Tempura is a popular dish from Japan that has gained worldwide recognition for its light and crispy batter coating. However, did you know that this dish actually originated from Portugal? The Portuguese first introduced tempura to Japan in the 16th century, and it has since evolved into a beloved dish with various regional variations. In this article, we will be sharing a traditional Portuguese tempura recipe that is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, then look no further than this Portuguese fish stew. Made with a variety of fresh seafood such as cod, clams, and shrimp, this dish is cooked in a rich tomato and wine broth that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
2of 20
Portuguese Tempura (Peixinhos da Horta)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Sea Salt, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Tempura may be a Japanese dish, but the Portuguese have their own version called Peixinhos da Horta, which translates to "little fish from the garden." This dish features battered and fried green beans, making it a delicious and unique appetizer. Serve with a side of aioli for dipping and you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish on your hands.
Caçoila, also known as Portuguese stewed beef, is a classic comfort food in Portugal. This hearty dish features chunks of beef slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato and wine broth, along with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening, Caçoila is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
4of 20
Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
If you have a sweet tooth, then you'll love this Portuguese orange cake. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, this cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Top it off with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice for a perfectly sweet and tangy treat.
5of 20
Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This chickpea salad is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. Made with simple ingredients such as chickpeas, onions, and parsley, this dish is packed with flavor and can be served as a side or as a light lunch. It's also a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
No list of Portuguese recipes would be complete without mentioning kale soup, also known as Caldo Verde. This hearty soup features kale, potatoes, and linguica sausage in a savory broth. It's a staple in Portuguese households and will warm you up on even the coldest of days.
Beans and linguiça sausage are a classic combination in Portuguese cuisine. This dish features white beans, linguiça, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a delicious and filling meal. Serve with some crusty bread and you'll have a complete and satisfying dinner.
Egg tarts, or pastel de nata, are a beloved Portuguese dessert. These creamy and flaky tarts are made with a rich egg custard filling and are a staple in Portuguese bakeries. They're perfect for a sweet treat after a meal or as a mid-day snack.
9of 20
Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
If you love spicy food, then you'll love this dish. Made with jumbo shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes, this dish packs a punch of heat and flavor. Serve over rice or with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Portugal is known for its fresh seafood, and this baked fish dish is a great way to enjoy it. Made with a variety of herbs and spices, this dish is bursting with flavor and is a healthier option than fried fish. Serve with some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
11of 20
Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
Peri-peri chicken is a popular dish in Portuguese cuisine. It features chicken marinated in a spicy peri-peri sauce, then grilled to perfection. This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals and is often served with a side of rice or potatoes.
12of 20
Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
Baked eggs are a simple and delicious breakfast option, and this Portuguese style version is a must-try. Made with eggs, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a light breakfast or brunch option.
13of 20
Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This dish is a Portuguese twist on the classic chicken and potatoes combination. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then served with crispy potatoes and a rich gravy. It's a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
This dish is a fusion of Portuguese and African flavors, as Mozambique was once a Portuguese colony. It features shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato and beer-based sauce and is often served over rice. It's a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress.
15of 20
Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
Papo Secos, or Portuguese rolls, are a staple in Portuguese households. These soft and fluffy rolls can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese and ham, or used as a side to a main dish. They're easy to make and are a great addition to any meal.
16of 20
Portuguese Style Parisienne Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Dried
Parisienne potatoes, also known as pommes Parisienne, are a classic French side dish. However, the Portuguese have put their own spin on them by adding a touch of paprika and garlic. These crispy and flavorful potatoes are a great side to any meal.
17of 20
French toast (Portuguese style)
Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Eggs, Sugar, Cinnamon, Vegetable Oil
French toast is a breakfast favorite, but the Portuguese have their own version that is equally delicious. This dish features thick slices of bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture, then fried until golden brown. Serve with some fruit and honey for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
18of 20
Portuguese Daisy
Main Ingredients: Port Wine, Brandy, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Grenadine
The Portuguese Daisy, or Margarida, is a refreshing and light cocktail. Made with white wine, soda water, and fresh fruit, this drink is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. You can also add a splash of liquor to make it a little more indulgent.
19of 20
Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs
Main Ingredients: Pork Rib, White Wine, Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Olive Oil
Grilled pork ribs are a summertime staple, and this Portuguese version is a must-try. The ribs are marinated in a flavorful sauce and then grilled to perfection. Serve with some Portuguese rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
Egg tarts are so delicious, we had to include another recipe for them. This version is slightly different from the previous one, as it uses puff pastry instead of a traditional pastry crust. The result is a flakier and lighter tart that is just as delicious as the original.
Ingredients
For the batter:
Eggs - 2
Cold water - 1 1/2 cups
All-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups
Salt - 1 tsp
For the filling:
Vegetables - choose your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.
Seafood - shrimp, squid, and fish are commonly used in Portuguese tempura
Oil - for frying
Salt - for seasoning
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and water together until well combined.
Add in the flour and salt and mix until a smooth batter forms.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables and seafood by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Dip the vegetables and seafood into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
Carefully place the battered pieces into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Season with salt while still hot.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Portuguese tempura!
Tips and Variations
For a lighter and crispier batter, you can add a splash of sparkling water to the batter mixture.
If you prefer a thicker batter, you can add a bit more flour.
For a vegetarian option, you can skip the seafood and use only vegetables.
Try experimenting with different types of vegetables and seafood to create your own unique tempura combination.
In conclusion, Portuguese tempura is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With its crispy batter and flavorful filling, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give this traditional Portuguese tempura recipe a try and bring a taste of Portugal into your kitchen?