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Bife à Cavalo (Steak and Eggs Recipe)

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Mouthwatering Bife à Cavalo beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection in only 15 minutes is sure to become one of your most delish keto breakfast recipes. This Brazilian steak and eggs is surprisingly easy to make with only 5 ingredients in your own home.

My husband is crazy for steak and eggs… and so am I. I decided to surprise him for an early Father’s Day breakfast and his reaction was priceless.

His eyes smiled big time. Happiness was there… since at the very first bite. It was like I was delivering a priceless gift.

I hope you do the same to your Dad. After all, they deserve this and more.

To all of the men who have made a positive difference in their children’s lives, we wish you a very Happy Father’s Day! May it be full of joy and loving memories.

What is Bife à Cavalo?

Bife à Cavalo is a traditional dish of Brazil and Portugal. Simply put, it is a pan-fried (or occasionally, pan-grilled) beef steak topped with fried eggs. Perhaps it’s the simplicity of this recipe that makes it such a favorite, but it also might be that everyone loves a reason to eat steak for breakfast!

This Brazilian steak and eggs recipe is originally adapted from the French dish Bifteck à Cheval or Steak à Cheval. In Argentina it is known as Bife a Caballo while in Peru and Chile it’s called A lo Pobre, and in Colombia it is Bistec a Caballo.

Bife à Cavalo can be translated as ‘horseback riding steak’ because of the eggs on top which look to be “riding” the steak like a horse. Fun name for a great meal!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this fantastic recipe for steak and eggs:

  • Ribeye steak – you’ll want it to be about ¾- inch thick. You can use other cuts (see below).
  • Salt – its main flavoring ingredient.
  • Black pepper – use freshly ground black pepper if possible for optimal flavor.
  • Olive oil – it has a higher smoking point than butter, helping to cook the steak without burning. If you want to, add butter to maximize flavor.
  • Eggs – keep reading to see my tips for making the eggs below.

What Cut of Beef Can I Use?

Although I use ribeye steak in the recipe, you can choose other cuts. Some options you might enjoy would be top sirloin, tenderloin, New York strip, or T-bone steak.

How to Make Bife à Cavalo

Before you begin, be sure to remove the steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps ensure the steak cooks as evenly as possible. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and then the steaks. Cook for either 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium or 5-6 minutes per side for medium to well done. Remove the steaks and place on a plate to rest while you cook the eggs.

If you want to, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs on top.

How to Make the Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs 

sunny side up egg with runny egg yolk with chopped herbs on top

Now, you may we wondering, “okay, how do I cook the eggs?” To answer this question, get this recipe for perfect sunny side up eggs. I’ve even included a video of the process to help you see exactly what to do. Note: you can actually cook your eggs in the same pan that you used to cook the steaks.

If you’re interested in trying something a little different with the eggs, you might want to serve the steaks with boiled eggs. See here how to hard boil eggs for the best results.

Tips for Tender Steak

Here are a few:

1. let the meat come to room temperature for even cooking.

2. another option for the most tender steak would be using a meat mallet to tenderize the steaks on both sides before cooking.

3. be sure to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

4. cut the steak against the grain for the most perfect and tender bites.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

One of the best things about steak and eggs is that it is actually a pretty healthy meal! With a double portion of protein from the meat and eggs, Bife à Cavalo will give you plenty of energy to slowly burn through during the day. It’s really hard to think of any meal that is better for those following a keto or low carb diet—this one is just perfect!

What to Serve with the Bife à Cavalo

a large skillet with partially sliced steak with an egg on top and veggies on the side

Traditionally, Brazilians will often have Bife à Cavalo with a side of French fries or rice and a fresh salad. Another option would be to add a side of your favorite veggies such as roasted potato wedges. I actually like to eat my steak and eggs between two slices of bread.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover steak and eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftovers make a great sandwich!

What about freezing? Yes, you can freeze the leftover steak. For the best results, wrap the steak in plastic wrap and press out as much air as possible, then wrap the steak in foil and place in a zip-top bag. Write the contents of the bag and the date you’re putting it in the freezer on the bag with a marker. Freeze for up to 2 months. It is one of those easy freezer meals! 

Now, what you cannot freeze are the leftover eggs. Only raw eggs can be frozen, so just remove all of the eggs from the meat before freezing it. When you later thaw the steak to eat, cook the eggs to eat with the steak.

More Breakfast Recipes You Will Love

 

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close up of runny egg yolk over a steak

 

 

 

 

A skillet with steak and eggs plus vegetables (close up)
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5 from 9 votes

Bife à Cavalo (Steaka dn Eggs Recipe)

Bife à Cavalo beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection is sure to become one of your most treasured keto breakfast recipes. This delicious Brazilian steak and eggs is surprisingly easy to make with only 5 ingredients in your own home.
Course:Breakfast
Cuisine:American
Keywords:bife a cavalo, breakfast recipe, steak and eggs recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2
Calories191 kcal
Author Denise Browning
Cost $ 5.00 per person

Equipment

  • skillet
  • stovetop

Ingredients

  • 2 rib eye steaks 3/4-inch thick, 15-ounce
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large eggs also known as sunny-side up eggs

Instructions

  • Before you begin, be sure to remove the steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps ensure the steak cooks as evenly as possible. Season the steaks on both sides with 1 3/4 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp pepper.
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and then the steaks. Cook for either 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium or 5-6 minutes per side for medium to well done. Remove the steaks and place on a plate to rest while you cook the eggs.
  • Cook the eggs in the same skillet. See how to cook perfect sunny side up eggs. It takes about 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat. Season eggs with remaining salt and pepper. Serve each egg on top of each steak.

Recipe Notes

How to serve: Alternatively serve steak with boiled eggs instead. See how to hard boil eggs in less than 10 minutes (soft, medium, or hard-boiled).
Traditionally, Brazilians will often have Bife à Cavalo with a side of French fries or rice and a fresh salad. Another option would be to add a side of your favorite oven-roasted vegetables such as potato wedges. I actually like to eat my steak and eggs between two slices of bread. 
What Cut of Beef Can I Use?
Although I use ribeye steak in the recipe, you can choose other cuts. Some options you might enjoy would be top sirloin, tenderloin, New York strip, or T-bone steak.
Tips for Tender Steak
Here are a few:
1. let the meat come to room temperature for even cooking.
2. another option for the most tender steak would be using a meat mallet to tenderize the steaks on both sides before cooking.
3. be sure to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
4. cut the steak against the grain for the most perfect and tender bites.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover steak and eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftovers make a great sandwich!
What about freezing? Yes, you can freeze the leftover steak. For the best results, wrap the steak in plastic wrap and press out as much air as possible, then wrap the steak in foil and place in a zip-top bag. Write the contents of the bag and the date you’re putting it in the freezer on the bag with a marker. Freeze for up to 2 months. It is one of those easy freezer meals! 
Now, what you cannot freeze are the leftover eggs. Only raw eggs can be frozen, so just remove all of the eggs from the meat before freezing it. When you later thaw the steak to eat, cook the eggs to eat with the steak.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 2389mg | Potassium: 61mg | Vitamin A: 238IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

This post was first published on January 8, 2014.

 

 

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Comments

  5. Coffee and Crumpets

    You and me at fried steak! Yummy! This looks delicious Denise and I think I’d definitely want some fries with that. One of my fave French dishes is Steak Frites, but with this one you get an egg too!

    Reply

  6. Amira

    Hmmm this sounds great, Only one problem… in my house they- hubby and kids- eat their meat well done.. and I have a huge problem with meat since we landed here in the US. I can not find a cut that is tender enough to be well done when fried… I keep boiling and boiling and boiling the meat for 3 – 4 hours until it is done enough for my family. I am going to try them for me 🙂 and may be will make a chicken version for them… fair enough? Thanks dear for the recipe….
    P.S.: It really sounded weird …LOL

    Reply

  10. Nami | Just One Cookbook

    5 stars
    This post make me drool big time. I LOVE eating a meal like this. Fried egg on top! In Japan we say one egg per day for health, and it’s so frustrating because my mom used to cook an egg for me in the morning, but I also want to put fried egg on top of a food for dinner! Not to mention I love egg sandwich too…. anyway… I love eggs, and this steak is AWESOME!

    Reply

    • Denise Browning

      Although we serve this dish in Brazil with fries and other accompaniments, I do prefer mine between 2 slices of bread, as a sandwich. If you try this dish, you won’t regret it! Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

    • Denise Browning

      I had no idea that in Greece there is a version of this dish made with pork chops. I’d love to try your version as well. Thanks a lot for pointing out the double word/typo ‘minutes’. I’ll correct it in a sec. Wishing you both a wonderful weekend!

      Reply

  12. Lisa

    This looks so amazing Denise! My kids would be so happy to have Bife A Cavallo for dinner. They love meat and I don’t make it enough to satisfy their carnivorous appetites. I’m going to surprise them with this. Thanks so much for the inspiration. PS I found your blog on Pinterest and I’m looking forward to exploring!

    Reply

  13. Gintare @Gourmantine

    5 stars
    This is something that would make my hubs very very happy. I’m sure he’d squeeze between two pieces of baguette too 🙂

    Reply

  18. Kumar's Kitchen

    5 stars
    one of our friends loves steaks….and we are just imagining how happy she would be if we serve her this sunny looking,hearty breakfast on one fine winter morning,thanks for the inspiration Denise,we will just have to work our way through this well explained recipe for a happy friend 🙂

    Reply

    • Denise Browning

      Hi, Kumar! I hope you introduce this dish to your friend. Everyone that have eaten, loved it. That’s why it is not only popular in Brazil but also in many other countries from South America. Enjoy!

      Reply

  21. Hanna @ MakeFor365.com

    Get out of my head!!! This is exactly what I need with maybe some horseradish cauliflower and some crunchy bread. It looks positively divine!

    Reply

    • Denise Browning

      Hi, Lea Ann! I hope you enjoy this dish. It became a real family fave…Both my husband and little children love it. In Brazil, the deep-fried steak is a variation to the method described on the recipe above. Wishing you a great week!!!

      Reply

  23. "Jim" Ketchum

    When I lived in Recife I at this all the time. – a few, small super hot red peppers that had be cured in Alcohol on the side and I was a happycamper.

    Reply

  25. Lily

    5 stars
    oooh…this such a mouthwatering recipe till date….it looks sooo yummy & too delicious as well…..i will trying to making this upcoming weekend….Thanks for sharing…..!

    Reply

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