bistecca al sangue
/bisˈtek.ka al ˈsan.ɡwe/word by word
The English phrase "medium rare steak" is translated into Italian as bistecca al sangue.
This phrase describes a steak cooked so that the center remains red and juicy. When ordering at a restaurant, you can simply say the cooking level followed by per favore to specify how you want your steak, such as Al sangue, per favore.
What does it mean word for word?
The part al sangue literally means "to the blood", referring to the red juices of the meat.
Which one should you use?
Use bistecca ben cotta if you want your steak cooked well done instead of medium rare.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bisˈtek.ka al ˈsan.ɡwe/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word bistecca is not an indigenous Italian word, but a direct linguistic loan from the English 'beefsteak'.
- In some traditional Italian trattorias, ordering al sangue may result in a steak that is significantly rarer than a standard American 'medium rare', often closer to 'rare'.
- The term Bistecca alla Fiorentina refers to a specific thick cut of meat that is a culinary symbol of Florence.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una bistecca al sangue, per favore.I would like a medium rare steak, please.
- Questa bistecca al sangue è deliziosa.This medium rare steak is delicious.
- Preferisci la carne ben cotta o una bistecca al sangue?Do you prefer well-done meat or a medium rare steak?
Example conversation
At a traditional Italian restaurant.
- FrancescoCome desidera la sua bistecca, Sofia?How would you like your steak, Sofia?
- SofiaVorrei una bistecca al sangue, grazie.I would like a medium rare steak, thank you.
- FrancescoPerfetto, la preparo subito per lei.Perfect, I will prepare it for you right away.
- SofiaGrazie mille, Francesco.Thank you very much, Francesco.
