Cheddar Cheese Steak Sandwich

Cheddar Cheese Steak is a great sandwich and there are a lot of variations. This is one that I really enjoy and I hope that you will too. I like to use top sirloin but you can use what ever steak you like best. I like the sirloin because it's a nice lean cut and usually pretty reasonably priced. If you watch the ads you can usually find it between 3 and 4 dollars a pound. You want to figure about 5 to 6 ounces of meat per sandwich so buy accordingly. Normally a good thick cut top sirloin will weigh between 1-1/2 to 2 pounds. Lets plan for six sandwiches today, so the ingredients will be as follows.

Top sirloin steak                                         2 to 2-1/2 pounds
Yellow onions, julienne                             1 large
Cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded            about 6 ounces
Butter                                                           1 Tbs
Onion Buns                                                  6

Ok, fire up that grill and while you're waiting for it to get hot lets get some other stuff ready. Cut your onions and get a skillet hot on the stove. To julienne means to cut in fine strips. Melt the butter and cook the onions on medium high heat so you get some caramelization. Brown the onions nicely and remove from the heat for later. While the onions are cooking lets season up the steaks. I like to use fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder and Mrs. Dash Salt Free Extra Spicy Seasoning Blend. Be sure to season both sides well.  While you have the butter out lets spread some on those buns so they are ready to grill also, and add a little garlic powder if you like. Now the grill should be ready so lets cook the steaks. Before you go out heat the oven to 400 degrees. You may want to under cook the steaks a little as you are going to slice them and place in the oven with the onions and cheese for 5-10 minutes. Grill the steaks to your desired doneness. I like rare to medium rare. If you're not sure how to tell I have a little tip that may help. Turn your hand palm side up and using your index finger press against the part of your palm that is under your thumb. Notice how it's kind of soft and spongy, that's how your steak should feel if it's rare, next use the middle finger and you'll notice it's a little firmer, medium rare, ring finger is even firmer yet and that would resemble medium, and the pinky is very firm, that would be medium well to well done. I've used this to train cooks to cook steaks in the past, it really does work. Well now that the steaks are done take them off the grill and let them set while you grill the buns. You can put them on your grill and toast them up or do them in the skillet that you cooked the onions in. There is more room on the grill so I choose it. Now the steaks have rested and the juices are sealed in so starting slicing it up and piling portions onto a cookie sheet. Divide it evenly into six portions and top them each with the onions and about 1 ounce of cheese. Put this in the oven for 5 - 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Serve up on the toasted bun and garnish with lettuce and sliced tomatoes. Serve with a side of fries or your favorite salad and enjoy.