Our full guide on How To Make Bifanas one of the most popular dishes in Portugal.
Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches made with marinated pork cutlets served in a crusty roll. They are simple yet incredibly flavorful and are a staple in Portuguese street food.
Read Here Best Traditional Portuguese Dishes and Best breakfast in Portugal
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How to Make Bifanas
Bifanas Recipe Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pork loin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup white vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Portuguese rolls or crusty rolls
Optional Toppings:
Mustard
Piri-piri sauce
Sautéed onions
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Step By Step How to Make Bifanas
Marinate the Pork
In a large bowl, combine the white wine, white vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced pork and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Cook the Pork
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Cook the pork slices in batches until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Rolls
Slice the Portuguese rolls in half and lightly toast them if desired.
Assemble the Bifanas
Place the cooked pork slices on the bottom half of each roll. Add optional toppings such as mustard, piri-piri sauce, or sautéed onions.
Serve
Serve the bifanas hot. They pair well with a cold beer or a soft drink.
Tips To Make Bifanas
Marinating the pork overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful sandwich.
Thinly slicing the pork ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender. Pork loin is commonly used, but pork shoulder can add extra juiciness.
Use fresh, crusty Portuguese rolls for the most authentic experience. If unavailable, any crusty roll or baguette will work.
Customize your bifanas with toppings like mustard, sautéed onions, or piri-piri sauce for an extra kick.
How Many Calories Have Bifanas
Pork Loin (1 lb): 600 calories
Olive Oil (1/4 cup): 480 calories
White Wine (1/4 cup): 50 calories
White Vinegar (1/4 cup): 5 calories
Garlic (4 cloves): 20 calories
Portuguese Rolls (4): 600 calories (150 calories per roll)
Seasonings (paprika, bay leaves, salt, pepper): Negligible calories
Total Calories for the Batch: Approximately 1,755 calories
Calories per Serving (1 Bifana): Approximately 440 calories
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.