17 Traditional Portuguese Dinner Recipes

Portuguese cuisine blends bold flavors and simple ingredients, offering a variety of dishes from seafood to hearty stews. Whether it’s a comforting soup or a savory grilled dish, these meals are both satisfying and full of tradition.
In this article, we explore 17 must-try Portuguese dinner recipes, each showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Portugal.
1. Bacalhau à Brás: A Codfish Classic
Bacalhau (salted codfish) is a staple in Portuguese cooking, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most beloved variations. The dish is a mix of shredded cod, potatoes, onions, and eggs, often garnished with olives and parsley. Its rich, comforting nature makes it a perfect dish for any time of the year, but especially during the holidays.

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2. Caldo Verde: The Portuguese Green Soup

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This flavorful soup is made with kale (or collard greens), potatoes, chorizo sausage, and olive oil. It’s traditionally served during festive occasions, especially on New Year’s Eve, but its warming, earthy flavors make it a popular choice for dinner any time. Caldo Verde symbolizes Portugal’s connection to hearty, wholesome ingredients.
3. Arroz de Marisco: Portuguese Seafood Rice

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Arroz de Marisco is a delightful seafood rice dish that combines fresh shellfish and fish with fragrant rice. It is typically made with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, clams, mussels, and sometimes squid. It celebrates Portugal’s coastal bounty and is often enjoyed as a communal meal.
4. Frango Assado no Churrasco

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Grilled chicken is taken to the next level in this traditional dish, where the bird is marinated in a zesty mix of garlic, lemon, paprika, and herbs before being cooked over a charcoal grill. The smoky, flavorful chicken is served with rice or salad and is perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.
5. Feijoada: The Hearty Portuguese Stew

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Feijoada is a filling stew made with beans, pork, and various cuts of meat, often including sausage and bacon. It’s a dish that represents Portuguese heartiness and is often served with rice. This stew is enjoyed during large gatherings and celebrations, offering a satisfying, rich meal that brings people together.
6. Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled Sardines

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Sardinhas Assadas is a simple yet delicious dish where sardines are grilled, typically over an open flame, and served with a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, and a sprinkling of sea salt. This dish is especially popular during the summer months and is a quintessential part of Portuguese street food culture, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean.
7. Alheira de Mirandela: A Smoked Sausage Delicacy

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Alheira de Mirandela is a type of smoked sausage originating from the northern region of Portugal. Traditionally made with a mix of meats such as chicken, and game, it’s often served with rice or a fried egg. The unique blend of spices and smoky flavor makes this sausage an unforgettable part of Portuguese dinner tables.
8. Cozido à Portuguesa: The Traditional Portuguese Boil

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Cozido à Portuguesa is a robust stew that combines a variety of meats, sausages, vegetables, and beans. It’s a dish that’s both filling and flavorful, often served in multiple courses to highlight the different components of the meal. Cozido is a representation of the Portuguese love for hearty, home-cooked meals.
9. Picanha: Grilled Portuguese Beef

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Picanha is a cut of beef known for its rich marbling, which makes it perfect for grilling. This dish is typically seasoned with coarse salt and served with sides like rice, beans, and farofa (toasted cassava flour). The simplicity of the seasoning allows the natural flavor of the beef to shine through, making it a beloved dish among Portuguese meat lovers.
10. Feijão Tropeiro: A Savory Bean and Pork Dish

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This dish originates from the central region of Portugal and combines beans with pork, often bacon or sausage, along with vegetables like onions, garlic, and greens. The mix of flavors is robust and savory, with each bite offering a balance of hearty beans and rich pork. Feijão Tropeiro is a great option for a comforting dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
11. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams with Garlic and Coriander

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Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is a simple yet flavorful Portuguese dish that showcases the freshness of clams. The clams are cooked in a broth made with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and fresh coriander. The result is a light but aromatic dish that highlights Portugal’s rich seafood heritage. It’s often served as an appetizer or alongside other dishes during a family dinner.
12. Peixinhos da Horta: Portuguese Tempura

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Peixinhos da Horta, or “little fish from the garden,” are fried vegetable fritters, traditionally made with green beans but sometimes with other vegetables like zucchini or peppers. These vegetables are dipped in a light batter and fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy, savory treat that’s often served as a snack or starter before the main course.
13. Tarte de Amêndoa: Portuguese Almond Tart

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For a sweet finish to your Portuguese dinner, Tarte de Amêndoa is a must-try dessert. This almond tart is made with a rich, buttery crust and a sweet, almond-filled center. The nutty flavor of the almonds perfectly balances the sweetness, making it a delightful end to any meal. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
14. Ensopado de Borrego: Lamb Stew

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Ensopado de Borrego is a comforting lamb stew that is seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme and then simmered until the meat is tender and flavorful. The stew often includes vegetables like potatoes and carrots, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is a perfect choice for colder evenings and is often served during special family gatherings or celebrations.
15. Chanfana: Portuguese Goat Stew

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Chanfana is a rustic Portuguese dish made with goat meat, slow-cooked in red wine and garlic. The meat becomes incredibly tender as it absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade, creating a deep, savory dish that’s a true reflection of the Portuguese countryside. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a bold, hearty meal.
16. Bacalhau com Natas: Codfish with Cream

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Bacalhau com Natas is another classic way to prepare salted cod. In this dish, the fish is combined with a creamy sauce made from milk, cream, and onions. The dish is then baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, comforting casserole-like dish. It’s a great option for a cozy family meal or a festive dinner, showcasing the versatility of codfish in Portuguese cuisine.
17. Migas: Traditional Portuguese Side Dish

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Migas is a traditional side dish made from leftover bread, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes pork or sausage. The bread is sautéed in the oil until it becomes crispy and golden, absorbing the flavors of the garlic and meat. This dish is commonly served alongside other hearty Portuguese meals and is the perfect accompaniment to meats and stews.