X-Tudo is a legendary Brazilian burger that’s not just a meal but an experience. Known for its towering height, this burger is packed with a wide array of ingredients, making it a flavorful and indulgent feast. The name “X-Tudo” translates roughly to “everything” or “cheese everything” in English, which is fitting because this burger features a variety of toppings, from crispy bacon to a fried egg, and even shoestring potatoes.
While the exact origins of X-Tudo remain unclear, it’s a beloved street food in Brazil and a perfect example of the country’s penchant for inventive and bold flavors. Whether served at a casual eatery or made at home, X-Tudo is a fun and customizable burger that allows you to pile on your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 1 towering burger, but you can easily adjust the ingredients to make more servings.
For the Shoestring Potatoes (Batata Palha):
- 1 large potato, grated
- 200 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Burger:
- 50 g beef mince, rolled into a patty
- 2 slices of bacon
- 1 egg
- 2 slices of American cheese
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon tinned corn
- 1 burger bun, sliced in half
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ tomato, sliced
- 2 lettuce leaves
Directions
1. Prepare the Shoestring Potatoes (Batata Palha)
To begin, we’ll make the crispy shoestring potatoes that will give the X-Tudo its signature crunch. Grate the potato and then rinse it in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. This step helps the potatoes crisp up better when fried. After draining the potato, heat up the oil in a small frying pan over medium heat, ensuring the oil depth is about 1 inch. Drop a small amount of grated potato into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Carefully add all the grated potato into the pan. Stir gently to avoid clumping. Fry for about 8 minutes until the potato becomes golden and crispy. Once done, transfer the shoestring potatoes onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the Burger Patty
Now, take the beef mince and roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a circular patty. Heat a separate oiled frying pan over medium heat and add your patty. Season with salt and pepper. Fry the patty for about 8 minutes, flipping it halfway through to ensure it’s cooked evenly on both sides.
3. Add Bacon and Egg
While the patty is cooking, place the two slices of bacon in the same pan. Cook the bacon for about 2 minutes on each side until crispy. At the same time, crack the egg into the pan and fry it for about 4 minutes. Flip the bacon over after 2 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.
4. Melt the Cheese
Once the burger patty is cooked, add the two slices of American cheese on top of the patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt. Once melted, remove the patty, bacon, and egg from the pan and set aside.
5. Assemble the Burger
While the burger patty is cooling slightly, prepare the bun and toppings. Take the bottom half of the burger bun and spread the ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard evenly on the surface. Then, layer on the bacon, burger patty, sliced tomato, lettuce, fried egg, and a tablespoon of tinned corn. Pile on the crispy shoestring potatoes (batata palha) for added crunch. Finally, place the top bun over the heap of delicious toppings.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your X-Tudo is now ready to serve! The combination of crispy, salty, and creamy textures will make this burger an unforgettable treat. Enjoy your Brazilian X-Tudo with a side of fries, a refreshing cold drink, or a Brazilian soda like Guaraná Antarctica.
Tips for the Perfect Brazilian X-Tudo
- Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of X-Tudo is its versatility. You can add or remove toppings depending on your preferences. Some popular additions include pineapple, ham, or olives.
- Cheese: While American cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Fry the Ingredients Separately: If you’re making more than one X-Tudo, consider cooking the patty, bacon, and egg separately to ensure even cooking and to prevent crowding the pan.
- Try Different Sauces: Besides ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard, you can experiment with other Brazilian-style sauces, such as molho rosé (a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise) or picanha sauce for an extra touch of flavor.
Pairing and Storing
Serving Suggestions: The X-Tudo burger is rich and filling, so it pairs well with a simple side dish like a green salad or some crispy potato chips. You could also serve it with a side of Brazilian farofa (toasted cassava flour) for a more authentic touch.
Storing Leftovers: While X-Tudo is best served fresh, if you have any leftover components, store the meat, bacon, and fries separately in airtight containers. Reheat them on the stove or in the oven to maintain their texture.
Conclusion
Brazilian X-Tudo is more than just a burger; it’s a feast in a bun! With its many layers of flavor and texture, this burger is perfect for anyone who enjoys bold, satisfying meals. Whether you’re trying Brazilian cuisine for the first time or you’re a fan of hearty burgers, the X-Tudo will not disappoint.
