A towering sandwich of thin beef steak, cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on a soft bun. Uruguay's national sandwich.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: plate with sandwich and fries
Garnishes: olives, pickles
Accompaniments: french fries, mixed salad
Instructions
-
1
Pound the beef steaks to an even thickness of about half a centimetre using a meat mallet between sheets of cling film. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, pressing the seasoning into the surface of the meat.
-
2
Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet or flat grill over high heat until smoking. Sear the steaks for ninety seconds per side for medium doneness, developing a deep brown crust. Place a slice of mozzarella on each steak during the last thirty seconds and cover to melt.
-
3
In the same hot skillet, fry the eggs in the remaining fat until the whites are set and crispy at the edges but the yolks remain runny. Season lightly with salt and set aside on a plate while you prepare the remaining components.
-
4
Slice the Kaiser rolls in half and toast the cut sides on the hot skillet for one minute until golden brown and lightly crunchy. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted roll.
-
5
Begin assembling by laying lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each roll, followed by the cheese-topped steak, two slices of turkey breast, tomato slices, and thin red onion rings. Scatter sliced olives over the top for a briny contrast.
-
6
Crown each sandwich with a fried egg, allowing the runny yolk to serve as an additional sauce when broken. Place the top bun and press down gently. Serve immediately with a generous portion of crispy French fries on the side.
Did You Know?
Chivito means 'little goat' but ironically is always made with beef — the origin of the name is a mystery.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- grill or griddle
- sharp knife
- toaster
Garnishing
olives, pickles
Accompaniments
french fries, mixed salad
The Story Behind Chivito
The Story: The chivito is Uruguay's national sandwich, a towering construction of thin beef steak, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, olives, and a fried or hard-boiled egg, all stacked on a soft bun. Despite its name, which means little goat, the sandwich uses beef exclusively. Legend attributes its creation to the 1940s or 1950s in Punta del Este, when an Argentine tourist requested goat meat at a restaurant that had none, and the chef improvised a beef sandwich so impressive it became a permanent menu item. The chivito quickly spread across Uruguay and became the country's most recognized everyday dish.
On the Calendar: The chivito is lunch and dinner fare, served at restaurants, bars, and sandwich shops across Uruguay. It is everyday food rather than celebration food, representing the quick, satisfying meal that fuels the working day.
Then and Now: The chivito has evolved to include additional toppings and variations, but the essential combination of beef steak, cheese, egg, and fresh vegetables remains standard. The al plato version, served deconstructed on a plate with French fries, offers a knife-and-fork alternative to the handheld original.
Legacy: The chivito is Uruguay's answer to the question of how much flavor can fit between two pieces of bread: a sandwich that defies gravity and restraint in equal measure.
Comments (0)
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!