Bistec a lo Pobre
A hearty and satisfying Chilean classic, 'Bistec a lo Pobre' translates to 'poor man's steak.' It features a pan-fried steak served atop a generous portion of french fries, caramelized onions, and topped with a fried egg. It's a comforting and flavorful dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces (approx. 150-200g each) Beef steaks (e.g., sirloin, ribeye)
- 1 kg Potatoes(medium-sized, for fries)
- 2 large Onions(sliced thinly)
- 4 large Eggs
- sufficient for frying Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Sugar(optional, for caramelizing onions)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce(optional, for steak)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel and slice the onions thinly. Soak them in cold water for about 15 minutes to reduce their sharpness, then drain well.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps to mellow the onion flavor. - 2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick fries. Rinse them under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry.
💡 Tip: Drying the potatoes is crucial for crispy fries. - 3
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for crispier results. - 4
While the potatoes are frying, caramelize the onions. In a separate skillet, heat a little oil over medium-low heat. Add the drained onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and sweet. Add sugar in the last few minutes if desired.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for sweet, caramelized onions. - 5
Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. Optionally, add Worcestershire sauce in the last minute of cooking.
💡 Tip: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. - 6
In the same skillet used for the steak (or a clean one), fry the eggs to your liking (sunny-side up is traditional).
💡 Tip: A perfectly runny yolk is ideal for this dish. - 7
To serve, place a generous portion of french fries on each plate. Top with a steak, caramelized onions, and a fried egg.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately while everything is hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the beef is important for a good steak.
- ✓Adjust the thickness of the fries to your preference.
- ✓Some variations include adding a slice of cheese on top of the steak.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a side of pebre (Chilean salsa) for extra flavor.
- Use different cuts of beef, such as lomo vetado or lomo liso.
- Add a dollop of mayonnaise on top of the egg.