5.0 from 48 votes
Bifanas – Portuguese Pork Sandwiches
Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches made with thin slices of pork that are marinated and simmered in a sauce of white wine, garlic, hot pepper paste, lemon juice and other seasonings. They are served on papo secos (Portuguese buns), topped with sautéed onions and sweet peppers. You will find bifana sandwiches all over Portugal and similar to any famous recipe, everyone has their own variation. My recipe has been handed down to me from my mom. It couldn’t be any tastier or easier to make and I hope you enjoy it.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Marinating Time
5 hrs
Total Time
5 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 5 - 6 servings
Calories: 423 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Portuguese
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb pork loin (thinly sliced)
- 2 sweet bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- oil (for cooking)
Marinade
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups white wine
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- ¼ cup pimenta, Portuguese hot pepper paste (or hot Tabasco sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced pork loin into a large food bag (or bowl). Add in all the marinade ingredients and mix together until evenly combined. Push all the air from the bag, seal, and transfer to the fridge. Marinate for 5 hours or overnight, mixing a few times.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan. Pan fry the slices of pork in batches and sauté until just cooked through (Note: keep the remaining marinade aside). Set the pork aside.
- Sauté the bell peppers and onions until just beginning to soften.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and bring to a simmer. Return the pork to the pan.
- Let simmer until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. You can add more white wine at this time to make more sauce if desired. Season to taste with salt and/or more hot pepper paste.
- Serve on papo secos (Portuguese buns) or crusty bread roll of choice. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
423kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
12g
(4%)
Protein
52g
(104%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Cholesterol
143mg
(48%)
Sodium
1833mg
(76%)
Potassium
1145mg
(33%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
1827IU
(37%)
Vitamin C
85mg
(94%)
Calcium
46mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5- 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 423
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 423kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 143mg | 48% |
| Sodium | 1833mg | 76% |
| Potassium | 1145mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1827IU | 37% |
| Vitamin C | 85mg | 94% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.