PREGO ROLL

Yields 4 sandwiches

Chef Julia had never heard of a Prego Roll before she met Dean. Even after he explained it, the sandwich sounded way too simple: garlic, butter, bread, and steak. Like peri peri, the Prego Roll is of Portuguese descent. On the streets of Lisbon and outside any nightclub or bar in Johannesburg, you’ll find vendors grilling steak and slathering garlic butter on a soft bun—heaven. The key to this mouth-watering street food is finding a soft, airy roll to absorb the steak juices. If there is a Portuguese market near you, you’re in luck! If not, look for a soft roll dusted with flour at your local bakery.

1 pound skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat

5 garlic cloves

8 to 10 parsley sprigs

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup olive oil

4 Portuguese rolls

½ cup Garlic Butter

Cut the steak into 4 equal portions. Smash the garlic cloves using the side of your knife. Pick the parsley leaves and coarsely chop them; set aside. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, olive oil, and smashed garlic. Pour over the steak, cover, and marinate for 1 hour or up to 12 hours.

In a very hot cast-iron skillet, sear each side of the steak, cooking to your preference. (Skirt steak cooks very quickly: for medium, cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.) Transfer to a plate when finished. While the meat is resting, wipe out the skillet and set it over low heat.

Cut each roll in half and liberally butter each side with garlic butter. Toast the rolls, cut side down, until golden brown in color.

On a cutting board slice the steaks across the grain (lengthwise) into 1-inch strips or pieces. Lay the meat on a roll and top with chopped parsley.