Venezuelan-style Biftekia with Arepas

Ingredients

In this Venezuelan adaptation of Biftekia, we incorporate Latin spices such as cumin and paprika to infuse the beef patties with a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we serve the Biftekia with homemade arepas, a traditional Venezuelan cornmeal bread, instead of the usual Greek accompaniments. We alse have the original recipe for Biftekia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 arepas (Venezuelan cornmeal bread) 4 arepas (Venezuelan cornmeal bread)
• Olive oil, for grilling Olive oil, for grilling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into round patties, about 1 inch thick.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the patties with olive oil on both sides.
4. 4.
   Grill the Biftekia patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the patties are grilling, prepare the arepas according to the recipe instructions.
6. 6.
   Once the Biftekia patties are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Slice the arepas in half and fill each with a Biftekia patty.
8. 8.
   Serve the Venezuelan-style Biftekia with arepas and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can also mix ground beef with ground pork for added flavor.
• Arepas — Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for making the arepas. The dough should be moist enough to hold together but not too wet.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the Biftekia patties on a stovetop skillet.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika and cumin to your taste preferences.
• Serve the Biftekia with traditional Venezuelan condiments such as guasacaca (avocado sauce) or pico de gallo for an added burst of flavor.
• Leftover Biftekia can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day as a delicious sandwich filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Venezuelan-style Biftekia with arepas as a main course. Accompany it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled Biftekia patties on top of the opened arepas, allowing the juicy meat to be visible. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.