🇵🇹 Portugal · Food
Bife à Portuguesa
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇵🇹 PTAI-generated imageA classic steakhouse staple, this dish features succulent beef seared in a rich wine and garlic-infused sauce. It is traditionally finished with tangy pickles for a perfect contrast.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Slice 800g of beef into thin medallions, approximately 1cm thick.
- 2
Smash the 6 garlic cloves and peel them, keeping them whole for the infusion.
- 3
Heat 50g of lard in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- 4
Sear the beef medallions for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and set aside on a warm plate.
- 5
In the same pan, toss in the garlic and 2 bay leaves, sautéing until fragrant and light golden, about 1 minute.
- 6
Pour in 200ml of white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the delicious browned bits, and simmer until reduced by half.
- 7
Stir in 1 tbsp of paprika and season with salt, ensuring the sauce is smooth and aromatic.
- 8
Return the beef to the pan to coat thoroughly in the sauce, then garnish with 100g of sliced pickles before serving immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bife à Portuguesa?+
Bife à Portuguesa is a Portuguese beef dish prepared with garlic, bay leaf, white wine, lard, paprika, and pickles. It is typically served as a main meal in Portuguese cuisine, often accompanied by fried potatoes.
What cut of beef is best?+
Use a tender cut like sirloin or rump for the best results.
Can I substitute butter for lard?+
While you can use butter, lard provides the authentic, traditional depth of flavor.
Should the pickles be cooked?+
No, add the pickles at the very end as a garnish to maintain their crunch.
How do I avoid overcooking?+
Since the meat is thin, high heat and short timing are essential to keep it tender.
🇵🇹 PTAI-generated imageMundo Match
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