Portuguese Recipes
Browse our collection of Portuguese recipes — 8 dishes with photos, cook times and nutrition. Find your next favourite Portuguese meal.
Fish fofos
This classic Portuguese dish transforms delicate haddock into tender flakes enveloped in a crisp, golden potato crust. The interplay of warm cumin, fresh coriander, and a hint of green chilli delivers a bright yet earthy flavor, while the poached fish stays moist beneath its crunchy exterior. A simple blend of flour and egg binds everything together, creating a satisfying bite that’s both rustic and refined. Worth the effort for its comforting texture and vibrant taste, it’s a dish that feels like a hug from a seaside kitchen.
Grilled Portuguese sardines
Alright folks, let's talk about Grilled Portuguese Sardines, a dish that never fails to impress! Here's what you need: Sardines, Olive Oil, Garlic, Paprika, Lemon, Rosemary, Red Chilli. STEP 1: Mix all the ingredients (except the sardines) in a bowl, add some seasoning, and toss in the sardines. Pro tip: Make sure to really get in there and give those sardines a good massage - they love it! Pop everything in the fridge to chill for a few hours. Now, here's a little story for you - one time, I accidentally used way too much paprika in this recipe. Let's just say, it was a spicy surprise! But hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? STEP 2: Grill those marinated sardines until they're nice and charred. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top before serving. Voilà, you've got yourself a delicious dish that will transport you straight to Portugal! And remember, when grilling sardines, don't walk away - they cook quickly and you don't want to end up with a fishy disaster on your hands. Enjoy!
Spring onion and prawn empanadas
Alright, folks, let me tell you about my Spring Onion and Prawn Empanadas! So, one time I got so carried away with chopping spring onions that I ended up shedding some tears, not from the onions, but from laughing at myself. Oh, the joys of cooking! Now, let's get down to business. When making the dough, don't be shy with the cold water - it's the secret to a perfectly flaky texture. And here's a tip for you: roll out the dough as thin as you can manage for that extra crunch. Once you bite into these empanadas, you'll be transported by the fresh flavors and that spicy kick. They're simply perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, get those ingredients ready, and let's create some mouthwatering magic together. Enjoy, my friends!
Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe)
A hearty Portuguese fish stew, Caldeirada de peixe, delivers deep, oceanic flavors with tender chunks of firm white fish, briny clams, and succulent shrimp in a fragrant broth of tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The saffron-infused wine base adds a golden hue and a subtle floral warmth, while the tomatoes lend brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the seafood. Each spoonful offers a satisfying contrast of textures—silky broth, tender fish, and a touch of char from the sautéed vegetables. Worth making for its bold, comforting taste and the way it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like a seaside escape.
Portuguese barbecued pork (Febras assadas)
Alright, folks, today I'm going to share with you my take on Portuguese barbecued pork, or as they call it in Portugal, Febras assadas. Trust me, this dish is a real zesty delight that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny streets of Lisbon! Now, let's get started with cutting the pork tenderloins into pieces and bashing them into escalopes. Ah, I remember the first time I tried this recipe, I got a bit too excited with the rolling pin and ended up with pork escalopes the size of a serving platter! (Note to self: moderation is key, even in cooking). One little tip I have for you is to marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor infusion. Trust me, it's worth the wait! As you savor each bite of this succulent Portuguese dish, you'll thank me for introducing you to this burst of flavors. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for a taste bud fiesta like never before! Enjoy, my friends!
Portuguese custard tarts
Hey there, folks! Today, I'm gonna show you how to whip up some delicious Portuguese custard tarts. Trust me, you're in for a treat with this perfect combo of sweetness, zing, and spice. So, let's get started with rolling out that pastry. One time, I got a bit too excited with the rolling pin and ended up with pastry flying everywhere in my kitchen! Pro tip: Dust your work surface generously with the flour and icing sugar mixture to avoid a pastry disaster like mine. Now, roll out the pastry into a 45 x 30cm rectangle. And here's my special tip for you – when rolling up the pastry into a sausage shape, roll it up slowly and gently, like you're tucking in a cozy blanket. This will help you get that perfect flaky texture in your tarts. Don't forget to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before popping these beauties in the oven. These tarts will have your taste buds doing a happy dance, I promise! Enjoy every bite of these creamy delights.
Piri-piri chicken and slaw
This fiery, aromatic Piri-piri chicken is marinated in a bold blend of crushed red chili, garlic, ginger, and warm spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. The accompanying slaw—crisp red onions and cabbage tossed in a tangy red wine vinegar dressing—cuts through the heat with bright, refreshing crunch. The result is a dish that balances heat, acidity, and herbal depth in every bite, offering a taste of Portugal’s coastal charms without leaving the kitchen. Worth the hour-long marinade for its layered, restaurant-worthy flavors.
Portuguese prego with green piri-piri
Portuguese *prego* sandwiches deliver tender beef fillet marinated in garlic and piri-piri, then grilled to juicy perfection and piled onto crusty rolls. The sharp heat of green piri-piri cuts through the richness of the meat, while a splash of sherry vinegar adds bright, tangy depth—no accidental substitutions needed. A quick pounding with a rolling pin ensures the beef stays fork-tender, making each bite effortlessly satisfying. This bold, garlicky sandwich is a handheld masterpiece worth every minute of prep.