Bife à Café Adapted to Guinea-Bissauan Cuisine

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Brazilian Bife à Café is transformed by incorporating traditional Guinea-Bissauan spices and flavors. The coffee-infused steak is enhanced with piri-piri, ginger, and garlic, giving it a distinct West African twist. Additionally, the dish is served with aromatic rice and a tomato and onion salad, which are commonly enjoyed in Guinea-Bissauan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Bife à café, so you can check it out.

• 4 steaks (beef or chicken) 4 steaks (beef or chicken)
• 2 tablespoons ground coffee 2 tablespoons ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon piri-piri spice blend 1 tablespoon piri-piri spice blend
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the rice: For the rice:
• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• For the tomato and onion salad: For the tomato and onion salad:
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground coffee, piri-piri spice blend, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Rub the mixture onto both sides of the steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the rice by rinsing it under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rice and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
4. 4.
   While the rice is cooking, prepare the tomato and onion salad by combining the diced tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro (if using) in a bowl. Toss well to combine and set aside.
5. 5.
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Remove the steaks from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the coffee-infused steaks with the aromatic rice and tomato and onion salad on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coffee — Use a medium to dark roast coffee for a more pronounced flavor in the marinade.
• Piri-piri spice blend — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder taste.
• Ginger — Freshly grated ginger provides the best flavor, but you can also use ground ginger if needed.
• Olive oil — Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred level of doneness.
• Serve the dish with a side of plantains or yams for an authentic West African experience.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of coffee used in the marinade.
• Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the coffee-infused steaks hot, alongside the aromatic rice and tomato and onion salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the steak slices on a platter, drizzle with any remaining marinade, and sprinkle with a pinch of piri-piri spice blend for an attractive presentation. Serve the rice in a separate bowl and the tomato and onion salad in a vibrant side dish.