There’s something deeply satisfying about a hot skillet and the sizzle of a bone-in ribeye hitting the pan. As a woman in her sixties who’s spent decades nourishing my family and friends, I’ve grown to appreciate meals that strike a balance between indulgence and wellness. One of my go-to plates that never fails to impress—whether it’s brunch with my book club girls or dinner with the grandkids—is my Steak Avocado & Eggs Carb-Free Plate.
A Personal Classic, Texas Style
I first encountered this Texan twist on steak and eggs during a trip with my husband through the Hill Country. We’d stopped at a rustic roadside diner just outside Austin where the cook—a retired rancher’s daughter—whipped up the most unforgettable steak I’ve ever had. She seasoned it with coffee, chili, and smoked paprika, creating a crust that sang with spice and umami. When I returned home, I adapted the recipe to suit my own kitchen and added a few extras—like creamy avocado and caramelized onions—for a more complete and carb-conscious dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for two hearty servings:
- 1 bone-in ribeye steak (about 1–1.5 lbs)
- 1 tsp ground coffee
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thickly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, for finishing
Method: Bringing the Heat
Step 1: Rub and Rest
Pat the steak dry and rub it generously with a mix of coffee, chili, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the fat begins to warm and absorb all that goodness.
Step 2: Sear and Sizzle
In a hot skillet, add olive oil and place the steak fat-side down to render first. Then sear both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Do not rush this step—let that crust build.
Step 3: Onions and Garlic
Add thick onion slices and smashed garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally. After a couple of minutes, add butter to help caramelize the onions.
Step 4: Egg Perfection
In another pan, crack the eggs over a bit of butter. Add scallion greens and season lightly. Cook sunny side up or over easy, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Plate the steak and slice it thickly—never thin! Fan the avocado slices beside it. Top with the eggs, onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Why It’s Perfect for Our Age Group
Let’s be honest—once we hit our fifties, carbs start playing dirty. This carb-free plate is a gift to our metabolism. The protein-packed steak, healthy fats from the avocado, and the eggs’ nutrient punch offer satiety without a sugar spike. It’s ideal for anyone watching their carbs or managing type 2 diabetes.
Seasonally Savvy
This dish is a year-round gem but shines brightest in fall and winter when we crave hearty, warming meals. That said, the avocado brings a splash of summer brightness, and with a chilled iced tea or a glass of sparkling water, it works for brunch on the patio, too.
Global Twists and Variations
While our Texan-style rub gives this dish an American Southwest flair, you can easily give it a Mediterranean or Latin twist:
- Mediterranean: Swap chili powder for oregano and rosemary, and top with feta.
- Latin: Add chipotle to the rub and top with fresh pico de gallo instead of scallions.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Rest that steak! Always let your steak sit after cooking for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- High heat is your friend. Use a cast iron skillet if you can—it holds heat better and creates a perfect crust.
- Egg perfection. Crack your eggs on a flat surface—not the skillet edge—for fewer shell fragments.
- Coffee in the rub? Yes, ma’am! It deepens the flavor without tasting like your morning brew.
Creative Add-Ons & Pairings
Want to jazz it up?
- Sides: A handful of arugula dressed in lemon juice balances the richness.
- Swaps: No ribeye? Use sirloin or even a grilled portobello for a vegetarian version.
- Add-ons: Pickled red onions or jalapeño slivers add punch without carbs.
Historical Fun Fact
Did you know steak and eggs were a classic astronaut breakfast? During the early space missions, NASA often served it before liftoff—protein-rich and mess-free. If it’s good enough for the moon, it’s good enough for our kitchens!
Share Your Plate!
Tried it with a twist? Maybe you added blue cheese or served it over sautéed spinach? I’d love to hear how you made this Steak Avocado & Eggs Carb-Free Plate your own. Share your tips or photos in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but only the onions. Steak is best fresh, and eggs lose their luster quickly.
2. Is this keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s loaded with good fats and protein with virtually zero carbs.
3. What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Bone-in ribeye is ideal for flavor and tenderness, but strip steak or sirloin work too.
4. Can I grill instead of pan-frying?
Of course! Just be sure to still caramelize the onions on the stovetop.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the rub.
Steak Avocado & Eggs Carb-Free Plate: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
This Steak, Avocado & Eggs Carb-Free Plate is a savory, protein-packed delight perfect for any meal of the day. Infused with a bold coffee-chili rub and served with buttery onions, scallions, and creamy avocado, it’s a low-carb comfort food ideal for women embracing both wellness and flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 bone-in ribeye steak (1–1.5 lbs)
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1 tsp ground coffee
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 large eggs
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1 ripe avocado, sliced
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1 medium onion, thickly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, smashed
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1 tbsp butter
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2 scallions, chopped
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1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 lime, halved
Instructions
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Season the Steak
Rub steak with coffee, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10–15 minutes. -
Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Sear steak over medium-high heat, about 3–4 minutes per side until desired doneness. Don’t flip too soon. -
Cook the Onions & Garlic
Add onions and garlic to the skillet with the steak. Stir occasionally. Add butter to help caramelize onions. -
Prepare the Eggs
In a separate skillet, melt a little butter. Crack eggs and cook to your liking. Add chopped scallions and season lightly.
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Assemble the Plate
Slice steak thickly and fan it across the plate. Add avocado slices, top with eggs, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Finish with fresh lime juice.
Notes
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Let steak rest after cooking to retain juices.
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Avocado can be chilled slightly for contrast against the warm steak and eggs.
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Perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
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Optional: Add jalapeños or red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Texan Fusion