14 Authentic Portuguese Recipes

These 14 authentic Portuguese recipes are the classic ones we return to again and again. The only tricky part is figuring out which one to make first. Bom apetite!

☞ Table of Contents

1

Portuguese Shrimp Turnovers ~ Rissóis de Camarão

Ilda Costa-Sarnicki

Portuguese shrimp turnovers, or rissóis de camarão, are a traditional appetizer (or, let’s face it, any-time-of-day nosh) that deliver the homey comfort of being in your Portuguese grandma’s kitchen. Even if you never had a Portuguese grandma.

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Caldo Verde ~ Portuguese Green Soup

homeydesign

Portuguese kale soup, caldo verde, is something you’ll experience literally everywhere in Portugal, from Lisbon’s trendiest restaurants to farmhouses scattered at the edge of villages. Understandably so. Its simple yet sustaining character is appreciated everywhere.

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Portuguese Clams with Vinho Verde ~ Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato

Romulo Yanes

This clam dish is a classic. It has a long history in Portugal and for good reason: It's delicious. Portuguese home cooking is distinguished by its gutsy soulfulness. If you're the type who seasons liberally, taste first. This dish is plenty salty and full of flavor. 

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Bifanas ~ Portuguese Pork Sandwiches

David Leite

Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches made with thin slices of pork that are marinated and simmered in a sauce of white wine, garlic, and paprika and served on soft rolls with plenty of mustard and piri-piri sauce.

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This bifanas recipe is so easy and delicious! There’s nothing more satisfying than a good bifana. I can’t wait to try David’s papo secos recipe!–Linda V.

Homemade Portuguese Chouriço

Hiltred Schulz

If the idea of making homemade Portuguese chouriço seems daunting, fear not. With a little time and patience, you'll be rewarded with a smoky cured sausage that rivals anything from the Portuguese market.

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Portuguese Pork and Clams | Porco Alentejana

Nuno Correia

This combination of Portuguese pork and clams, also known as porco Alentejana, is a superbly comforting and oh-so-satisfying dish of marinated pork shoulder and briny clams in a white wine and red pepper sauce.

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Portuguese Smashed Potatoes ~ Batatas à Murro

Hiltrud Shulz

This popular but simple potato dish can be made on short notice. Waxy potatoes like Red Bliss, Idaho bakers, or new potatoes all work well in this recipe. If raw garlic is too much for you, give it a quick sizzle in a skillet to tame it.

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Papo Secos | Portuguese Rolls

David Leite

These papo secos are light and airy Portuguese rolls that are the perfect vehicle for the classic –marinated pork slices–or your favorite sandwich fillings or simply a smear of butter.

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Pastéis de Nata ~ Portuguese Custard Tarts

David Leite

This pastéis de nata recipe makes as-close-to-authentic Portuguese custard tarts with a rich egg custard nestled in shatteringly crisp pastry. Tastes like home, even if you're not from Portugal. Inspired by a recipe from Alfama Restaurant.

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I have made the pasteis de nata recipe AT LEAST 10 times. All my family and friends LOVE them. I like to add extra cinnamon sugar, and I usually have extra dough left over. Love this recipe so much. THANK YOU!–Tui

Portuguese Tomato Jelly

Rebecca Caro

This Portuguese tomato jelly, made with fresh tomatoes, sugar, water, and some patience, is a favorite Portuguese sweet and savory condiment. It's perfect for serving with cheesand crackers.

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Portuguese Rice Pudding ~ Arroz Doce

Andrew Montgomery

This Portuguese dessert, made by cooking rice with whole milk infused with citrus and cinnamon and making it like custard with the addition of egg yolks, is creamy and comforting.

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Portuguese Orange Olive Oil Cake

Nuno Correia

This Portuguese orange olive oil cake has an unforgettably tender crumb and a citrus smack thanks to fruity olive oil, winter navel oranges, and orange zest.

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Orange cake is my husband’s all-time favorite cake…and I’ve made plenty of orange cakes. This is by far the most AMAZING orange cake I have ever tasted! Delicious and moist crumb with such an aromatic flavor. I am forever grateful to you for sharing the recipe and will never need to try another orange cake recipe again.–Maribel

Salame de Chocolate ~ Chocolate Salami

David Leite

This chocolate salami is an easy, traditional Portuguese no-bake dessert made with butter, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, tea cookies, and Port wine. It can be customized with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, and is made ahead of time, so it’s ideal for entertaining.

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Sonhos | Portuguese Doughnuts

David Leite

Sonhos are orbs of fried dough that are similar to choux pastry or cream puffs yet easier to make. Crisp outside, airy inside, and with the perfect sweetness from a quick roll through cinnamon sugar. A Portuguese classic.

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