Portuguese prego with green piri-piri

Portuguese prego with green piri-piri

This Portuguese prego sandwich features tender, garlic-rubbed beef fillets marinated in olive oil, sherry vinegar, and parsley, topped with a vibrant green piri-piri sauce and fresh rocket. The combination offers a juicy, spicy, and aromatic handheld meal with a satisfying crunch from toasted ciabatta.

Beef

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

6 min

Servings

2

The prego is a traditional Portuguese sandwich known for its simplicity and bold flavors. Originating as a popular snack served in local taverns, it features a juicy steak marinated and quickly seared, nestled in a ciabatta roll and topped with a spicy green piri-piri sauce. This dish balances the piquant heat of the jalapeno-based sauce with the freshness of herbs like parsley and basil, delivering a mouthwatering experience. This recipe showcases the harmony of flavors—garlic and fresh parsley infuse the beef during a tenderizing marinade, while the green piri-piri sauce adds a vibrant, spicy kick. The ciabatta soaks up the steak juices perfectly, blending textures and aromas in every bite. Accompanied by peppery rocket, this sandwich boasts a delightful freshness and a pleasant crunch. Enjoy this prego with a crisp Portuguese vinho verde or a cold lager to complement its robust flavors. It pairs excellently with simple sides like crispy fries or a fresh salad, making it a versatile meal for lunch or dinner that's both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 2 small Beef Fillet
  • 2 tb Olive Oil
  • 1 tb Vinegar
  • Leaves Parsley
  • 2 Ciabatta
  • 2 handfull Rocket
  • Small bunch Basil Leaves
  • Small bunch Parsley
  • 1 Jalapeno
  • 1 tb Vinegar
  • 2 chopped Spring Onions
  • 0.5 Garlic
  • 0.5 tsp Caster Sugar

Instructions

STEP 1 Begin by peeling the garlic clove and rubbing it lovingly over the beef fillets, infusing them with a fragrant, garlicky essence. Next, place the steaks in a sturdy sandwich bag and pour in the olive oil, sherry vinegar, and the parsley stalks. Seal the bag and gently smoosh the ingredients together, making sure each steak is evenly coated. Using a rolling pin, give the steaks a few confident bashes to tenderize the meat and help the flavors penetrate deeply. Let these marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the fridge to develop richness and tenderness. STEP 2 While the steaks marinate, prepare the vibrant green piri-piri sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients—including jalapeno, basil leaves, parsley, spring onions, garlic, vinegar, and a touch of caster sugar—with a tablespoon of water in a blender. Whizz until it becomes as smooth and luscious as possible, ensuring each bite delivers a burst of fresh, spicy zest. This sauce can keep well in an airtight jar for up to a week—perfect for adding a punch to other dishes. STEP 3 When ready to cook, heat a griddle or heavy frying pan over high heat until searing hot. Remove the garlic and parsley stalks from the steaks and lightly brush them off. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Sear the steaks for exactly 2 minutes on each side to achieve a delicious crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Once cooked, allow the steaks to rest on a warm plate briefly. Place the ciabatta halves on the plate, toasted-side down, so they soak up the savory meat juices. STEP 4 Thinly slice the rested steaks against the grain for tenderness and pile the slices onto the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls. Drizzle a generous amount of the green piri-piri sauce over the meat, then top with a handful of fresh rocket for a peppery crunch. Cap with the ciabatta tops and serve immediately for a satisfying sandwich packed with layers of flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
6 min
Total Time
21 min
Servings
2