Bifanas
Portuguese Pork Sandwiches
Bifanas are a beloved Portuguese street food classic: thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and white wine, then quickly pan-fried and served in crusty bread rolls. They are incredibly flavorful, quick to make, and perfect for a casual meal or snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Pork loin or tenderloin(Thinly sliced, about 2-3mm thick. You can ask your butcher to do this or freeze the pork slightly to make it easier to slice thinly at home.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 100 ml Dry white wine(Such as Vinho Verde or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.)
- 1 tsp Paprika(Sweet or smoked paprika, to your preference.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 Crusty bread rolls(Such as Portuguese 'papo seco' rolls or small baguettes, split horizontally.)
- optional Mustard(For serving, such as Dijon or Portuguese mustard.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, white wine, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes for more flavor.
⏱️ 10-30 minutes - 2
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot – it should shimmer slightly.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 3
Cook the pork: Add the marinated pork slices to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the pork for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The thin slices cook very quickly.
⏱️ 2-4 minutes - 4
Deglaze the pan (optional but recommended): If there are browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, you can add a splash more white wine (about 2-3 tbsp) and scrape them up with a wooden spoon to create a flavorful sauce. Let it bubble and reduce slightly.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Assemble the sandwiches: Lightly toast the inside of the bread rolls if desired. Spoon the cooked pork slices generously into each roll. Drizzle with the pan juices and any sauce created in step 4.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Add a smear of mustard to the top half of the roll if using. Close the sandwiches and serve hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best texture, ensure your pork is sliced very thinly. Partially freezing the meat makes slicing much easier.
- ✓Don't overcook the pork; thin slices cook in mere minutes and can become tough if left too long.
- ✓This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals, game day snacks, or any time you need a flavorful and satisfying bite.
- ✓Adjust the amount of garlic and paprika to your personal taste.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of piri-piri sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of fries or a simple green salad.
- Some variations include adding a bay leaf to the marinade.