FOOD NEWS
Bifana Is The Portuguese Sandwich That Meat Lovers Will Crave
BY JULIA HOLLAND
Bifana is a popular Portuguese sandwich to enjoy at home, in a restaurant, or on the streets. It consists of marinated pork stuffed into a soft Portuguese bun.
Portuguese families are known to prepare bifana at home for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, each with different recipes influenced by the regional traditions in which they live.
While cooking methods differ, the general flavor of bifana remains the same. The flavorful and succulent pork loin is infused with a tasty marinade of garlic, spices, and wine.
Other marinade ingredients include bay leaves, paprika, garlic, black pepper, and piri piri sauce. White wine vinegar and lard round it out with acidity and richness.
Pound out the pork into thin cutlets before marinating, or leave them whole. After they marinate overnight, pan-fry them with butter, olive oil, or a mixture of both.
If you pan-fried the meat, you can reserve the marinade to reduce in the same frying pan in which you cooked the meat for a rich, gravy-like condiment.
If you simmer the pork, you can shred it or add various chunks to your sandwich with a few spoonfuls of cooking liquid.
While yellow mustard and grilled onions are the standard garnishes, sharp white cheese, olives, pimentos, or pickles would also taste delicious.