Portuguese prego with green piri-piri

Authentic Portuguese Portuguese prego with green piri-piri — a delicious beef dish with 14 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

120

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

500

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Portuguese prego with green piri-piri

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 2 small Beef Fillet
  • 2 tbs Olive Oil
  • 1 tbs Vinegar
  • Leaves Parsley
  • 2 Ciabatta
  • 2 handfulls Rocket
  • Small bunch Basil Leaves
  • Small bunch Parsley
  • 1 Jalapeno
  • 1 tbs Vinegar
  • 2 chopped Spring Onions
  • 1 Garlic
  • 1 tsp Caster Sugar

Instructions

4 steps · ~33 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Rub the garlic over the steaks then put in a sandwich bag and tip in the olive oil, sherry vinegar and parsley stalks. Smoosh everything together, then use a rolling pin to bash the steaks a few times. Leave for 1-2 hours.

    10 minutes
    Be careful not to burn garlic — it turns bitter quickly. Add it after other aromatics.
  2. Step 2

    To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a blender with 1 tbsp water and whizz until as smooth as possible. This will make more than you’ll need for the recipe but will keep for a week in an airtight jar.

    10 minutes
    Let hot mixtures cool slightly before blending to avoid pressure buildup.
  3. Step 3

    Heat a griddle or frying pan to high. Brush away the garlic and parsley stalks from the steaks and season well. Sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side then rest on a plate. Put the ciabatta halves onto the plate, toasted-side down, to soak up any juices.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  4. Step 4

    Slice the steaks then stuff into the rolls with the green sauce and rocket.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Portuguese recipe for Portuguese prego with green piri-piri is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Portuguese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your portuguese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Portuguese prego with green piri-piri is a beloved dish from Portuguese cuisine, originating in Portugal. With a total preparation time of about 135 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Portuguese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 14 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best cut of beef for making Portuguese prego is typically sirloin or flank steak, as they are tender and absorb marinades well.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories500kcal
Total Fat23g
Sodium626mg
Total Carbohydrates55g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein60g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePortuguese
CategoryDinner
CountryPortugal