Pepito Venezolano: The Ultimate Grilled Steak Sandwich (58) 2026

The pepito venezolano is a hearty sandwich that takes the simple Spanish steak bocadillo and turns it into something bigger, bolder and packed with texture. In Spain, the pepito is a straightforward beef fillet sandwich, and it is believed that in the 1980s it crossed the Atlantic and was reimagined by Venezuelan cooks with fresh ingredients and more intense flavors.

There are different versions of this popular sandwich, but the Venezuelan pepito usually brings together beef fillet, bacon, spices, lettuce, tomato, grated carrot, grated cheese and even straw potatoes. Sauces play a big role too, from the classic mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard to more local options like guasacaca or garlic sauce.

Ingredients for Pepito Venezolano

For 1 serving

• 1 beef fillet, about 120 g
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 50 g bacon, in strips
• Salt
• 1 sandwich roll
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• A few lettuce leaves
• 3 tomato slices
• 1 tablespoon grated carrot
• 1 tablespoon straw potatoes
• 1 tablespoon grated cheese

How to Make Pepito Venezolano Step by Step

1. Season the beef

In a bowl, season a 120 g beef fillet cut into strips with half a tablespoon of garlic powder and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper. Toss well so every strip is evenly coated.

2. Cook the beef and bacon

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet and cook the beef over high heat with 50 g of bacon strips until done. It is important not to overcook it so it does not dry out; a couple of minutes is enough. Add a little salt and set aside.

3. Sauce the bread

Split 1 sandwich roll in half; if you like, you can toast it lightly first. On the open bread, spread half a tablespoon of ketchup, half a tablespoon of mayonnaise and half a tablespoon of mustard.

4. Add the vegetables

Next, add a few lettuce leaves, 3 tomato slices and 1 tablespoon of grated carrot on top of the sauces.

5. Add the beef and bacon

Pile the cooked beef strips and bacon over the vegetables, keeping all the juices from the skillet.

6. Cover with straw potatoes

Cover the meat with 1 tablespoon of straw potatoes, which add a crisp, crunchy layer to the filling.

7. Add the grated cheese

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated cheese over the straw potatoes to finish the filling.

8. Sauce again and serve

Sauce once more with half a tablespoon of ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard, close the sandwich and enjoy.

Tips for the Best Pepito Venezolano

Keep the beef juicy

Cook the beef over high heat for just a couple of minutes so it stays tender and juicy. Overcooking is the easiest way to dry out the thin strips, so keep an eye on the skillet.

Toast the bread

Toasting the sandwich roll lightly before adding the sauces helps it hold up against the juicy meat and vegetables. It also adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft filling.

Make it your own

While ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard are the classic sauces, you can also try local Venezuelan options like guasacaca or garlic sauce. The fresh vegetables and straw potatoes are what give this sandwich its signature texture.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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