Prego no Pão
Portuguese Steak Sandwich
A classic and incredibly simple Portuguese steak sandwich, featuring tender, garlicky steak nestled in a soft bread roll. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 steaks Thinly sliced beef steaks(Sirloin, rump, or ribeye work well. Aim for about 100-120g per steak. They should be very thin, about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.)
- 4 rolls Portuguese bread rolls(Papo seco or similar crusty, soft-centered rolls are ideal. If unavailable, use small baguette or ciabatta rolls.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Thinly sliced or minced.)
- 50 g Butter(Unsalted butter is preferred.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil(For cooking the steak.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground preferred.)
- for serving Mustard(Dijon or a Portuguese-style mustard.)
- 1 tablespoon Optional: Fresh parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the steak: If your steaks are not already very thin, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the sliced or minced garlic. Mix well. Set aside.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Toast the bread rolls: Slice the rolls horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through if you prefer them hinged. Lightly toast the cut sides under a broiler, in a toaster oven, or in a dry pan until golden brown and slightly crisp.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Cook the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot pan. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness (they cook very quickly due to their thinness).
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Add garlic butter: Once the steaks are nearly cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared garlic butter to the pan. As it melts, spoon it over the steaks, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter and coat the meat. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the butter is melted and fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Assemble the Prego: Place a cooked steak inside each toasted bread roll. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the steak. If using, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with mustard on the side for spreading.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use very thin steaks for the quickest cooking and most tender result.
- ✓Don't overcook the steak; it should remain juicy.
- ✓The residual heat and juices from the steak will warm the bread and create a delicious sauce.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between the crisp bread and tender steak.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a slice of cheese (like São Jorge or a mild cheddar) on top of the steak just before serving.
- Top the steak with a fried or poached egg.
- Add a layer of thinly sliced onions sautéed with the steak.
- Include a spoonful of piri-piri sauce for a spicy kick.