Spicy Steak and Guacamole Sandwiches on Garlic Texas Toast
These hearty sandwiches feature charred hanger steak piled on garlic-buttered grilled bread with chunky avocado and a spicy lime crema. The combination of smoky grilled flavors, creamy avocado, and tangy heat makes this perfect for casual dinners or weekend entertaining. The garlic butter simple bread into crispy, flavorful toast that stands up to the juicy steak and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb hanger steakflank steak1:1carnivore
similar texture and flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 t kosher salt
- ¾ t ground pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 ea garlic cloves, smashed
- 8 ea crusty rustic bread slicessourdough bread1:1gluten
sturdy bread that grills well
- 2 ea avocados, halved, pitted, and skin removed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 ea scallions, sliced
- ⅓ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- ½ t lime zest
Instructions
- 1
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates
- 2
Season steak with salt and pepper
- 3
Cook steak, turning several times, until well-charred outside and medium-rare inside
- 4
Place cooked steak on cutting board and tent with foil
- 5
Combine butter and smashed garlic in microwave-safe bowl
- 6
Microwave butter in 10-second increments until melted
- 7
Remove and discard garlic cloves from melted butter
- 8
Brush garlic butter over bread slices
- 9
Grill bread slices until charred and toasty
- 10
Mash avocados with fork until chunky-smooth
- 11
Add lime juice, scallions, and cilantro to avocados
- 12
Season avocado mixture with salt if desired
- 13
Whisk together sour cream, hot sauce, and lime zest
- 14
Slice steak into thick slices
- 15
Assemble sandwiches with avocado mixture, steak, spicy crema, and top bread slice
- 16
Slice sandwiches in half and serve
Tips
Tent the cooked steak with foil to keep it warm and allow juices to redistribute while preparing other components.
Wipe the grill pan clean of steak oils before grilling the bread to prevent burning and off flavors.
Keep the avocado mixture chunky-smooth rather than completely mashed for better texture contrast.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled sandwiches up to 2 hours, though bread may soften.
Prepare spicy crema and slice vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Cook steak and grill bread just before serving.
Serve immediately while bread is crispy and steak is warm.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook the steak past medium-rare to avoid tough, dry meat.
Clean the grill pan between steak and bread to prevent bitter, burnt flavors on the toast.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes, use a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for both the steak and bread, or broil the buttered bread in the oven.
What if my avocados are too firm?
Place firm avocados in a paper bag with a banana overnight, or microwave halves for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly.
How long will leftover components keep?
Cooked steak keeps 3 days refrigerated. Guacamole keeps 1 day covered. Spicy crema keeps 5 days refrigerated.