Classic Portuguese Steak, known as “Bife à Portuguesa,” is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender steak with a rich, garlicky sauce, served over crispy potatoes and topped with a fried egg.
It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weekend treat. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Let us see how you can make authentic Portuguese Steak without spending too much time.
Authentic Portuguese Steak Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 beef sirloin steaks
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tbsp tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 bay leaf
For the Toppings
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, choped
For the Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or to your desired doneness. Remove the steaks and set them aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the red wine vinegar and white wine, and add the bay leaf. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for another 2 minutes to coat the meat in the sauce. Remove from heat.
Fry the Potatoes
- In a separate frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the potato rounds and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with salt.
Fry the Eggs
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny, about 3-4 minutes.
Assemble the Dish
- To serve, place a layer of fried potatoes on each plate. Top with a steak, drizzle with the sauce, and finish with a fried egg on top. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Summary
This Portuguese Steak recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Portugal to your table.
With its juicy steak, crispy potatoes, and rich, garlicky sauce topped with a perfectly cooked egg, it’s a dish that impresses while remaining simple to prepare.
The flexibility of ingredients and easy substitutions make it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
Try it, experiment with the variations, and savor the rich flavors, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite!
If you want to read about more recipes that include meat, differences between pastrami and corned beef would be a good place to start.