Churrasqueira – the heart of Portuguese BBQ

📜 The history of Churrasqueira – BBQ in Portugal

In Portugal, the churrasqueira is much more than just a barbecue—it's an integral part of the food culture. The term originates from the Latin American "churrasco," but while in Brazil, large pieces of meat are cooked on skewers, in Portugal the focus is on marinated pieces of meat, fish, and seafood that are slowly grilled over charcoal.

The Portuguese BBQ is particularly famous for its iconic dish: **Frango Piri-Piri** – the fiery, spicy chicken that originated in the former Portuguese colonies in Africa.

🥩 Local specialties – What goes on the grill?

• Frango Piri-Piri: The legendary spicy marinated chicken, grilled over charcoal.
• Expected: Traditional meat skewers, often with beef, lamb or pork.
• Sardinhas Assadas: Fresh sardines, cooked directly over the embers.
• Beef on Stone: Beef steak served on hot stone.
• Chouriço Assado: Spicy Portuguese chorizo, flambéed and grilled.

Typical side dishes include bread, grilled vegetables, olive oil potatoes, and rice with beans.

🔥 The perfect preparation – How do you make Portuguese BBQ?

The secret to an authentic Portuguese BBQ lies in the **perfect embers, the right marinade & patience when grilling**.

The grill device: Churrasqueira

• Traditional charcoal grills, often with height-adjustable grates.
• The embers must be evenly distributed – no open flames.
• Meat and fish are cooked slowly and often coated with marinade while grilling.

🍖 3 original recipes for your Portuguese BBQ

1️⃣ Frango Piri-Piri – Portuguese grilled chicken

• Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.5 kg), halved
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp piri-piri chili (or chili flakes to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients to make a marinade.
2. Rub the chicken generously with the marinade and let it marinate for at least **4 hours (preferably overnight)**.
3. Prepare the grill for medium heat and place the chicken skin side down.
4. Brush regularly with the remaining marinade while grilling.
5. After about **30-40 minutes** the chicken will be golden brown and juicy.

2️⃣ Espetadas – Portuguese meat skewers

• Ingredients:
• 600 g beef (alternatively lamb or pork)
• 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, roughly diced

Preparation:

1. Cut the meat into large cubes and marinate in olive oil, salt, paprika and rosemary.
2. Thread the meat cubes alternately with peppers and onions onto skewers.
3. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about **10–12 minutes**, turning regularly.
4. Serve with fresh bread and grilled vegetables.

3️⃣ Sardinhas Assadas – Grilled sardines

• Ingredients:
• 8 fresh sardines
• 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley for garnishing

Preparation:

1. Sprinkle the sardines with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes.
2. Mix olive oil with garlic and brush the sardines with it.
3. Grill over direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.

🔥 Are you ready for your own Portuguese BBQ?

Write in the comments which dish you would try first! 👇🔥

➡️ Next stop on the BBQ world tour: South Africa 🇿🇦 – Braai & the art of open fire!