Lisbon Steak

Lisbon Steak Recipe from Portugal with Tenderloin and Mushrooms

Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lisbon Steak is a delicious and creamy dish that originated in Portugal. This recipe features tenderloin steaks cooked in a rich and flavorful cream sauce with mushrooms and brandy. It is a perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

History

Lisbon Steak is a traditional Portuguese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, where it is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The creamy sauce and tender meat make it a favorite among those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 tenderloin steaks, cut into 0.5-inch thickness
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 pt (473 ml) container of heavy cream
0.5 tsp of black pepper
2 tbsp of brandy
1 can (8 oz or 227 g) of mushrooms
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Fry the steaks, flipping them after 2 minutes.
Be careful not to overcook them at this stage, as they will finish cooking later.
Add the cream and mushrooms to the steaks, and cook for 5 minutes.
Pour in the brandy and add pepper, then simmer over low heat.
Continue simmering the steaks for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve with mashed potatoes or fries. For a healthier option, consider adding a side of vegetables.

Variations

Substitute the tenderloin steaks with chicken or pork for a different flavor.
Add diced onions and garlic for extra flavor in the sauce.
Use white wine instead of brandy for a lighter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to not overcook the steaks in the initial frying stage, as they will continue to cook in the cream sauce.

- Use a high-quality brandy for the best flavor in the sauce.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

- For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Lisbon Steak is best served with mashed potatoes or fries to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can also complement the dish well.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Lisbon Steak is to cook the steaks to your desired level of doneness and to simmer them in the cream sauce until they are tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy on hand, you can substitute it with white wine or chicken broth. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked steaks before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lisbon Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. You can also drizzle extra sauce over the steaks for a more decadent presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lisbon Steak pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Portuguese Douro or a Spanish Rioja. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread can also complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Lisbon Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steaks and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lisbon Steak contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lisbon Steak contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lisbon Steak contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lisbon Steak contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lisbon Steak is a good source of iron, vitamin D, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and may contain gluten (if served with mashed potatoes or fries).

Summary

Lisbon Steak is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is a satisfying meal that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Lisbon Steak is a classic Portuguese dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. With tender steaks cooked in a decadent cream sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, fries, or a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Lisbon Steak. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who had learned it from her own grandmother. The recipe was written on a faded, yellowed piece of paper, with intricate handwriting that spoke of generations of culinary wisdom. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the tantalizing aroma of the dish cooking in the kitchen.

Maria had invited me over for dinner one evening, promising to cook me a special meal that she had learned from her grandmother when she was a young girl growing up in Lisbon. As I sat at her dining table, sipping a glass of Portuguese wine and chatting with her about our shared love of cooking, she disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the meal.

I could hear the sizzle of the steak hitting the hot pan, the clatter of pots and pans as she moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. The smell of garlic and onions filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I knew that whatever Maria was cooking, it was going to be delicious.

Finally, she emerged from the kitchen with a platter of beautifully seared steaks, glistening with a rich, savory sauce. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in. Maria set the platter down in front of me, along with a side of crispy potatoes and a simple salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

As I took my first bite of the Lisbon Steak, I was transported to another world. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. The steak was tender and juicy, the sauce rich and velvety. It was a culinary masterpiece, a dish that spoke of tradition and love.

I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, knowing that I had to learn how to make this incredible dish for myself. She smiled and handed me the piece of paper, telling me to cherish it and pass it on to future generations. I took it home with me, carefully tucking it away in my recipe box, ready to be pulled out and used whenever I wanted to recreate that magical meal.

Over the years, I have made Lisbon Steak countless times, each time marveling at the depth of flavor and the memories it evokes. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Maria so generously shared with me. Each time I make it, I feel connected to my friend and her grandmother, to the city of Lisbon and its vibrant culinary heritage.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen now, preparing to make Lisbon Steak once again, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It is more than just a dish – it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I will cook it with love and care, savoring every bite and giving thanks for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.