Os Bifes de Atum em Azeite são um clássico da cozinha portuguesa, celebrados pela sua simplicidade e sabor autêntico. Este prato prova que com ingredientes de boa qualidade — um bom atum fresco e um azeite virgem extra generoso — não é preciso muito para criar uma refeição memorável. É uma receita rápida e reconfortante, perfeita para um jantar durante a semana mas com um toque especial que também a torna adequada para receber amigos.

Ingredientes (2 Pessoas)

  • 2 bifes de atum
  • sal
  • pimenta
  • 1 cebola
  • 1/2 pimento vermelho
  • 100 ml de azeite
  • batatas fritas para acompanhar

Preparação

  1. Tempere os bifes de atum com sal e pimenta.
  2. Corte uma cebola em meias-luas finas.
  3. Pique o pimento em cubinhos pequenos.
  4. Numa frigideira aqueça o azeite, junte a cebola e o pimento e deixe cozinhar.
  5. Quando a cebola estiver translúcida e o pimento crocante, junte os bifes de atum.
  6. Aloure-os ligeiramente de ambos os lados.
  7. Sirva de seguida, acompanhado com batatas fritas.

Ready to try this Portuguese classic? Here’s the English version for your kitchen adventures.

Tuna Steaks in Olive Oil

Tuna Steaks in Olive Oil is a cornerstone of Portuguese home cooking, a dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something truly special. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, allowing the quality of the fresh tuna and the richness of the olive oil to shine through. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

The absolute key to this recipe is the tuna itself. Look for thick, high-quality steaks, as this will help prevent them from drying out. The goal is to sear the outside while leaving the inside wonderfully moist and tender—overcooked tuna can become tough. Don’t be shy with the olive oil, either; it combines with the onion and pepper to create a flavourful sauce that’s perfect for mopping up with bread or spooning over the chips.

While classic chips are the traditional partner for this dish, it’s also wonderful with boiled new potatoes tossed in the pan juices or a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an extra layer of flavour, you could add a couple of crushed garlic cloves and a bay leaf to the pan with the onions.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 tuna steaks
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 red pepper
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • chips, to serve

Method

  1. Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
  2. Thinly slice the onion into half-moons.
  3. Finely dice the red pepper.
  4. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil, then add the sliced onion and diced pepper and allow to cook gently.
  5. When the onion is translucent and the pepper is tender-crisp, add the tuna steaks to the pan.
  6. Lightly sear them on both sides until cooked to your liking.
  7. Serve immediately with hot chips.