10+ Best Portuguese Recipes You Need To Try Once

Portuguese cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with history.

From coastal seafood dishes to rustic comfort food, Portugal’s culinary traditions are a feast for the senses.

If you’re a foodie looking to expand your horizons, you’re in for a treat. These recipes are not just meals—they’re experiences.

Ready to dive into a world of bold flavors and mouthwatering dishes? We’ve rounded up the best Portuguese recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these dishes will transport you straight to the sunny streets of Lisbon or the cozy kitchens of Porto. Let’s get cooking!

1. Bacalhau à Brás (Salt Cod with Eggs and Potatoes)

Bacalhau à Brás is the ultimate Portuguese comfort food.

It’s a simple yet satisfying dish made with salted cod, thinly sliced potatoes, eggs, and onions. The combination of flavors is out of this world.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salted cod (soaked overnight to remove salt)
• 4 medium potatoes (julienned)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 eggs (beaten)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Black olives (optional, for garnish)

How to make it:

1. Shred the soaked cod into small pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until golden. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onions until soft, then add the cod. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the fried potatoes to the pan and mix well.
5. Pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently until the eggs are cooked.
6. Garnish with parsley and olives.

Why we chose it: This dish is a staple in Portuguese homes. It’s hearty, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

Plus, it’s a great way to introduce yourself to salted cod, a key ingredient in Portuguese cooking.

2. Caldo Verde (Portuguese Green Soup)

Caldo Verde is a soul-warming soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. Made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo (or a vegetarian alternative), it’s a bowl of pure comfort.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 bunch kale (thinly sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups water or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 vegetarian chorizo (sliced)

How to make it:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add the potatoes and water (or stock). Simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash the potatoes slightly to thicken the soup.
4. Stir in the kale and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the chorizo slices and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Why this made it to our list: Caldo Verde is a classic Portuguese dish that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser and super easy to whip up.

3. Pastéis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

These iconic custard tarts are a must-try. With their flaky crust and creamy filling, they’re pure heaven in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp flour
• 4 egg yolks

How to make it:

1. Roll the puff pastry and cut into circles. Press into muffin tins.
2. Heat milk with the cinnamon stick. Let it cool.
3. Make a sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water.
4. Mix flour with a little milk, then add to the sugar syrup. Stir in the egg yolks.
5. Pour the custard into the pastry shells and bake at 475°F for 15 minutes.

Why we selected it: Pastéis de Nata are Portugal’s most famous dessert. They’re sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

4. Frango Piri-Piri (Spicy Grilled Chicken)

This spicy grilled chicken dish is a flavor explosion. Marinated in a tangy, spicy sauce, it’s perfect for summer barbecues.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Mix garlic, paprika, chili flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.
3. Grill until cooked through, basting with the marinade.

Why we chose it: Frango Piri-Piri is a crowd favorite. It’s spicy, juicy, and full of flavor.

5. Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice)

This seafood rice dish is like a Portuguese version of paella. It’s loaded with shrimp, clams, and mussels, making it a seafood lover’s dream.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels)
• 2 cups rice
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 4 cups fish stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

How to make it:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil.
2. Add rice and paprika, stirring to coat.
3. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil.
4. Add the seafood and simmer until cooked.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Why this made it to our list: Arroz de Marisco is a showstopper. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.

6. Francesinha (Portuguese Sandwich)

This hearty sandwich is a meal in itself. Packed with layers of meat, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread
• 2 slices ham
• 2 slices roast beef
• 1 sausage (cooked and sliced)
• 4 slices cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1 tsp chili sauce

How to make it:

1. Layer the bread with ham, roast beef, and sausage.
2. Top with cheese and bake until melted.
3. Simmer tomato sauce, stock, and chili sauce. Pour over the sandwich.

Why we selected it: Francesinha is a Portuguese classic. It’s indulgent, filling, and totally worth the calories.

7. Bolo de Bolacha (Cookie Cake)

This no-bake cookie cake is a delightful dessert. Made with layers of cookies and creamy filling, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack tea biscuits
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to make it:

1. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Mix in condensed milk and vanilla.
3. Layer biscuits and cream in a dish. Refrigerate for 4 hours.

Why we chose it: Bolo de Bolacha is simple yet delicious. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.

8. Açorda (Portuguese Bread Soup)

Açorda is a rustic bread soup that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s a great way to use up stale bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups stale bread (cubed)
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 eggs (poached)

How to make it:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
2. Add bread and stock, simmering until the bread softens.
3. Stir in cilantro and top with poached eggs.

Why this made it to our list: Açorda is a traditional dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

9. Polvo à Lagareiro (Octopus with Potatoes)

This octopus dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Tender octopus is paired with crispy potatoes for a meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs octopus (cleaned)
• 4 medium potatoes (quartered)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

How to make it:

1. Boil the octopus until tender.
2. Roast the potatoes with garlic and olive oil.
3. Grill the octopus and serve with potatoes.

Why we selected it: Polvo à Lagareiro is a standout dish. It’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.

10. Queijadas (Portuguese Cheese Tarts)

These sweet cheese tarts are a delightful treat. With their creamy filling and flaky crust, they’re impossible to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 sheet puff pastry

How to make it:

1. Mix ricotta, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Cut pastry into circles and press into muffin tins.
3. Fill with the cheese mixture and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Why we chose it: Queijadas are a sweet, creamy delight. They’re perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

11. Feijoada (Bean Stew)

This hearty bean stew is packed with flavor. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups black beans (soaked overnight)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 smoked sausage (sliced)
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil

How to make it:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add beans, sausage, and stock. Simmer until beans are tender.

Why this made it to our list: Feijoada is a hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for family dinners.

Conclusion

Portuguese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.

Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, there’s a Portuguese dish for you.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and start cooking.

Ready to try these recipes? Pick one, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!