Portuguese Bifana Recipe
Bifana is a popular Portuguese sandwich featuring thinly sliced marinated pork, usually served in a roll or traditional Portuguese bread known as papo seco. While the exact origins are debated, it’s widely accepted that Bifana originated in the town of Vendas Novas.Regional variations bring unique twists to this classic sandwich, especially in the sauce or seasonings. For example, in Lisbon and southern Portugal, mustard is often added to the Bifana for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- Pork loin slices – 1 lb
- Papo seco (Portuguese bread rolls) – 4
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 4
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste) – 1/2 tsp
- White wine – 1/2 cup
- Water – 1/2 cup
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Mustard (optional) – to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the pork slices by combining the minced garlic, paprika, and chili flakes with the pork slices. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated pork slices and sear them until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the white wine and water, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and cooked through. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Split the papo seco rolls and lightly toast them.
- Assemble the Bifanas by placing a few slices of the cooked pork into each roll and spooning some of the sauce over the meat.
- (Optional) Top Bifana with mustard.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 651mg
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