Image by Stevie Ekkelkamp

Steak de Burgo

Steak de Burgo is a culinary masterpiece of Latin-inflected steak, loaded with the robust flavors of garlic, parsley, and olive oil. This unctuous, succulent, and decadent dish hails from the region of Burgos in Spain. A true representation of Spanish cuisine, it is a quintessential combination of simple ingredients that come together in extraordinary fashion.

Steak de Burgo


At its core, Steak de Burgo consists of thinly sliced beef cooked in a hot skillet with garlic, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil. The flavorsome and aromatic garlic and parsley meld perfectly with the olive oil to bring out the juicy and tender texture of the beef – an experience that’s absolutely heavenly and sure to please the palate.

The beef used for this dish should be high-quality and tender, as the thin slices require a thin cut. It is best to opt for sirloin, rib-eye, or tenderloin steak and make sure to slice it as thinly as possible for optimal results. Once the beef is cut, it is seasoned with salt and pepper on both sides, and then added to the skillet along with the garlic, parsley, and olive oil in order to allow the flavors to develop.

Cooked on high heat, the steaks cook quickly, soaking up the garlicky flavor of the garlic whilst simultaneously allowing the inside to remain tender and oh-so-juicy. The result is a flavorful beef dish that is sure to tantalize the tastebuds. To complete the dish, it is important to leave the steaks to rest briefly before serving, allowing them to soak up the irresistible flavors one last time to ensure maximum mouthwatering deliciousness.

As with many of the best dishes, Steak de Burgo is deceptively simple yet massively rewarding. When you take a bite of it, you know immediately why it has become such a classic. It’s an absolute joy for the senses and delivers an unforgettable experience, no matter your preference for heat, spice, or otherwise. Whether served alongside a hearty side dish, over a bed of greens or simply enjoyed all on its own, there’s no doubt that Steak de Burgo is one of the most scrumptious and delightful meals around.

The origin of Steak de Burgo

Steak de Burgo: A Brief History of This Timeless Delicacy

Few dishes are as timeless and impeccably delicious as steak de Burgo. The origins of this dish, however, are not so entrenched in history. While the exact origin of steak de Burgo is greatly disputed, its development is said to have been a fortuitous marriage of Italian and Argentine influences.

The first version of this dish dates back to the late 19th century in Buenos Aires. It is thought that settlers from Italy had brought with them some of the old family recipes, specifically those based on veal scallopini. To these they added some of the local Argentine ingredients, such as tarragon, bell peppers, and tomatoes. With these additions, the resultant dish was quickly embraced by the local population, and it became known as ‘entrana de burgo’ or, more commonly, ‘steak de Burgo’.

In essence, steak de Burgo is a variation of the classic Italian dish, veal scallopini. Instead of the traditional breaded and fried scallops, the Argentinian version is poached in a herbed white wine and tomato sauce. As the name suggests, the main ingredient is steak, but many variations include chicken, pork, or fish. Other notable matters include the use of fresh herbs, garlic, and onions, which all make for a great accompaniment to the juicy steak.

Today, steak de Burgo is an integral part of both the Italian and Argentine cuisines. Its fortuitous mix of Italian and Argentine ingredients has made it a favourite in households all around the world. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, or an aficionado of Argentine cooking, steak de Burgo will certainly please your palate with its deliciousness.

FAQs about Steak de Burgo

How to perfectly cook steak?

1. Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking.

2. Preheat your grill, pan or oven to medium-high heat (400 - 450°F).

3. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.

4. Add oil to the skillet or brush the steak with oil to keep it from sticking.

5. Add the steak to the hot skillet or grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare steak. For rare steak, cook for 1-2 minutes per side.

6. Add butter and herbs such as rosemary and thyme to the pan. Baste the steak with melted butter.

7. Flip the steak and continue cooking until your desired degree of doneness is achieved.

8. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The juices will settle during this time. Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.


Where was Steak de Burgo invented?

Steak de Burgo is said to have been invented at the Italian-American restaurant, Friar Tuck's, in Downers Grove, Illinois.


Types of Steak de Burgo

and phrases

It’s no wonder why steak de Burgo is such a beloved dish; it’s a testament to the versatility of beef. For those unfamiliar, Steak de Burgo is an Italian-American steak dish that traditionally consists of pan-fried rib-eye or sirloin steak, topped with a savory butter and garlic sauce. But for the more adventurous chefs, variations abound.

Take, for example, the Steak de Burgo alla Toscana, which features a cream-based sauce made with artichoke hearts and prosciutto. The creamy texture of the sauce marries perfectly with the umami flavors of the steak, giving the dish a robust flavor and luxurious texture.

For something a bit more exotic, you can try the Steak de Burgo al curry. The curry adds a delightful dimension of flavor, while retaining the classic elements of the original dish. Plus, if you pair it with a side of sticky coconut jasmine rice, you can create a flavorful fusion meal.

Another version, the Steak de Burgo Pepata, is a popular favorite in Mexico. This iteration of the dish swaps out the butter and garlic sauce for a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. The sweet-and-sour combination of the sauce elevates the steak, creating a bold and piquant flavor.

Finally, there's the Steak de Burgo con Carpaccio. Perfect for a fancier dinner, this version of the dish features thinly sliced ribeye steak topped with thinly-sliced onions, mushrooms, and capers. The contrast between the creamy texture of the carpaccio and the juicy tenderness of the steak create a unique culinary experience.

Whether you enjoy the classic Steak de Burgo, or one of its more daring variations, you’re sure to find something to love. From time-honored standards to exciting new flavors, steak de Burgo has something to offer for everyone.