Portuguese Festa Food: Bifanas da Festa |Pork Sandwich

by Tia Maria · Published July 22, 2020 · Updated April 5, 2024

Bifanas are a must have at any Portuguese Festa but you can have them any day of the year. The savory pork with sauteed onions melt in your mouth on the crusty Papo Seco Portuguese roll. Cook them on the grill and serve as a main dish with potatoes, rice or vegetables. I make this recipe at least once every few weeks because it’s so easy!

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Taste Portugal More Easy Portuguese recipes cookbook.

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Ingredients:

2 pounds of boneless pork loin (cut into 1/2 inch strips)

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder or 1 tablespoon crushed garlic

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup white wine (optional)

2 tablespoon of butter or margarine

Piri Piri or Tabasco sauce (optional)

Preparation:

Place each pork strip between 2 pieces of saran wrap and pound them with a meat tenderizer until they flatten to about 1/4 inch thick. Marinate the pork strips in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, wine and paprika and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.When ready to cook remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature.

Cooking on the grill:

Rub a little olive oil on each bifana and place on the hot grill (or in in a heavy stove top skillet). Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until browned and place in a heat prof tray. Place the butter evenly over the pork. Add your desired amount of piri piri to add a little spice. Top with onions. cover with foil, and store in a warm place until you’re ready to serve.

Onions:

2 – 3 large onions (sliced)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Preparation:

Saute onions in olive oil until translucent and tender. Add paprika, garlic powder and salt and vinegar. Stir well and cook for another few minutes to incorporate spices. Keep in pan until ready to serve over the pork.