Azorean Regional-Style Beef Steak – How it’s made and where to eat it

Regional-Style Beef Steak is one of the most traditional and famous meat dishes from São Miguel Island. It is highly sought after by both the locals of São Miguel and the many tourists who visit the region each year, and it can be easily found in all restaurants on the island.

It is considered a part of the Azorean culinary heritage, known for being a family dish and very popular. The Regional-Style Beef Steak is characterized by the quality of the meat used, typically the top sirloin, a cut located above the loin, known as “cabeça de lombo,” or sometimes filet mignon, a more forward cut of the animal.

Regional-Style Beef Steak – Associação Agrícola de São Miguel

Some Regional-Style Beef Steak recipes include a fried egg on top (known as “ovo a cavalo”), and it is often enhanced with white wine, beer, whisky, or even brandy. And of course, the essential “Pimenta da Terra” (Azorean pepper sauce) is a must for those who enjoy adding an extra kick to the meat. Learn more about Pimenta da Terra >

This famous delicacy from São Miguel has various versions to suit any palate. The Alcides restaurant in Ponta Delgada is renowned for its expertise in preparing Regional-Style Beef Steak. The steaks are made with crushed garlic paste, pepper, and salt. Some say the secret is to season the steak with salt only after frying to make the flavor irresistible.

So, be sure to try the delicious Regional-Style Beef Steak during your stay on São Miguel Island, one of the most popular dishes in the Azores. Give it a try!

How to Make Azorean Regional-Style Beef Steak

To make the traditional Regional-Style Beef Steak from São Miguel Island, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 steak (top sirloin or filet mignon);
• 1 egg;
• 1 crushed garlic clove;
• 1 bay leaf;
• 50 ml of white wine, beer, whisky, or brandy;
• 1 tablespoon of salted butter;
• oil as needed;
• salt to taste.

Preparation

First, heat the oil in a frying pan, preferably non-stick. Then, brown the steak on both sides to your desired doneness. After frying, season with salt and pepper.

Next, add the crushed garlic and bay leaf to the frying pan. Pour in the chosen liquid (wine, beer, whisky, or brandy) and let it evaporate. Finally, add the butter and stir with a wooden spoon to create a creamy, glossy sauce without letting it boil. If you want to include the “ovo a cavalo,” fry the egg separately and place it on top of the steak.

Now, simply plate the Regional-Style Beef Steak and serve immediately. A suggestion: rustic potatoes, rice, and salad make excellent side dishes for this meal!

Video: Regional-Style Beef Steak

As usual, Leonor Santos from the Sabor dos Açores channel shows us how to make the Regional-Style Beef Steak step by step:

Where to Eat Regional-Style Beef Steak in São Miguel

Here are some of the restaurants – listed in the Azores Restaurant Directory – where you can enjoy your steak: