Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) Recipe

If you’re craving something smoky, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor, Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) will absolutely sweep you off your feet. With succulent cubes of beef marinated in fragrant garlic, bay, and Madeira wine, then grilled to a glorious char—this is the cookout classic I can’t ever resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a magic in Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) that comes from its handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one—be it the robust beef, fragrant bay leaves, or splash of Madeira—plays a starring role in creating those smoky, garlicky, wine-kissed bites that transport you straight to the Portuguese coast.

• Beef sirloin (1½ lbs, cubed): Go for well-marbled sirloin or even ribeye for ultra-tender, juicy skewers that take on the marinade beautifully.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the beef with unmistakeable depth—don’t hold back!
• Bay leaves (12, crumbled): This is the signature: dried bay leaves bring earthy, woodsy aroma that’s classic in espetada.
• Black pepper (½ tsp, ground): For a warm, subtle bite that balances the richness of the beef.
• Madeira wine (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity—if you can, use true Madeira, but a dry sherry or port works in a pinch.
• Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Helps the marinade seep into every nook, keeping the meat moist on the grill.
• Roma tomatoes (3, halved): Their sweet juiciness caramelizes on the grill and beautifully complements the beef.
• Green pepper (2, halved and seeded): Adds crunch, color, and a hint of bitterness to round things out.
• Salt (2 tsp): Essential for seasoning right before grilling—draws out all those savory flavors.

Variations

One of the best things about Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working around dietary needs, making use of what’s in your kitchen, or simply mixing up the flavors, these simple variations let you make it yours.

• Chicken Espetada: Substitute boneless chicken thighs for beef—the marinating and grilling time are similar, resulting in juicy, smoky skewers.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for big cubes of mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, using the same garlicky, herby marinade—they soak up all the flavor and char like a dream.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a fresh chili to your marinade for a little heat that plays beautifully against the wine and herbs.
• Dried Oregano or Smoked Paprika: Sneak in Mediterranean flair by sprinkling dried oregano or a pinch of smoked paprika right before grilling.

How to Make Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers)

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing the minced garlic, crumbled bay leaves, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Massage this aromatic mix all over your beef cubes, letting those flavors coat and tuck into every crevice. Arrange the beef in a shallow dish or a hefty zip-top bag to keep things neat.

Step 2: Add Wine and Olive Oil

Combine Madeira wine and olive oil in a separate bowl, then pour it over the beef, turning the cubes to coat thoroughly. Pop the dish in the fridge, cover, and let it marinate for at least 4 hours—or, if you can stand the wait, overnight for even more complex flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Skewers and Veggies

When you’re ready to grill, halve your Roma tomatoes and green peppers. Thread everything onto soaked wooden or sturdy metal skewers, alternating juicy beef with vibrant tomato and green pepper pieces. This not only looks stunning but infuses the meat with the veggies’ sweet, smoky juices.

Step 4: Season & Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high—to check, you should be able to hold your hand above the grates for about five seconds. Sprinkle the skewered beef and veggies liberally with salt, then grill for about 3–5 minutes per side. Don’t fuss with them too much: you want a bold sear and those irresistible grill marks!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the finished Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) to a platter, loosely cover with foil, and let them rest for 10 minutes. This little pause lets the beef relax so the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is ultra-tender. Serve on a bed of crusty bread, and don’t skip pouring every last bit of those garlicky, herby juices over the top!

How to Serve Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers)

Garnishes

Finish your Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers) with a tumble of chopped fresh parsley, a dusting of flaky sea salt, or even a squeeze of lemon over the top for a lively pop of color and freshness. Extra bay leaves look beautiful nestled around the platter, and a drizzle of olive oil never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to rustic sides like golden roasted potatoes, buttered rice, or a crisp, bracing salad with olives and citrus. But honestly, nothing beats serving espetada over thick slices of country-style bread—perfect for soaking up all those intoxicating, savory juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel a Portuguese tavern vibe by serving the skewers upright—standing in a crusty loaf with the beef pieces cascading downward—or set out a “build your own” board with grilled veggies, sauces, and fresh greens for guests to customize their plates. For celebrations, arrange skewers on a communal platter with edible flowers and lots of herbs for that wow-factor centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers), remove the beef and veggies from the skewers and pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay moist and flavorful in the fridge for up to 4 days—just be sure to save any left-over juices for reheating!

Freezing

Cooled beef and veggies can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap them tightly or use a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

Gently reheat the beef and veggies in a covered skillet with a splash of water or reserved juices to keep them juicy. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the beef tough—low and slow wins the day here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s so much heart and joy wrapped up in this Espetada (Portuguese Beef Skewers)—whether you’re grilling for a celebration or a laid-back family dinner, it’s one of those dishes that always sparks big smiles and happy appetites. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a tradition at your table, too!

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