor. This signature menu item from The Habit Burger Grill restaurant chain is a customer favorite for good reason. Loaded with grilled, marinated steak, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and other tasty toppings on a toasted bun, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your appetite.
The Origins of the Habit Steak Sandwich
The Habit Burger Grill first opened in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California as a tiny hamburger stand. Their delicious charburgers and hand-cut fries quickly gained a loyal local following. The Habit began expanding into a full restaurant chain in the late 1990s, bringing their famous burgers statewide and eventually nationwide.
One of their most beloved menu innovations was the Habit Steak Sandwich introduced in 1999. This sandwich aimed to bring a high-quality, Philly cheesesteak-inspired flavor to the West Coast. Using their signature caramelized onions and marinated grilled steak, the Habit Steak Sandwich became an instant classic.
What Makes the Habit Steak Sandwich Special
Here are some of the key components that make this sandwich stand out:
- Marinated grilled steak - Thinly sliced steak is marinated for 24 hours in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, lemon, Worcestershire sauce and other spices. It is then grilled to perfection.
- Melted cheese - Ooey, gooey melted cheese is layered on top of the steak, available in American, Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack and blue cheese options.
- Caramelized onions - Onions are caramelized for over 30 minutes until they achieve a sweet, rich flavor.
- Toasted hoagie roll - The steak and cheeses are stuffed into a soft, toasted hoagie roll for an extra satisfying crunch.
- Spread and toppings - Customize your sandwich with zesty Habanero Lime Sauce, tomato slices, lettuce and pickles.
Customizing Your Habit Steak Sandwich
One of the great things about this signature sandwich is all the different ways you can customize it to match your tastes. Here are some of the options to consider when ordering a Habit Steak Sandwich:
Bread Choices
- French Roll - The classic soft, chewy hoagie-style roll
- Dutch Crunch Roll - Hoagie roll with crunchy cracked pepper coating
- Sourdough Bread - Hearty, tangy grilled sourdough
Cheese Options
- American - Classic melted American cheese
- Swiss - Rich, nutty Swiss cheese
- Cheddar - Sharp cheddar for extra flavor
- Pepper Jack - Peppery kick from pepper jack cheese
- Blue Cheese - Bold, creamy blue cheese crumbles
Sauce Choices
- Ketchup
- Spicy Habanero Lime
- Buttermilk Ranch
- 1000 Island
Veggie Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
- Grilled Onions
- Grilled Mushrooms
With all these tasty options, you can design a Habit Steak Sandwich that's just right for your preferences. Try some different combinations to find your perfect sandwich.
Tips for the Best Habit Steak Sandwich
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Habit Steak Sandwich is as delicious as can be:
- Request extra grilled onions and mushrooms - it boosts the savory umami flavor
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy, nutty element
- Mix two types of cheese like American and Swiss
- Spread both ketchup and Habanero Lime Sauce for a tangy combo
- Opt for the Dutch Crunch roll for extra crunch
- Ask them to toast the roll a little longer for added crispness
Also, be sure to eat the Habit Steak Sandwich fresh when you get it, so the cheese is still melted and the roll is crisp. This sandwich doesn't reheat too well at home.
Nutrition Information
The Habit Steak Sandwich packs a satisfying protein punch. Here is approximate nutrition information for a sandwich with a French roll, American cheese, and no sauce or toppings:
- Calories: 640
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 57g
- Protein: 39g
Of course, additional cheese, sauces and toppings will increase the calorie count. But the sandwich still provides quality nutrition from grilled steak, onions, and melted cheese on a hearty artisan roll. It's a better option than many fast food burgers.
Where to Enjoy a Habit Steak Sandwich
Currently, The Habit Burger Grill has over 300 locations, primarily concentrated in California, Arizona, Utah, New Jersey, and Florida. They continue expanding to new states each year. Here are some tips for enjoying a Habit Steak Sandwich:
- Find your nearest Habit Burger Grill location on their website
- Order takeout or delivery for quick and easy enjoyment at home
- Dine-in to experience the lively, welcoming Habit atmosphere
- Perfect for a casual lunch out with friends or coworkers
- Satisfying dinner option after a long day
The Habit Steak Sandwich is worth seeking out. Just one tasty bite will have you hooked on the delicious flavors.
How to Make Your Own Habit Steak Sandwich at Home
While it's hard to truly replicate the signature Habit Steak Sandwich, you can come close by making your own version at home. This requires finding the right ingredients and closely following the assembly method. With a little time and effort, you can create a satisfying steak sandwich with similar flavors and textures.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gather the following ingredients before cooking to make two Habit-style steak sandwiches at home:
- 1 lb thinly sliced steak such as ribeye or top sirloin
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- Olive oil
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 2 soft hoagie rolls
- Butter
Marinade the Steak
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire, and lemon juice. Add sliced steak and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for more flavor. The acid in the marinade helps tenderize the steak.
Caramelize the Onions
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until richly browned and caramelized. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to help speed up caramelization. Set aside when done.
Grill the Steak
Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to high heat. Drain excess marinade from steak slices. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly charred and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Butter the insides of hoagie rolls and lightly toast until golden brown. Place 4 slices of cheese on bottom rolls. Top with a layer of grilled onions, then steak slices. Finish with top roll.
Tips for Maximum Flavor
To get your homemade Habit steak sandwich tasting as close to the original as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a flavorful steak cut like ribeye
- Marinate overnight for fuller flavor
- Grill over very high heat for nice char
- Caramelize onions slowly until deep brown
- Butter and toast rolls for a rich, crisp exterior
- Layer ingredients for optimal textures
It may take some tweaking, but you can create a pretty satisfying facsimile. Serve with fries for the complete experience.
Other Tasty Steak Sandwich Recipes to Try
While the Habit Steak Sandwich has a special place in many people's hearts, there are lots of other delicious steak sandwich recipes to try as well. Here are a few options for your next sandwich night:
Cheesesteak Sandwiches
The classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich is hard to beat. Thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak is cooked with onions and bell peppers, and stuffed into a hoagie roll with melted cheese like provolone, Cheez Whiz or wiz wit. Simple but so tasty!
Steak and Arugula Sandwiches
For a more upscale spin, go with sliced grilled steak, creamy goat cheese, peppery arugula, caramelized onions and aioli sauce on a crusty ciabatta roll. Absolutely delicious.
Steak Bomb Sandwiches
Popular in New England, the steak bomb features shaved steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, pepperoni or salami, and melted provolone on a sub roll. Spicy and flavor-packed.
Santa Fe Steak Sandwiches
Bring Tex-Mex flavors into the mix with sliced steak, Monterey jack, guacamole, grilled onions and peppers, lettuce, tomato and Santa Fe mayo on telera bread. Savory meets spicy.
Steak and Blue Cheese Sandwiches
For bold flavor, go for tender grilled steak topped with creamy blue cheese, caramelized shallots, arugula and horseradish mayo on a crusty baguette. Tangy and rich.
Change up your usual steak sandwich game by trying different breads, cheeses, veggies and sauces. The options are nearly endless for crafting a memorable sandwich.