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.
Liz says
The hubby would think he'd died and gone to heaven if he found this on his breakfast plate! Beautifully done, Denise!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Liz! This is great also for lunch/dinner...I hope you can make for him one day.... xx
The Sketched Chef says
This seems to me as a perfect way to eat a steak!
Denise Browning says
Thanks!! It is a family fave...
Kumar's Kitchen says
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 🙂
Denise Browning says
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!
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
This is what we call "a lo pobre" (poor), and I don't know why because the egg make the meat complete meal.
Denise Browning says
Hi, Nydia! I mentioned this Peruvian expression in my post. It is a dish that Brazil shares with many other countries from South America.
Daniela says
My husband and sons are huge meat fans and after looking at your gorgeous
pictures they made me promise to prepare this yummy dish soon 🙂
Denise Browning says
Hi, Daniela! Both my husband and children are fans of this dish. I hope your family enjoyed it as much as we did. Have a happy weekend!
Shashi @ https://runninsrilankan.com says
Denise, I don't even like steak, but you had me drooling! GAH how does that happen????
Denise Browning says
You put a smile on my face, Shashi! Thanks a lot. Enjoy your weekend...
Deb says
My husband adores ribeye! This would be a fantastic weekend treat! With fries of course!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, my dear!!!! Enjoy...Have a wonderful weekend!
Gintare @Gourmantine says
This is something that would make my hubs very very happy. I'm sure he'd squeeze between two pieces of baguette too 🙂
Denise Browning says
That's how I love to eat mine, sandwiched!! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. xx
Lisa says
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!
Denise Browning says
Hi, Lisa! What a pleasure to have you here...Welcome to From Brazil To You! I hope your children enjoy this dish as much as my little ones did. Wishing you a great weekend!
Little Cooking Tips says
It looks delicious Denise! Wonderful combination, we make the same dish ourselves with pork steaks:) Thank you!
PS In instructions step 1, you typed the word minutes two times:)
Denise Browning says
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!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
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!
Denise Browning says
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!
Sugar et al says
How do you come up with such gorgeousness! I LOVE this dish. Steak and eggs..what more can one ask for!
Denise Browning says
Sonali: You are so sweet! It makes me happy to know that you loved this dish...I hope you make it one day and enjoy! xx
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Denise, what an amazing looking steak! I love steaks with eggs for breakfast - I even posted a recipe on my blog for breakfast flank steak + eggs. Yummy! Pinned!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, Julia! I did see yours and looked terrific!!!!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Manservant would love this!
Denise Browning says
Hey, abbe! I love to have your visits. I hope you make this dish to your family...It is a crowd-pleasing meal!
Amira says
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
Denise Browning says
Hi, Amira! This rib eye steak is appropriate for grilling and cooking in high temperatures yet it is still tender. If you want to cook it medium-well to well-done, please add 1 to 2 minutes per side to the time stated in the recipe. Thanks for stopping by!
Amira says
hmmm then may be I should try it for them as well... thanks for the advice my friend.
Denise Browning says
My pleasure, Amira!!!!!
Coffee and Crumpets says
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!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nazneen! This is double protein... 🙂
John@Kitchen Riffs says
That is an interesting name! I haven't heard of this dish before, but it looks terrific. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
Denise Browning says
Hi, John! Thanks a lot...It is my pleasure!
The Café Sucre Farine says
I want to come to your house for dinner Denise, this sounds fantastic! I thought the name came from the fact that you'd get so hungry riding horses you'd need something hearty and delicious! 🙂
Denise Browning says
LOL...Thanks, Chris! You put a smile on my face on a day that it is much needed. Have a glorious day!
Lail | With A Spin says
Steak and fried eggs. Anytime, Denise.
Denise Browning says
Hi, Lail! I am glad that you have enjoyed our latest dish... xx
Denise Browning says
Thanks for stopping by, Lail!
Shema | LifeScoops says
You have just defined the right way to have a steak - with a fried egg!!!!! It looks out of this world!!! Loved it 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Shema! My family and I enjoy this steak with fried eggs on top a lot.