Bistec a lo Pobre Recipe

Bistec a lo pobre is a dish consisting of steak, potato wedges and eggs, popular in Peru and Chile. The meat is lightly seasoned then all the components are cooked by frying.  The meat and potatoes are plated them topped with a runny fried egg before serving.

‘Bistec a lo pobre’ means poor man’s steak. Its basic form has only three components.

Though it consists of a fried egg this isn’t a breakfast dish, it is eaten for lunch or dinner. When served in restaurants, it’s typically plated with additional sides to create a more robust meal.

The most common additions are fried plantains, white rice, onions, sautéed vegetables or salad. It is not uncommon to find bistec a lo pobre made with plantains instead of potato wedges.

The elevated version is called lomo a lo pobre. While bistec can refer to any cut of steak, lomo is more specific to a loin or tenderloin cut.

The loin is a more expensive steak cut because it is considered more tender so lomo a lo pobre generally costs more than a bistec a lo pobre dish. The other components of the dish remain the same.

Origin and Cultural Significance

Bistec a lo pobre reflects the ingenuity of everyday cooks in Peru and Chile, transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Its name highlights its humble origins, yet the dish has become a cultural staple, celebrated for its generous portions and comforting flavors. Often enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike, it embodies a sense of communal eating and culinary tradition, bridging the gap between a practical working-class meal and a beloved comfort food.

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Peruvian Bistec a lo Pobre

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Bistec a lo pobre is a dish consisting of steak, potato wedges and eggs, popular in Peru and Chile. The meat is lightly seasoned then all the components are cooked by frying. 

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Ingredients

• Beef steaks - 4
• Potatoes - 2 lbs
• Onion (large) - 2
• Eggs - 4
• Oil - as needed
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Instructions

1. Peel the onions and cut them into thin julienne strips.
2. Peel the potatoes, cut them into frying sticks and dry them with a clean cloth.
3. In a pot, heat plenty of oil to fry the potatoes.
4. When the oil reaches 325F degrees, add the potatoes and fry them until golden brown, for about 10 minutes.
5. Once golden, remove them and place them on absorbent paper, season with salt and pepper to taste and keep them hot.
6. In a pan with a little of the oil used to fry the potatoes, fry the onion with a pinch of salt until they are golden.
7. Cook the steaks with a little hot oil.
8. Set them aside and fry the eggs one by one in the same pan, leaving the yolk runny.
9. When the meat is ready, assemble the dish by placing the pieces of meat on the plate, top with the onion and fried eggs and place the potatoes to the side.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 950Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 400mgSodium: 355mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 6gSugar: 5gProtein: 70g

Nutrition is provided and calculated by Nutritionix. It is for general information purposes and is only a rough estimation.

Photo Credit: James