Bife a Cafe (Portuguese Coffee-Rubbed Steak)

About This Recipe

Bife a cafe, 'coffee house steak,' is a straightforward preparation found at cafes and restaurants across Portugal, a well-seared steak finished with a quick pan sauce built from the beef's own drippings, garlic and a splash of wine. The name references the informal cafe setting where this dish is commonly ordered rather than any coffee ingredient, though some versions do include a small amount of coffee for depth in the sauce. Topped with a fried egg whose yolk is meant to be broken and mixed into the sauce at the table, bife a cafe is simple, satisfying and typically served with french fries for a complete, no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4beef steaks (sirloin or ribeye)
• 1 tspsalt
• 1/2 tspblack pepper
• 3 tbspolive oil
• 6 clovesgarlic(smashed)
• 1/4 cupwhite wine
• 2 tbspbutter
• 4eggs(for topping)
• 2 tbspchopped parsley(for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the steaks

   Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Sear

   Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the steaks 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adding the smashed garlic to the pan partway through; remove and rest.

3. 3

   Make the sauce

   Add white wine to the same pan, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer 2-3 minutes.

   Scrape up the browned fond from searing the steak when you add the wine — this is where most of the sauce's flavor comes from.

4. 4

   Finish the sauce

   Swirl in butter until melted and glossy.

5. 5

   Fry the eggs

   In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up, keeping the yolks runny.

6. 6

   Serve

   Plate the steaks, spoon the pan sauce over the top, and finish each with a fried egg and a scatter of parsley.

Variations

• •

  Adding a small splash of brandy to the sauce is a traditional touch in some cafes.

• •

  Serving with french fries is the classic, expected accompaniment.

• •

  A version without the fried egg is simpler if you prefer just the steak and sauce.

Storage

Best eaten fresh; leftovers keep 2 days refrigerated, though reheating can affect the steak's texture — slice cold for sandwiches instead if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions