Steak Gatsby
A hearty and flavourful steak-filled super sandwich, a beloved Cape Town street food classic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Long bread roll (e.g., baguette or French loaf)(Approximately 60-75 cm (2-2.5 feet) long.)
- 400g Steak (e.g., sirloin, rump, or minute steak)(Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness.)
- 300g Chips (French fries)(Can be store-bought frozen or homemade.)
- to taste Peri-peri sauce(Adjust to your spice preference.)
- as needed Salad greens (e.g., lettuce, tomato, onion)(Finely sliced or shredded.)
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil(For frying the steak.)
- to taste Salt and black pepper(For seasoning the steak.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chips: If using frozen chips, cook them according to package instructions until golden brown and crispy. If making homemade, fry them in hot oil (180°C / 350°F) until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 2
Cook the steak: Heat butter or oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper. Add the steak to the hot pan in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. The steak should be browned on the outside and tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Prepare the roll: Slice the long bread roll horizontally, almost all the way through, creating a hinge. Gently spread it open.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Assemble the Gatsby: Generously layer the cooked chips inside the opened bread roll. Top the chips with the cooked steak slices. Add your prepared salad ingredients over the steak.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Add the sauce: Drizzle or spread peri-peri sauce generously over the salad and steak filling, according to your taste. Close the bread roll.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve: Cut the Gatsby into manageable portions (e.g., for 4 people) and serve immediately while warm.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra flavour boost, you can marinate the steak briefly in a little peri-peri sauce before cooking.
- ✓Don't overcook the steak; it should remain tender.
- ✓The Gatsby is very filling, so a little goes a long way!
- ✓This is a true Cape Town street food experience, best enjoyed fresh.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other sauces like mayonnaise or a spicy relish.
- Experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or lamb.
- Include other fillings like fried eggs or cheese.