Latin American Steak with Fries and Egg

Bife a lo Pobre is a beloved Latin American dish that combines a juicy pan-seared steak with crispy fries, fluffy white rice, and a perfectly fried egg. Popular in countries like Peru and Chile, this hearty and indulgent meal is packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Traditionally considered a “poor man’s steak,” its generous portions and simple ingredients make it a favorite comfort food across Latin America.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying – A well-balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats in every bite.
• Rich in Flavor – The combination of seasoned steak, crispy fries, and a runny egg yolk creates a deliciously indulgent dish.
• Easy to Make – With basic ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this dish comes together quickly.
• Versatile – Customize with different cuts of beef, add sautéed onions, or swap white rice for a whole-grain option.
• A Classic Latin American Dish – Enjoy a taste of South American cuisine right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 beef steaks (sirloin or ribeye)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large potatoes, cut into fries
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Season and Sear the Steak

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steaks on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness.
4. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest while preparing the other components.

2. Fry the Potatoes

5. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Add the potato fries in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
7. Drain the fries on paper towels and season with salt while still hot.

3. Fry the Eggs

8. In the same skillet used for the steak, fry the eggs over medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

4. Sauté the Bell Peppers (Optional)

9. If using, sauté the sliced bell pepper in the skillet for 2 minutes until slightly charred.

5. Assemble and Serve

10. On each plate, place a portion of cooked white rice.
11. Add the seared steak next to the rice and top with the fried egg.
12. Serve with crispy fries on the side and garnish with sautéed bell peppers if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Calories: Approximately 750 kcal per serving

Variations

• Caramelized Onions – Sauté onions until golden brown and place them on top of the steak for extra sweetness.
• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of chili flakes or serve with a spicy salsa.
• Healthier Fries – Instead of deep-frying, bake the potato fries at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• Different Proteins – Try this dish with grilled chicken or pork chops instead of steak.
• Peruvian-Style – Add a side of fried plantains for an authentic Peruvian touch.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm the steak and fries in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to maintain crispiness. Reheat rice and eggs separately.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the textures of the steak, fries, and eggs may not hold up well.

FAQs

1. What does “Bife a lo Pobre” mean?

The name translates to “Poor Man’s Steak,” though the dish is hearty and indulgent, featuring steak, fries, rice, and eggs.

2. What’s the best cut of steak for this dish?

Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are great choices as they are tender and flavorful.

3. Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. How do I make the steak more tender?

Let the steak rest after cooking and slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

5. What sides go well with this dish?

A fresh salad, avocado slices, or fried plantains pair well with Bife a lo Pobre.

6. Can I cook the steak on a grill?

Yes, grilling the steak adds a smoky flavor and works just as well as pan-searing.

7. How can I make this dish healthier?

Use leaner cuts of beef, bake the fries instead of frying, and use brown rice instead of white rice.

8. Can I cook the eggs differently?

Yes, scrambled or poached eggs can be used instead of fried eggs.

9. What kind of sauce can I serve with it?

Aji sauce, chimichurri, or a spicy salsa make excellent accompaniments.

10. Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience—simply follow the package instructions.

Conclusion

Bife a lo Pobre is a rich and satisfying Latin American dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you enjoy it as a special weekend meal or a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sauces and sides for a delicious and authentic experience!

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Latin American Steak with Fries and Egg

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A hearty and indulgent dish featuring a juicy pan-seared steak, crispy fries, fluffy white rice, and a perfectly fried egg. This Latin American classic is packed with bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a must-try meal!

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Searing & Frying
• Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

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For the Steak:

• 2 beef steaks (sirloin or ribeye)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Fries & Egg:

• 2 large potatoes, cut into fries
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 large eggs

For Serving:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Steak:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until the desired doneness is reached. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Fry the Potatoes:

4. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the potato fries in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch).
6. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Fry the Eggs:

7. In the same skillet used for the steak, fry the eggs over medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

Optional Bell Peppers:

8. If using bell peppers, sauté them in the pan for 2 minutes until slightly charred.

Assemble the Dish:

9. Serve the steaks on a plate with white rice, crispy fries, and fried eggs on top.
10. Garnish with sautéed bell peppers if desired.

Notes

• Best Steak Cut: Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak works best for this dish.
• Crispier Fries: For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before frying.
• Egg Texture: Cook the eggs to your preference—soft, medium, or fully cooked.