Across countries and cultures, people love grabbing a bite from a street vendor or a fast food establishment. Many of these foods become synonymous with their home countries themselves. In the USA, it’s hamburgers. In the UK, it’s fish and chips. In Argentina, it’s the lomito.
A lomito is an Argentine sandwich made with grilled steak. It is a popular street food enjoyed across Argentina and other South American countries. A lomito can come with various toppings and condiments, such as melted cheese, ham, onions, mayonnaise, and fried eggs.This article will share some of the history of the lomito, the variety of ways it can be enjoyed, and how to make the popular Argentine dish at home.
What Is Lomito?
“Lomito” is a Spanish word that translates roughly into “filet,” “sirloin,” or “tenderloin” in English.
This is referencing the main ingredient of the sandwich: steak.
Most lomitos are made with sirloin steak, but filet mignon, ribeye, and rump steak can also be used.
The lomito is most commonly associated with Argentina, where beef is a major export and is frequently eaten.
Lomitos are regularly made and bought from diners and street food vendors.
The delicious latin sandwich is also popular in other parts of Latin America such as Chile and Uruguay.
You may also hear the lomito called “sandwich de lomo” or “lomito completo.”
The lomito completo is in reference to the additional toppings used to “complete” the sandwich.
A lomito has several toppings, resulting in a hefty and satisfying sandwich.
Like any steak sandwich, you can customize it however you like, but the primary additions to a lomito are lettuce, tomato, onions, and a runny fried egg.
How To Make a Lomito Sandwich
If you can’t go to Argentina for authentic lomito sandwiches, here is how you can make one at home.
For a beginner or amateur cook, the Argentine steak sandwich is an easy meal to prepare and it’s recipe takes little time to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 round fresh bread roll (or hamburger bun)
- 4 oz. (113 g) steak, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, fried
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomato slices
- 2-4 cheese slices
- 2-4 deli ham slices
- 1 tbsp(15 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp (5 ml) chimichurri sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup (35 g) sauerkraut (drained) (optional)
Directions (Cooking the Argentine Steak Sandwich)
- Prepare your vegetables; wash and dry the lettuce leaves, slice the tomatoes to your desired thickness, and chop the onion into thin slices. You can use red or white onion, whichever is your preference. Set these aside for later use.
- If you are using sauerkraut, drain the excess liquid so you don’t end up with a soggy sandwich; this can be done by placing the sauerkraut in a clean cheesecloth or tea towel and squeezing gently.
- Place an oiled skillet or frying pan on your stovetop, and set to medium-high heat. Cook the steak to your desired doneness; I recommend medium-rare to medium for tender steak that isn’t too tough or chewy.
- When the steak is finished cooking, remove it from the pan, set it aside to rest, and drain any excess fat or grease from the pan.
- Crack your egg and fry it until the whites are set, but the yolk is still runny. After your egg is done frying, you can begin assembling your lomito.
Directions (Assembly of the Argentine Steak Sandwich)
- Slice your bread roll in half with a serrated knife (if you are using a pre-sliced hamburger bun, separate the two halves).
- Place the lettuce on the bottom piece of bread so that the juices from the steak don’t leak into the bread and make it soggy.
- Add the steak; it should be cooled slightly but still warm.
- Add the cheese on top of the bread; the heat from the steak will melt the cheese.
- Add the ham, tomato, onion and sauerkraut (optional).
- Spread the mustard, ketchup and chimichurri sauce (optional). You can add as much of each condiment as you like, but about 1 tbsp (15 ml) should be enough for a full-size sandwich.
- Finish with the runny fried egg and add your top half piece of bread. The classic Argentine steak sandwich is now ready to serve and enjoy!
What to Serve with Your Lomito
When it comes to enjoying a delicious lomito sandwich, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the meal and bring out the rich flavors of the tender beef and fresh toppings.
Here are a few ideas to complement your lomito:
- French Fries (Papas Fritas)
A classic choice! Crispy and golden fries are a perfect side to balance out the rich and savory flavor of the lomito. For an extra twist, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or parmesan cheese. - Chimichurri Sauce
This iconic Argentine sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil can be served on the side for an added layer of tangy flavor. It’s a great accompaniment to the beef and adds a touch of freshness. - Coleslaw (Ensalada de Repollo)
A light and crunchy slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing pairs wonderfully with the hearty lomito. The coolness and crunch provide a nice contrast to the warm, savory sandwich. - Grilled Vegetables
For a healthier side, consider grilling some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Their smoky flavor complements the lomito’s richness, and they’re a great way to add a bit of freshness to the meal. - Empanadas
If you want to go all out with Argentine flavors, serve a couple of empanadas as a starter or side dish. The traditional Argentine pastry, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with the lomito. - Beer or Wine
To wash it all down, a cold beer or a glass of red wine (like Malbec) is the ideal pairing. The beer adds refreshment, while the wine enhances the savory flavors of the sandwich. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing mate or a citrusy soda.
These popular Argentine sides will not only complete your lomito experience but also showcase the vibrant and diverse flavors of Argentine cuisine. Enjoy!
Final Lomito Thoughts
A lomito sandwich is a beloved Argentine meal. The traditional steak sandwich is delicious and can be found at most Argentine diners
It can also be made easily at home in just a few steps with the recipe above.
For any lover of steak and good comfort food, a lomito is the perfect sandwich for you to make yourself!
And if lomito sounds good to you, check out the Choripan, Argentina’s Beloved Street Food.
Lomito Sandwich Recipe
Experience the authentic flavors of Argentina with this Lomito Sandwich recipe! This classic Argentine steak sandwich features tender, thinly sliced steak, melty cheese, savory deli ham, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, a runny fried egg, and zesty condiments all packed into a soft bread roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this Lomito Sandwich brings a taste of Buenos Aires right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 round fresh bread roll (or hamburger bun)
- 4 oz. (113 g) steak, thinly sliced
- 1 egg, fried
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomato slices
- 2-4 cheese slices
- 2-4 deli ham slices
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp (5 ml) chimichurri sauce (optional)
- ¼ cup (35 g) sauerkraut, drained (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Argentine Steak Sandwich:
1. Prepare Vegetables:
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
- Slice the tomatoes to your desired thickness.
- Chop the onion into thin slices (use red or white onion as preferred).
- Set all prepared vegetables aside.
2. Optional Sauerkraut Preparation:
- If using sauerkraut, drain excess liquid by placing it in a clean cheesecloth or tea towel and gently squeezing.
3. Cook the Steak:
- Heat an oiled skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak to your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium recommended).
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest. Drain excess fat or grease from the pan.
4. Fry the Egg:
- Crack the egg into the pan and fry until the whites are set, but the yolk remains runny.
Assembly of the Argentine Steak Sandwich:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the bread roll in half using a serrated knife.
2. Layering the Ingredients:
- Start with lettuce on the bottom piece of bread to prevent sogginess.
- Add the steak (slightly cooled but still warm).
- Top with cheese slices to allow melting from the steak’s heat.
- Layer on the deli ham, tomato slices, onion, and optional sauerkraut.
3. Add Condiments:
- Spread mustard, ketchup, and optional chimichurri sauce evenly over the top half of the bread.
4. Finish with the Egg:
- Place the runny fried egg on top of the layered ingredients.
- Cap it all with the top half of the bread roll.
Notes
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Lomito Sandwich with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh green salad. For an authentic Argentine touch, enjoy with a cold glass of yerba mate or a refreshing soda.
Tips for the Best Lomito Sandwich:
- Steak Doneness: Aim for medium-rare to medium for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese melt beautifully and complement the flavors.
- Customize It: Add avocado slices or grilled peppers for a twist.
Sources
- Amigo Foods: 31 Delicious Argentine Food Dishes You Should Be Eating Right Now
- NZ Herald: Lomito completo – Eat Well Recipe
- The Real Argentina: The Lomito Steak Sandwich: A National Treasure
- Saveur: Lomito Completo
- SBS: Lomito Completo | Argentinian Burger Recipes
- SpanishDict: Lomito | Spanish to English Translation
- TasteAtlas: Sandwich de Lomo | Traditional Sandwich From Córdoba Province, Argentina
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.