Savory Portuguese Beef with Caramelized Onions
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Savory Portuguese Beef with Caramelized Onions, a delightful dish that combines tender slices of beef with sweet caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. This traditional recipe, showcased in the Spanish and Portuguese cooking regions, is perfect served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. The dish is wonderfully adaptable—enjoy it as is for a mild profile, or elevate the heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to satisfy your taste for spice. A true crowd-pleaser, this meal will surely become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Beef steak
1 lb (cut into very thin slices (rump, sirloin, or fillet))
Large onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Tomatoes
1 lb (chopped)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (freshly chopped)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh coriander (cilantro)
for garnish (freshly chopped)
Red pepper flakes
optional (to taste)
Cayenne pepper
optional (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the thinly sliced beef to the hot oil and sear for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they start to caramelize and become golden.
4
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Add the chopped tomatoes, parsley, and bay leaf to the onion mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
6
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.
8
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or optional spices such as red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to achieve your desired level of spice.
9
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander, over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Portuguese Beef with Caramelized Onions?
It is a traditional Portuguese-style dish featuring tender slices of beef, sweet caramelized onions, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.
What cut of beef should I use for this recipe?
Rump, sirloin, or fillet are recommended cuts as they should be sliced very thin for quick searing.
How long does it take to sear the beef?
The beef should be seared for about 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
What is the secret to the flavor in this dish?
The combination of slow-caramelized onions and a 20-minute simmer allows the flavors of the beef and tomatoes to meld beautifully.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to satisfy your taste for spice.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This beef dish is best served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta.
How long do the onions need to cook?
The sliced onions should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until they become golden and start to caramelize.
Do I need to leave the bay leaf in the dish?
The bay leaf is used during the simmering process for flavor and should be removed before serving.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of beef steak.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the crushed garlic after the onions have caramelized and cook for just one minute until fragrant.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 1 lb of chopped tomatoes; any ripe variety will work well.
Is there a specific garnish for this meal?
Yes, the dish is traditionally garnished with freshly chopped coriander (cilantro).
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for 20 minutes, followed by 5 minutes uncovered to reduce and intensify.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil provides a traditional flavor, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable or canola oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe, including seasonings and optional spices.
Should the beef be cooked all at once with the onions?
No, the beef should be seared first and set aside while you caramelize the onions to prevent it from overcooking.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the mixture is brought to a simmer, the heat should be reduced to low.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty family meal.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, but dried can be used if necessary (use about one-third of the amount).
Is coriander necessary?
Coriander is used as a garnish; if you do not like it, you can omit it or use extra parsley.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Increasing the heat to medium-high and boiling uncovered for the final 5 minutes helps reduce and thicken the sauce.
Can I use white onions?
Yes, though large yellow onions are typically used for their sweetness when caramelized.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The beef and sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but ensure your side dish (like pasta) is also gluten-free.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large onions, thinly sliced.
What is the cooking region for this dish?
This recipe is typical of the Spanish and Portuguese cooking regions.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this is a beef recipe, the technique can be applied to pork or chicken, though cooking times will vary.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
Peeling is not required; simply chopping them is sufficient for this rustic dish.
How do I know when the beef is ready to be removed from the pan initially?
Remove the beef once it is browned on all sides, which takes roughly 2-3 minutes.
When do I adjust the final seasoning?
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices after the final reduction step just before serving.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and is straightforward to prepare in a single large frying pan.