The secret to making a perfect steak sandwich, according to a golf-club chef

Baltusrol's popular steak sandwich on a plate

Want to replicate Baltusrol's steak sandwich at home? Here's how.

Courtesy of Baltusrol GC.

Welcome to Clubhouse Eats, where we celebrate the game’s most delectable food and drink. Hope you brought your appetites.

***

Fresh off a renovation of its Lower Course, Baltusrol Golf Club is now looking toward a 2023 redo of its other 18, the Upper Course. 

But for all that is in flux at the historic New Jersey club, one thing won’t be changing: the steak sandwich.

The item is a favorite on the clubhouse menu, and Baltusrol’s executive chef Ed Stone tells how to replicate it at home.

How to make a Baltusrol-grade steak sandwich

1. The meat

Use prime grade beef. Anything less and you’re cheating yourself.

2. The seasoning

Marinade? Nope. That would be like over-thinking your swing. Keep it simple. Sea salt and fresh ground pepper.

cheesesteak
The secret to making a perfect cheesesteak, according to a golf-club chef
By: Josh Sens

3. Cooking style

In the kitchen, as on the course, there are a lot of ways to get things done. Stone recommends pan-roasting on a cast iron skillet. Or, better yet, step outside and do it on the grill. High heat, please. Shoot for a good sear, without over-cooking, for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.

4. How to cut the meat

We know you can slice a ball. But what about a steak? Start with a sharp knife, the cut on a slight bias. It will help keep every bite tender and juicy. Aim for about 1/4-inch in thickness.

5. The bread

Toasted ciabatta, brushed with garlic butter. If you don’t have ciabatta, a baguette works great.

6. Garnish

If you’re intent on being true to the recipe, you’ll need to make a demi-glace, a rich brown sauce with a stock base. But no one will complain about a drizzling of pan juices. Add caramelized onions, and you’re done.

Josh Sens

Golf.com Editor

A golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.