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    My Colombian Recipes » Recipes » Main Dishes » Beef » Bistec A Caballo (creole Steak On Horseback)

    Bistec a Caballo (Creole Steak on Horseback)

    Feb 20, 2023 by Erica Dinho · 52 Comments

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    This Bistec a Caballo recipe is comforting and simple. The perfect weeknight meal dish served over white rice to soak the delicious sauce.

    Bistec a Caballo-Colombian RecipesPin

    What is Bistec a Caballo?

    It is a traditional and popular Colombian dish. It is basically a piece of steak seasoned with spices and hogao a Colombian style tomato and onion sauce, topped with a fried egg. As far as the interesting name, I really don’t know from where it came, but do let me know if you find out 😉

    I like to make my Bistec a Caballo with skirt steak or flank steak. Feel free to use sirloin or tenderloin if you prefer. It’s also likely you’ll have most of the ingredients to hand, so you can enjoy this comforting and delicious meal in no time.

    Recetas de Comida ColombianaPin

    What to Serve with this Dish?

    I like to serve Bistec a Caballo with white rice to soak the delicious tomato sauce, avocado and ripe plantain on the side. A simple green salad is also a perfect side for this dish.

    Recetas Colombianas-Bistec a CaballoPin

    Ingredients to Make Bistec a Caballo

    You can find the printable recipe card with the full ingredients list and directions below.

    Beef: I recommend using skirt or flank steak for this recipe. Use sirloin tip if you prefer.

    Oil: Use canola, vegetable or olive oil.

    Vegetables: Garlic

    Spices: I like using yellow mustard to marinade the beef, but you omit it if you don't like the flavor. Oregano, ground cumin, salt and pepper.

    Herbs: Cilantro or parsley.

    Sauce: I use my hogao recipe.

    Eggs: Fried eggs are a must for a traditional Bistec a Caballo recipe.

    Colombian Food-Bistec a CaballoPin
    Colombian Food-Bistec a CaballoPin

    Bistec a Caballo Recipe (Creole Steak on Horseback)

    Erica Dinho
    5 from 50 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Colombian
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 476 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds skirt steak trimmed and cut into 4 equal portions
    • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • 2 tablespoons mustard
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • Salt and black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
    • 1 cup hogao
    • 4 fried eggs

    Instructions
     

    • Place the steaks between sheets of wax paper, then pound until each steak is about ¼ inch thick.
    • Place the pounded steaks in a zip lock plastic bag. Add the mustard, oregano, cumin, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. Be sure the steaks are evenly covered.
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the steaks into the skillet and cook for 3 minutes per side.
    • To serve: Pour hogao over the steaks and top with a fried egg.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 56gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 307mgSodium: 299mgPotassium: 860mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 612IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 6mg
    Keyword beef recipes, bistec
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mycolombianrecipes and tag #mycolombianrecipes!
    Comida ColombianaPin

    More Weeknight Meal Ideas

    Lentil and Chicken Soup

    Seafood Stew (Cazuela de Mariscos)

    Chicken and Coconut Soup (Cazuela de Pollo y Coco)

    Corn Creamy Soup (Crema de Mazorca)

    More Main Dishes Recipes

    Chuleta De Pollo (Colombian-Style Breaded Chicken Breast)Macaroni Salad With Avocado Dressing (Ensalada De Coditos Con Aderezo De Aguacate)Chicken With Cilantro-Parsley-Capers SauceSopa De Lentejas Con Carne (Lentils And Beef Soup)Sudado De Pescado Al Coco (Fish Stew With Coconut)
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    About Erica Dinho

    My name is Erica and I was born and raised in Colombia and now live in the northeastern United States with my husband and family. This blog was inspired by my grandmother, Mamita, who was an amazing traditional Colombian cook.

    Author Page →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. zerrin

      August 24, 2009 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      Its name is so funny! And I like the idea of combining steak and egg in this shape.

      Reply
    2. marya

      August 24, 2009 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      oh dear and here i am thinking it was horse steak hahha! It translates into horse steak in my language!

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        October 19, 2011 at 12:09 pm

        5 stars
        Lol thAts too funny. But it's real delish.

        Reply
      • Judy Means

        March 23, 2022 at 9:57 pm

        5 stars
        I simply can’t believe it! I thought I’d never find instructions for how to make this dish ever again. So good, and so filling. I worked 2 years in Colombia, living in Bucaramanga, and then in Barrancabermeja. I was served this once, and was a slave for life. I had it at least once a week for many years. Then tastes changed, and I stopped making it, soon forgetting how to make it. completely. And no recipe!!

        BUT, I never could forget the name!!” Who could? It is now safely in my recipe file.

        Reply
    3. rebecca subbiah

      August 24, 2009 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      oh I love this one Erica, Columbia has so much good food, I must visit, oh we are coming to NYC end of Sept can you recommend a restaurant love Rebecca

      Reply
      • Natalia Castano

        June 12, 2016 at 4:07 pm

        5 stars
        It is spelled Colombia not Columbia.

        Reply
        • Latino Papi - Johnny Dingles

          June 16, 2018 at 4:49 pm

          5 stars
          Im Colombian myself but is it really that important? I mean she asked for recommendations

          Reply
    4. ruth

      August 24, 2009 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Fried egg and steak-perfect combination!

      Reply
    5. velva

      August 24, 2009 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      I think steak and eggs make a delicious combination.

      Reply
    6. Joan Nova

      August 24, 2009 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      Horse steak is pretty funny.

      I think it's 'a caballo' because it's on top. Like when you get on a horse.

      P.S. I love fried egg 'a caballo' with rice + beans.

      Reply
    7. Erica

      August 24, 2009 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you all for visiting!!!

      Reply
      • Austin Krasjnacj

        December 14, 2021 at 2:28 pm

        Grosse horse steak.... you Colombians...

        Reply
    8. sippitysup

      August 24, 2009 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      Steak and Eggs what's so "horsey" about that? GREG

      Reply
    9. Kim

      August 24, 2009 at 9:45 pm

      5 stars
      I keep seeing this kind of steak and eggs on the cooking shows. I think someone made something like this on Top Chef Masters. It makes me wonder why I never thought of it before. The egg looks so pretty on top of the steak. My hubby would love it : )

      Reply
      • jimmy saville

        July 06, 2021 at 4:18 am

        i hope he did love it 🙂

        Reply
    10. Bunny

      August 24, 2009 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      OH my word this looks so good! I know I would love this!

      Reply
    11. Natasha - 5 Star Foodie

      August 24, 2009 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      Love the name and the fried egg on top is awesome!

      Reply
    12. Tangled Noodle

      August 24, 2009 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      My husband would love this! During which meal is this usually served? I have to admit that I'm stuck on the idea of egg as part of breakfast while many people would see the steak as more of later meal. I would gladly have this at any time of day or night! 😎

      Reply
      • Erica

        August 25, 2009 at 7:13 am

        5 stars
        Hi Tangled Noodle,
        In Colombia is served at breakfast, lunch or dinner!!! We eat a whole meal for breakfast 🙂

        Reply
    13. Felisha

      August 24, 2009 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Another one of my favorite colombian dishes! I love to see how the meat is marinated! Can't wait to try your recipe!! 🙂

      Reply
    14. Angie's Recipes

      August 24, 2009 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      I like the name...the onion steak looks pretty and yummy.
      Angie's Recipes

      Reply
    15. Erica

      August 25, 2009 at 7:17 am

      5 stars
      Thank you all for the nice comments! Glad you all are liking Colombian food!

      Reply
    16. Ben

      August 25, 2009 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      That is really an interesting name... Maybe it is called that because the egg is riding the steak? or it was probably made with horse meat first? either way it looks delicious, especially the salsa.

      Reply
    17. Diana

      August 25, 2009 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect! I like my steak nice and thin and topped with the fried egg, mmmm!! Delicious! Great post!!

      Reply
    18. Danielle

      August 25, 2009 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      oh boy does that look awesome! I bet I could get my husband to eat breakfast (he's not really a breakfast eater) if I served this to him! I'm going to have to give this one a try for sure! I'm so glad you posted this. YUM!

      Reply
    19. Mindy

      August 26, 2009 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      I'm so upset that I'm so behind in my blog reading...this looks amazing! My husband is suspect of egg with non-traditional American foods, but I'm determined to convert him!

      Reply
    20. Sook

      August 27, 2009 at 1:53 am

      5 stars
      ha ha I too thought maybe it was a horse steak or something... funny me. It looks great!

      Reply
    21. Oysterculture

      August 27, 2009 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      another great dish. I just recalled that I think I saw a Columbian restaurant in the Mission District here in SF, I must check it out as reading your posts always makes me hungary.

      Reply
    22. La Mas Linda

      August 28, 2009 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night for my husband, and he loved it!!!! Well I did too, lol:) It was delicious:)

      Reply
      • Erica

        August 28, 2009 at 9:51 am

        5 stars
        Hi La mas linda,
        Thank you so much for your feedback!

        Reply
    23. sandra g

      September 03, 2009 at 9:03 pm

      5 stars
      Hola, cooked this sunday , it was great, my husband said that it remimded him of " bistec a lo pobre" from peru. Love sandra g.

      Reply
      • Erica

        September 03, 2009 at 9:44 pm

        5 stars
        Hola Sandra,
        Thank you for your feedback! Glad you liked it!

        Reply
    24. Sue

      January 08, 2010 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      This bisteca looks fantastic. I love steak and eggs, especially thin steak. Another one for my recipe book 🙂

      Reply
    25. Impromptu Diva

      January 09, 2010 at 6:05 am

      5 stars
      hmmm steak and eggs Columbian style, this is something to try!

      Reply
    26. Gina

      February 11, 2010 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      My mom makes this, I love this dish!

      Reply
    27. Jorge

      March 04, 2010 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Erica, quick question...when you indicate the use of mustard, are you talking about standard mustard, Dijon or podwered mustard?...would the quantities change according to selection?

      Many Thanks and can't wait to try this recipe...I am becoming very popular among my circle of friends...they are asking for recipes and the funny part they are all "gringos"....way to go Erica!

      -:)

      Reply
      • Erica

        March 04, 2010 at 3:48 pm

        5 stars
        Jorge- I use regular mustard.The flavor will be different if you use a different kind of mustard!

        Reply
    28. Anonymous

      March 23, 2010 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      Love this dish. Very easy and everyone loved it!!!!!!!

      Reply
    29. christina

      April 19, 2010 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      in uruguay, we eat something similar to this for breakfast. steak, egg and french fries! just thinking about this is making me want one now! lol

      Reply
    30. Anonymous

      April 26, 2010 at 10:07 am

      5 stars
      I made this for my COLOMBIAN mom this weekend and she loved it! Thank you for the recipe. It was perfect.

      Reply
    31. rabbit hutch

      May 12, 2010 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is my first time on your blog and I enjoyed reading your good article.

      Reply
    32. Chris @ Caribbeanpot.com

      May 29, 2010 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      Looks like something I could have right now for breakfast!

      happy cooking

      chris...

      Reply
    33. Catalina L

      September 02, 2010 at 10:29 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this steak, my boys loved it an my husband did too!!!! I'm hooked on your recipes Erica!!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!!!
      By the way I am Colombian myself from Medellin and lived in Cartagena for about 9 years, then came to USA. My mom makes things a little different way, I love to alternate between your recipes and hers! Thank you soo much!!!!

      Reply
    34. melissa

      October 18, 2010 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      I am so happy I found this great site. I am always home sick and miss my typical food. My husband always bothered me cause I dint know how to cook colombian food. But now at least once a week I make one of your colombian dishes! Today I'm making this.

      Reply
    35. Anonymous

      February 17, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe came out perfect! Thank you for posting, I enjoyed making and eating it.

      Reply
    36. Ta

      April 04, 2017 at 5:26 am

      5 stars
      Esta receta tan deliciosa la hemos adaptado a nuestra cocina criolla aunque el origen en realidad es ruso. Lo cual no es inusual ya que muchísimas de las recetas en toda América son el resultado de un sincretismo mundial, exceptuando la cocina de los pueblos originarios de América.

      Reply
    37. Anonymous

      February 28, 2018 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      Colombian cowboy feast… a dish on horseback. From Bogotá colombia

      Reply
    38. Pablo Dejesus

      February 28, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      5 stars
      Colombian cowboy feast… a dish on horseback, from bogota colombia

      Reply
    39. Patti

      April 10, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      Dios la tenga en la gloria --este era el plato favorito de mi viejita. En Puerto Rico tambien lo llamamos "a caballo, " un biftec, arroz y habichuelas con un huevo frito, y como dije era el plato favorito de mi mama.

      Reply
    40. Tatiana

      April 11, 2018 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      This "a caballo" expression is used in Spaniard, Latin American cuisine and French cuisine (à cheval), and its related to the way to prepare and serve a plate. Is usually a piece of meat with eggs on top. However, the English way (Horseback) could be an appetizer like scallops wrapped in bacon that are on top of a toast.
      In other words: one thing on top of the other makes it "a caballo".

      Reply
    41. pipe

      June 02, 2018 at 4:22 am

      5 stars
      This was incredibly delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    42. Stacey A

      April 04, 2020 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for posting! I used to eat this at Colombian restaurants when I was little and I have been missing it. Finally, I was able to make it for myself since I've moved away. I appreciate so much!

      Reply

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    Erica Dinho Author | My Colombian Recipes

    Hola and welcome to My Colombian Recipes. My name is Erica and I was born and raised in Colombia and now live in the northeastern United States with my husband and family. This blog was inspired by my grandmother, Mamita, who was an amazing traditional Colombian cook.

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