15 Portuguese Recipes Americans Will Love

By Pedro Barbosa  •  Published:


 
Here are 15 easy Portuguese recipes that Americans will love! From simple dinner ideas like Portuguese peri peri chicken, to traditional desserts such as creamy rice pudding, and comforting soups like caldo verde, this collection has something for every taste.

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Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and comforting dishes that are perfect for cooking at home. From famous desserts like Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts) to classics dishes like Bacalhau à Brás (Portuguese Cod, Potatoes and Eggs) and Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup), these delicious recipes bring the taste of Portugal straight to your kitchen.

In this collection of 15 easy Portuguese recipes Americans will love, you’ll find a mix of traditional dishes and beginner-friendly meals that use simple ingredients available in most US grocery stores. Whether you’re exploring international cuisine or looking for something new to make for dinner, these recipes are accessible, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

If you’re looking to explore even more traditional flavors, here are a few additional Portuguese recipes worth trying. From comforting classics to simple desserts, these dishes highlight the variety of Portuguese cuisine. Try a simple Portuguese Bread Soup, the iconic Portuguese Pork and Clams (Carne de Porco à Alentejana), a creamy Tigelada (3-Ingredient Portuguese Dessert), or the classic Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese Stew).

10 Mouthwatering Portuguese Recipes

 

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15 Popular Portuguese Recipes

1
Pastel de Nata in a plate
Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Learn how to make authentic Portuguese Pastel de Nata with a crispy puff pastry and creamy custard filling. Easy homemade recipe ready in 40 minutes!
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2
Pastéis de Bacalhau (Portuguese cod fritters) in a rectangular platter
Pastéis de Bacalhau (Portuguese Cod Fritters)
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly tender inside, these Pastéis de bacalhau (traditional Portuguese cod fritters) bring a taste of tradition to your kitchen! With simple ingredients and an amazing flavor!
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3
Creamy rice pudding in a glass bowl
Creamy Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)
This creamy rice pudding is a simple and comforting dessert made with everyday ingredients like milk, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon — no eggs needed! It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, smooth texture with a deliciously aromatic flavor.
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4
Peri peri chicken on a serving platter
Portuguese Peri Peri Chicken
Juicy and tender Portuguese peri peri chicken marinated in chili, garlic and olive oil, grilled to perfection. Easy piri piri chicken recipe with only 6 ingredients. Perfect for BBQ or weeknight dinners.
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5
Easy Juicy Skillet Pork Steak in a large skillet
Easy Juicy Skillet Pork Steak
This Easy Juicy Skillet Pork Steak recipe is perfect for any occasion! Seasoned with simple ingredients and cooked in a delicious homemade sauce!
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6
Caldo verde (Easy Portuguese Kale Soup) in a soup bowl
Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)
A creamy and comforting Caldo Verde (Portuguese kale soup) made with potatoes, chouriço, and olive oil. Healthy, nutritious and ready in 1 hour. The perfect soup for cold, rainy winter days, to warm your body and soul!
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7
Bacalhau à Brás Recipe (Portuguese Cod with Eggs and Potatoes) in a dish bowl
Bacalhau à Brás (Portuguese Cod, Potatoes and Eggs)
Learn how to make Bacalhau à Brás, a traditional Portuguese cod recipe prepared with salt cod, crispy potatoes, and creamy eggs. A comforting dish with an incredible blend of rich and delicious flavors.
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8
Portuguese octopus and potatoes (Polvo à Lagareiro) in a baking dish
Portuguese Octopus and Potatoes (Polvo à Lagareiro)
This classic Portuguese octopus and potatoes dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavor, featuring simple, traditional ingredients like olive oil, garlic and fresh parsley.
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9
Portuguese bean stew in a pot
Portuguese Bean Stew with Poached Eggs (Feijoada)
Traditional Portuguese bean stew (feijoada) with tender pork ribs, chouriço and poached eggs. A comforting recipe with easy step-by-step instructions. The perfect one-pot feijoada recipe for cozy dinners.
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10
Serradura (Portuguese sawdust pudding) on a small glass bowl
Serradura (Portuguese Sawdust Pudding in 10 Minutes)
Serradura (Sawdust Pudding) is a creamy, layered Portuguese dessert made with just 3 ingredients. Easy no-bake dessert ready in 10 minutes!
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11
Portuguese duck rice on a baking dish
Portuguese Duck Rice
The most delicious and easy Portuguese duck rice recipe! Combines succulent duck with flavorful rice that only takes 25 minutes to bake!
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12
Easy Fish Pie in a baking dish
Easy Fish Pie (Cod Fish Pie with Mashed Potatoes)
Craving a cozy, comforting meal? This cod fish pie recipe is made with tender cod topped with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort dish. Rich, flavorful, and baked in the oven until golden brown, it’s a satisfying meal, perfect for cozy family dinners or simple weeknight meals. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy cod.
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13
Portuguese octopus rice in a small saucepan
Portuguese Octopus Rice
This creamy, Portuguese octopus rice is the perfect dinner to serve any time of year. It is a dish full of typical Portuguese flavors.
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14
Traditional roast veal on a glass baking dish
Traditional Roast Veal
A tender and traditional roast veal recipe that promises to tantalise your taste buds. It's a delicious and simple dinner to prepare with basic ingredients!
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15
Sponge cake on a plate
Sponge Cake
Do you want to prepare a sponge cake quickly? This cake is fluffy, very simple to prepare and looks delicious. It's a perfect cake to serve on any type of occasion
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FAQs

What are the most popular Portuguese recipes?

It’s hard to say, but Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts), Bacalhau à Brás (Portuguese Cod, Potatoes, and Fggs), Caldo Verde (Portguuese Kale Soup), and Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding) are among the most popular recipes.

What are the most common ingredients used in Portuguese cuisine?

Portuguese recipes typically include ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, onion, tomato, eggs, potatoes, coriander, parsley, and spices like pepper, cinnamon and paprika.

What is the most famous Portuguese dish?

I must say Pastel de Nata (Portuguese custard tarts). It’s a crisp and delicate puff pastry, filled with egg custard and baked until lightly caramelized on top. Dishes featuring bacalhau (salted cod) are also very popular and prepared in many different ways.

Can I find ingredients for Portuguese recipes in the US?

Yes, most ingredients used in Portuguese cuisine are easy to find in US grocery stores.