Bife à Cavalo 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 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.
Table of Contents
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
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
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 like to eat my steak and eggs between two slices of bread.
This steak and eggs recipe also makes a great brunch just like these other brunch recipes that everyone will love.
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 it 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
- Breakfast Egg Cups (Keto)
- Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (GF/4 Ingredients)
- Acai Bowl Recipe
- Coconut Flour Pancakes (Low carb/Oven baked)
- How to Make French Toast
- Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal
- Breakfast Chilaquiles
- Peach Breakfast Pie
- Perfect Oatmeal
- Pizza a Portuguesa
PIN & ENJOY!
Bife à Cavalo (Steak and Eggs Recipe)
Equipment
- skillet
- stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 rib eye steaks ¾-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 ¾ teaspoon salt and ¾ teaspoon 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
Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
This post was first published on January 8, 2014.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
How could any man not appreciate starting out the day with a wonderful meal like this. Actually they we would all enjoy this meal anytime of the day.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls says
I love your Bife à Cavalo recipe. So easy and so perfect. Great tip on letting the steak sit out at room temperature before preparing!
Denise Browning says
Yes, it helps to cook the meat uniformly!
Lily says
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.....!
Josiah - DIY Thrill says
This steak looks delicious!
"Jim" Ketchum says
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.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
Your photos are really good and I can't wait until next Sunday to plate a steak with beautiful sunny side up egg. And I've never heard of deep frying a steak. That would be a treat.
Denise Browning says
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!!!
Hanna @ MakeFor365.com says
Get out of my head!!! This is exactly what I need with maybe some horseradish cauliflower and some crunchy bread. It looks positively divine!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Hanna! I am so glad that you loved this dish... Sandwich and devour it!!!! 🙂