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The moment the sizzling sirloin hits the hot grill, a mouthwatering aroma fills my kitchen, transporting me straight to the vibrant streets of Portugal. Imagine juicy, marinated steak nestled inside soft, squishy bread rolls, each bite bursting with flavor and comfort. These easy Portuguese prego rolls have become my go-to for satisfying cravings while breaking free from the monotony of fast food.

Inspired by the traditional street food of Portugal, this quick and simple recipe showcases tender steak marinated in zesty peri-peri sauce and smothered in creamy, spicy chilli butter. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a family-friendly meal, or simply indulging after a long day, these sandwiches are a culinary victory that promises to please your taste buds without fuss. Let’s dive into making these irresistible prego rolls that blend heartiness and spice in every delicious bite!

Why are Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls a must-try?

Flavorful and Zesty: The perfection of tender steak marinated in peri-peri sauce delivers a fantastic flavor explosion.
Creamy Kick: Topped with spicy chilli butter, these rolls elevate your dining experience, offering both heat and richness.
Quick to Prepare: In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Friends and family will rave about these sandwiches, making them a hit at any summer barbecue or casual dinner.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or substitute proteins; this recipe is as flexible as it is tasty!

Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls Ingredients

For the Marinade
• Peri-Peri Sauce – Adds a spicy and tangy flavor; homemade or store-bought works well.
• Tomato Puree – Provides richness and moisture; crushed or fresh tomatoes can be substituted.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the marinade with acidity; fresh is best, but bottled can suffice.
• Garlic Cloves – Deepens the flavor profile; fresh is ideal, but garlic powder may be an alternative.
• Bay Leaf – Imparts subtle herbal notes; omit if unavailable, but substituting isn’t recommended.
• Olive Oil – Essential for marinating; vegetable or canola oil can be used as a substitute.
• Sugar (optional) – Balances acidity in the marinade; omit if you’re cutting back on sugar.
• Salt – Enhances flavors; adjust to taste or tweak with low-sodium options.

For the Steak
• Sirloin Steaks – The star of the dish, sliced thinly; rib-eye or rump can also amp up flavor.

For the Rolls
• Bread Rolls – Soft and fresh bread cradles the filling; ciabatta or baguette are great choices.

For Toppings
• Sliced Tomato – Adds freshness; any type works, with grape or heirloom being lovely options.
• Sliced Onion – Introduces crunch and sharpness; use red for color or any variety available.

For the Chilli Butter
• Chillies (fresh, finely chopped) – Adds delightful heat; jalapeño or bird’s eye bring the spice!
• Butter (room temperature) – Carrier for chili flavor; margarine or vegan alternatives can be used.

Feel inspired to create delicious Easy Portuguese prego rolls that bring the taste of Portugal to your dinner table!

How to Make Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls

Blend ingredients: Combine peri-peri sauce, tomato puree, lemon juice, garlic, bay leaf, olive oil, sugar, and salt in a blender until you reach a smooth consistency. This marinade will infuse the steak with fantastic flavor!
Prepare the steak: Gently flatten the sirloin steaks with a meat mallet to about 1cm thick. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more of that delicious marinade.
Marinate the steak: Pour the marinade over the flattened steak, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for richer flavor.
Grill the steaks: Preheat your griddle pan or grill until very hot. Cook the marinated steaks for about 3-5 minutes per side until they are caramelized and cooked to your liking. Let them rest for 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in.
Make the chilli butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped chillies with softened butter. Stir until well-mixed, creating a spicy butter that will elevate your prego rolls.
Assemble the rolls: Slice your bread rolls in half and spread a generous amount of the chilli butter on each side. Pile on the grilled steak and top with fresh sliced tomato and onion. Serve immediately!

Optional: Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls Variations

Feel free to experiment with these delightful twists to make your prego rolls even more exciting and tailored to your tastes!

Protein Swap: Replace sirloin with chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a different flavor profile that everyone will love.
Bread Choices: Opt for sourdough or whole grain rolls for added texture and taste, enhancing the heartiness of each bite.
Spice It Up: Add minced jalapeños or serrano peppers directly into the marinade for a bolder kick of heat.
Veggie Boost: Include avocado slices or arugula for freshness and creaminess to balance the spiciness of the chilli butter.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Top your rolls with melted cheese like provolone or cheddar for a rich indulgence that takes the flavors up a notch.
Herbed Butter: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives into your chilli butter to elevate the taste and add a pop of color.
Sweet Touch: Drizzle a little honey or sprinkle brown sugar over the grilled steak before assembling for a delicious contrast to the spices.
Tomato Twist: Try adding sliced roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of smokiness that complements the steak beautifully.

Storage Tips for Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls

Fridge: Store any leftover prego rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, reheat the steak gently in a skillet before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak separately, wrapped tightly in plastic and then in foil, for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to enjoy.

Leftover Marinade: Keep any extra marinade in the fridge for later use, stored in a sealed container, for up to a week. It adds flavor to other meats and vegetables!

Reheating: For best results, reheat your prego rolls in a toaster oven or skillet to regain that delightful crispiness of the bread without making it soggy.

What to Serve with Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?

To complement the rich, spicy flavors of these delightful rolls, consider sides that enhance the meal experience.

Crispy French Fries: The golden crunch of fries provides a satisfying contrast and pairs beautifully with the juicy steak.
Garlic Butter Rice: This aromatic side is fluffy and buttery, providing a wholesome balance to the zesty prego rolls. Imagine savoring each grain flavored with garlic!
Fresh Greek Salad: The cool, crisp veggies and tangy feta add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the rolls. It’s a perfect palate cleanser!
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized, roasted veggies offer a wonderful earthy sweetness that complements the savory steak beautifully.
Spicy Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw, seasoned with a little heat, can heighten the overall flavor, adding a delightful texture and crunch.
Chilled White Wine: Pair your meal with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a wonderful refreshing sip that enhances the fiery flavors of the dish.
Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a comforting note with a rich, velvety dessert that offers a decadent contrast to the savory prego rolls. Each sweet spoonful is pure bliss!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance—this allows the flavors to fully develop. Simply blend the marinade ingredients and coat the flattened steak, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, you can make the chilli butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy your prego rolls, grill the marinated steak until caramelized, spread the prepared chilli butter on your rolls, and top with fresh vegetables. You’ll savor restaurant-quality results with minimal effort on your busy day!

Expert Tips for Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls

Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, let the steak marinate overnight. This allows the peri-peri sauce to deeply penetrate the meat.
Heat is Key: Ensure your grill or pan is scorching hot before cooking the steak. This helps achieve that delicious caramelization without overcooking.
Resting Time: Always let your steak rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This step keeps the juices locked inside, ensuring every bite is juicy.
Chili Butter Variations: Feel free to adjust the spiciness of your chilli butter based on your taste. Experiment with different types of chillies for varied heat levels.
Fresh Rolls Matter: Use fresh, soft rolls for the best texture. Stale bread will not hold up well, leading to a soggy sandwich.
Customization: Don’t shy away from personalizing your Easy Portuguese prego rolls! Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese for a unique twist.

Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?
Absolutely! When choosing tomatoes, look for ones that feel heavy and firm without blemishes; they should be vibrant in color. For chillies, pick ones that are bright, firm, and without dark spots. Fresh garlic should be firm with no signs of sprouting. If you can, opt for high-quality peri-peri sauce for a more authentic flavor!

What is the best way to store leftover Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?
Store any leftover prego rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep them for longer, reheating the steak gently in a skillet retains its juicy flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so I often recommend eating them as soon as possible!

Can I freeze my Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?
Certainly! For freezing, separate the cooked steak from the rolls. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet to maintain its juiciness. The bread rolls can also be frozen; just make sure to place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

What should I do if my marinade is too salty?
No problem! If your marinade turns out too salty, you can balance it by adding more of the other ingredients like tomato puree or a splash of lemon juice. Alternatively, creating a new batch of the marinade with less salt and combining it can help. Also, adding more sugar can mitigate the saltiness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?
Yes! If you’re serving these to guests with dietary restrictions, ensure they know that the rolls contain gluten and the peri-peri sauce might contain allergens like nuts or gluten, depending on the brand. For a gluten-free option, switch to gluten-free bread rolls and choose a suitable marinade. Always check ingredient labels if you’re concerned about allergies.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Easy Portuguese Prego Rolls?
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating your steak overnight for a deeper infusion of the peri-peri sauce. You can also experiment by adding herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish. If you like a touch of sweetness, a few slices of avocado can add a creamy contrast to the spicy chili butter. Enjoy the exploration!