Meats and oven dishes

Espetada madeirense

Beef cubes seasoned with garlic, bay leaves and salt, grilled on a skewer.

RegionWood
DifficultyEasy
Total time40 min
Servings4 servings
Photo of Espetada madeirense — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Espetada madeirense is one of Madeira's best-known dishes, traditionally linked to bay leaves and grilled meat.

The recipe is simple, but relies on good meat, strong heat and straightforward seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of beef in large cubes
  • 4 crushed garlic cloves
  • Bay leaves
  • Coarse salt
  • Pepper
  • Optional olive oil
  • milho frito (Madeiran fried cornmeal cubes)

Method

  1. Season the meat with garlic, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
  2. Thread the beef cubes onto the skewers.
  3. Heat grill or barbecue.
  4. Grill over high heat, turning to brown evenly.
  5. Let it rest for a few minutes.
  6. Serve with milho frito or salad.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Large cubes maintain juiciness.
  • Bay leaf is an important part of the aroma.
  • Avoid grilling for too long.

Possible replacements in Brazil

  • Use rump, sirloin or maminha, cut into cubes.
  • Metal skewers can replace traditional bay/laurel wood skewers.

Pairing

A young red wine or sparkling water. For people over 18 years old; drink in moderation.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from the Portuguese culinary tradition. Like any traditional recipe, it can vary depending on the region, the family and the cook.

Do you have a family Portuguese recipe?

Send it to the Empório Portugal community. The recipes received are analyzed before any publication.

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Quick facts

Prep
20 min
Cooking
20 min
Total time
40 min
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Occasion
Barbecue, regional lunch

Pairing

A young red wine or sparkling water. For people over 18 years old; drink in moderation.

Empório tip

Large cubes maintain juiciness.

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