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Espetada made of beef and bay leaves, grilled skewers served
Portuguese beef skewers with bay leaves, grilled

Traditional Madeiran Beef Skewers with Bay Leaves (Espetada)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses Quick Meals
This is the authentic Madeiran espetada recipe. On the island, beef is traditionally grilled on bay laurel branches over embers, infusing the meat with aroma from the inside. Since bay wood is rare at home, this version uses fresh bay leaves packed between meat chunks to mimic that unique flavor. A simple, rustic dish where meat quality is paramount.
🕒 Prep Time 2 hrs 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 650 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Portuguese (Madeira)

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Metal skewers (for better heat conduction)
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mortar for spices

Instructions

1 ✓

Cut beef into large 2-inch cubes. Crush garlic and mix with olive oil, wine, and pepper.

Tip: Do NOT add salt to the marinade; it draws out moisture. Salt only right before grilling (or at the end).
2 ✓

Toss beef in marinade, tear in a few bay leaves, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Tip: Longer marinating penetrates deeper.
3 ✓

Thread beef onto skewers, placing a whole bay leaf tightly between each piece of meat.

Tip: Direct contact allows heat to 'cook' the bay flavor into the meat.
4 ✓

Sprinkle skewers generously with coarse sea salt on all sides.

Tip: Coarse crystals create a crunchy crust.
5 ✓

Grill over hot coals or in a scorching pan for 3-4 minutes per side (medium rare/medium).

Tip: Don't overcook! Beef is best juicy and pink inside.
6 ✓

Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Slide off skewers and serve with fried polenta (Milho Frito) or crusty bread.

Tip: Use bread to soak up the precious juices.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use dried bay leaves?
Yes, but soak them in water first so they don't catch fire and smoke bitterly. Fresh is much more aromatic.
What wine should I use?
Any dry white wine you'd drink. Bad wine makes bad food.

Ingredients

  • 1.75 lbs Aged Beef (Ribeye or Sirloin)
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 16 whole Bay Leaves (fresh preferred)
  • 4 pcs Skewers