Recipes
Bifana Pork Sandwich
Serves 4
| Prep Time: 10 mins
| Cook Time: 30 mins
| Total Time: 50 mins (to overnight)
You may need: Portuguese Allspice
Discover The Recipe
If you wan a quick bite in Portugal, then you'll likely encounter the Bifana ('BEEF-ah-na') sandwich. Made of a paprika-spiced pork with mustard on a soft roll, Portuguese eat these sandwiches like Americans eat burgers - anytime, anywhere! Just like burgers, there are lots of variations and toppings to customize your own.
In our Bifana pork sandwich recipe, a humble sandwich gets an upgrade from caramelized onions and a magical spice blend we call 'Portuguese Allspice' in a nod to Portugal’s far reaching historical empire that brought spices back from far corners of the globe. Allspice, Paprika and Ancho Chili were brought back from voyages to Central and South America while the exotic Cinnamon, Black Pepper and Ginger came from Portuguese dominated trade routes to Asia. Make a dreamy marinade in seconds using a few ingredients and the result is a mouthwatering pork cutlet Bifana - perfect for summer eating!
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Piquant Post Portuguese Allspice Blend
1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1/2 cup white wine (or substitute water)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1.5 lbs thin cut pork cutlets
2 red onions
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar (optional)
~1.5 tsp salt, divided (optional)
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 soft bread rolls
mayonnaise (optional)
handful of baby arugula
1/2 Tbsp Piquant Post Portuguese Allspice Blend
Notes
Pork cutlets are typically cut from boneless pork chops, but can also be from a pork loin. Pork cutlets are one of the leanest pieces of meat so avoid overcooking or they will quickly dry out.
For a quicker preparation after work, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the cutlets overnight. Be sure to cover and place in the fridge. Alternately, you can get good results by marinading in as little as 20 mins.
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.
Instructions
Combine marinade ingredients (except pork) in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth: spice blend, 1 tsp salt, mustard, garlic, and white wine. Add the pork to the bowl, coating all sides with marinade. Cover the bowl (or place in a large ziplock bag) in the fridge for at least 20 mins up to overnight.
To make the caramelized onions, first, halve the onions, remove the skin and slice into large rings. Heat a large skillet on Med with olive oil then add onions. Periodically stir the onions for 5 mins to prevent browning. Then, sprinkle in salt and sugar. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes or until onions are soft and sweet.
After the pork has marinated, heat a skillet on Med- High with olive oil. Add the cutlets to the pan letting any excess marinade drip off in bowl. Working in batches cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Bring cooked pork to a cutting board and slice into thin strips.
To assemble the sandwiches, cut bread in half and toast under the broiler. Spread may on top and bottom pieces. Start with the pork for the bottom layer and then sprinkle with a pinch of remaining Portuguese allspice spice blend on each sandwich. Top with caramelized onions and baby arugula.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Our Portuguese Allspice blend is ready to add a pop of flavor. Substitute it into any recipe calling for paprika.
Make a vegan version of this sandwich by marinating your favorite veggies like Zucchini, Red Peppers and Eggplant, and / or portobello mushroom then grilling or roasting for a flavorful, hearty sandwich. Hold the mayo.
Looking for an easy, savory alternative to make for dinner? Try making our delicious Madeiran Marinated Pork, or our Portuguese Roast Chicken recipes. Make a large batch for family gatherings or for quick weeknight meals.
Vegetarians: our vegan chef has come up with this dreamy nod to Portuguese seafaring culture. Try making the Portuguese Sea Vegetable Chowder recipe or our Acorda de Alentejano recipe instead!
Don't forget to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
Post pictures of your masterpiece meal on social media and tag us. We repost!
Bifana Pork Sandwich
Serves
4
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins (to overnight)
Piquant Post spice you'll need: Portuguese Allspice
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Piquant Post Portuguese Allspice Blend
1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
1/2 cup white wine (or substitute water)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1.5 lbs thin cut pork cutlets
2 red onions
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar (optional)
~1.5 tsp salt, divided (optional)
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 soft bread rolls
mayonnaise (optional)
handful of baby arugula
1/2 Tbsp Piquant Post Portuguese Allspice Blend
Instructions
Combine marinade ingredients (except pork) in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth: spice blend, 1 tsp salt, mustard, garlic, and white wine. Add the pork to the bowl, coating all sides with marinade. Cover the bowl (or place in a large ziplock bag) in the fridge for at least 20 mins up to overnight.
To make the caramelized onions, first, halve the onions, remove the skin and slice into large rings. Heat a large skillet on Med with olive oil then add onions. Periodically stir the onions for 5 mins to prevent browning. Then, sprinkle in salt and sugar. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes or until onions are soft and sweet.
After the pork has marinated, heat a skillet on Med- High with olive oil. Add the cutlets to the pan letting any excess marinade drip off in bowl. Working in batches cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Bring cooked pork to a cutting board and slice into thin strips.
To assemble the sandwiches, cut bread in half and toast under the broiler. Spread may on top and bottom pieces. Start with the pork for the bottom layer and then sprinkle with a pinch of remaining Portuguese allspice spice blend on each sandwich. Top with caramelized onions and baby arugula.
Notes
Pork cutlets are typically cut from boneless pork chops, but can also be from a pork loin. Pork cutlets are one of the leanest pieces of meat so avoid overcooking or they will quickly dry out.
For a quicker preparation after work, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the cutlets overnight. Be sure to cover and place in the fridge. Alternately, you can get good results by marinading in as little as 20 mins.
Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don’t sweat it if you don’t have them.
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