Chivito (Uruguayan Steak Sandwich)
In short: A towering Uruguayan sandwich of thin steak, ham, bacon, melted mozzarella, fried egg, tomato and lettuce on a soft bun. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 835 kcal
Chivito is Uruguay's best-known sandwich and, for many people, its national dish. Thin, tender beef steak is piled on a soft bun with ham, bacon, melted mozzarella, a fried egg, tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise, and it often comes with a mountain of fries. Despite the name, which means little goat, there is no goat in it. Bars, snack stands and family kitchens all make it, and one is easily big enough for a meal.
Instructions
- Season the steaks with the salt and pepper. Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about 6 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels and leave the fat in the pan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the bacon fat and raise the heat to high. Cook the steaks for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (at least 63°C / 145°F).
- Lay a slice of mozzarella on each steak, cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for 1 minute, until the cheese melts.
- In a second pan, fry the eggs in the remaining oil for 2 to 3 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft.
- Toast the cut sides of the buns in a dry pan for 1 minute, then spread them with mayonnaise.
- Build each sandwich with lettuce, tomato, a steak with melted cheese, 2 slices of ham, 2 slices of bacon, an egg and olives. Close with the bun top.
- Serve at once, with fries on the side if you like.
Tips
- Chivito al plato has the same toppings piled on a plate over fries and salad, with no bun. It is a popular alternative.
- Pound the steaks thin and cook them fast. Thick steak turns tough in a sandwich.
Questions and answers
Is there goat in a chivito?
No. Chivito means little goat, but the sandwich is made with beef.
What is chivito al plato?
The same ingredients served on a plate over French fries and a salad, with no bun.
Can I make chivito ahead of time?
Prepare the toppings ahead and keep them chilled, but cook the steak, egg and bacon just before serving. Assemble and eat at once so the bun stays crisp.
How long does it take to make Chivito (Uruguayan Steak Sandwich)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chivito (Uruguayan Steak Sandwich)?
About 835 kcal per serving, with 60 g of protein, 39 g of carbohydrates and 49 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 835 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 60 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 49 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 2000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
