The Chivito: Uruguay's Most Iconic Sandwich

By
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes is a freelance writer and recipe developer with a passion for South American food. She wrote a cookbook focusing on the cuisine of Brazil.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 07/6/21
A chivito sandwich
Matt Rubens/Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4 servings

The chivito is the national sandwich of Uruguay. Its importance in the country is on a par with hamburgers in the United States, fish and chips in the U.K., the Cuban sandwich in Cuba, and steaks in Argentina. This sandwich is not for the faint of heart or appetite, either. 

The chivito (which translates as "little goat") is a serious sandwich filled with meat. The star ingredient is a slice of churrasco, which is thinly sliced grilled beef. This is topped with slices of ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, melted mozzarella cheese, and a fried egg.

You might want to eat this with no accompaniments since it is a balanced meal in itself, with plenty of protein, vegetables, and bread. If you do want a side, choose something simple like coleslaw, french fries, or onion rings. A beer is a great way to wash it all down.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon

  • 2 beef fillet steaks, or 4 thin slices grilled steak

  • Coarse salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 large eggs

  • 4 large sandwich buns, such as large ciabatta rolls

  • 4 tablespoons ketchup

  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 head lettuce

  • 4 slices deli cut ham

  • 4 slices tomato

  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese

Steps to Make It

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Set aside on paper towels to cool.

  2. If you're using steaks, drain the excess bacon fat out of the skillet. Slice each fillet in half crosswise to make 2 thin steaks from each.

  3. Sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper. Use a mallet to pound the steaks even thinner.

  4. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot and place steaks on the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they reach the desired doneness. Place on paper towels to cool.

  5. Wipe the skillet clean. Melt the butter over medium heat and fry the eggs sunny-side up until they are done to your preference.

  6. Preheat your broiler.

  7. Spread the inside of the buns with ketchup and mayonnaise. Place the lettuce pieces on the bottom halves of the buns.

  8. Top with each sandwich with 2 slices of bacon, a slice of beef, a slice of ham, a slice of tomato, and a slice of mozzarella.

  9. Place the uncovered sandwiches under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese. Keep a close eye on the sandwiches so the cheese doesn't burn.

  10. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and place a fried egg over the cheese, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of foodborne illness.

Optional toppings include cooked onions, olives, peppers, and pickles. Salsa golf, a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise that is popular in Argentina and Uruguay, is the perfect condiment for this sandwich.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
958 Calories
59g Fat
45g Carbs
62g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 958
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 59g 75%
Saturated Fat 22g 109%
Cholesterol 370mg 123%
Sodium 1744mg 76%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 62g
Vitamin C 10mg 49%
Calcium 317mg 24%
Iron 7mg 37%
Potassium 1237mg 26%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)