Bife à Cavalo
Bife à Cavalo is a classic Brazilian comfort food consisting of a grilled or pan-seared beef steak topped with a fried egg, typically served with rice, beans, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). The name translates to 'steak on horseback,' playfully referring to the egg 'riding' atop the meat. It's a staple in casual eateries (botecos) and homes across Brazil.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in protein from both the beef and egg, and also contains significant fat, especially if the steak is marbled or cooked with added oil. A typical serving (steak + egg + sides) can range from 600 to 900 calories, providing iron, B vitamins, and choline, but is relatively low in carbohydrates unless served with generous portions of rice and farofa.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 7.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.0 µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Selenium | 40 µg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Cholesterol | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish is a perfect example of Brazil's hearty, no-fuss culinary culture, where a simple, protein-packed meal is celebrated. Nutritionally, the combination of red meat and egg creates a complete amino acid profile, making it a particularly satisfying and muscle-fueling meal.
