Portuguese barbecued pork (Febras assadas)

6 steps · 1h 8m total

1. 01

   Pound the Pork

   Slice the pork tenderloins into 5 equal-size pieces, leaving the tail ends slightly longer. Place one piece in a clear plastic bag and use a rolling pin to bash it into an escalope about the size of a side-plate. Repeat with the remaining pork pieces.
2. 02

   Marinate the Pork

   In a bowl, combine the white wine, paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the juice of ½ a lemon. Add the pounded pork and let it marinate for 20-30 minutes. Use this time to prepare your barbecue, aiming for coals that are glowing hot without any active flames.
3. 03

   Prepare the Chips

   For the chips, fill a basin with cool water. Cut the potatoes into 3cm-thick chips. Soak them in the water for 5 minutes, then change the water and soak for another 5 minutes. Drain them thoroughly and pat completely dry with a clean towel or kitchen paper; this helps them crisp up.
4. 04

   Double-Fry the Chips

   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-based pan with a lid to 130°C. Carefully lower the chips into the oil in batches and blanch them for 8-10 minutes. They won't be colored yet, just softened. Remove them from the oil, drain well, and spread them on a tray to cool completely. Once cooled, reheat the oil to 180°C — ensuring it's hot enough is key to crisp chips. Lower the chips back into the oil, again in batches, and cook for 2 minutes, then give them a gentle shake. Continue cooking for another minute or so until they are deep golden and crisp when you tap them. Drain them well for a few minutes, then transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. 05

   Grill the Pork

   Since the pork cooks very quickly, grill it in 2 batches. Remove the pieces from the marinade, rub them lightly with olive oil, and place them directly onto the hot barbecue or chargrill. Cook for just 1 minute on each side; watch for potential flare-ups. This short cooking time is usually enough, as they'll continue to cook slightly off the heat. Transfer the cooked pork to a plate and repeat with the second batch.
6. 06

   Serve

   To serve, pile a generous portion of chips onto each plate. Arrange the grilled pork on top, then spoon over any accumulated juices from the pork plate so the chips absorb those flavors. Finish with a dollop of mayonnaise and a fresh wedge of lemon.