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Cachopo Recipe

Cachopo Recipe

Cachopo is a delicious Portuguese dish made from two pieces of meat (usually pork or beef), filled with gooey cheese and seasoned to perfection, then breaded and fried until crispy. It's a savory, comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family and guests. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Cachopo is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces of boneless pork or beef tenderloin or steaks
  • 2 slices of mozzarella or cheddar cheese or preferred cheese
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs fresh or store-bought
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Meat mallet (optional)
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Shallow bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs
  • Tongs or spatula for turning
  • Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Method
 

  1. Prep the Meat: Lay the pork or beef pieces flat on a cutting board. If needed, gently pound the meat with a mallet to even out the thickness, ensuring each piece is tender and cooks evenly.
  2. Assemble the Filling: Place a slice of cheese on one piece of meat, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Top with the second piece of meat, pressing the edges together to seal.
  3. Bread the Cachopo: Dredge the stuffed meat in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure each side is fully coated.
  4. Fry the Cachopo: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded Cachopo in the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the meat is cooked through.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove the Cachopo from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Meat Choice: Pork tenderloin is the most common choice for Cachopo, but beef steaks also work well.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar are great options, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
  • Bread Crumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs (from day-old bread) will provide a better texture than store-bought ones.
  • Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the Cachopo without making it greasy. If the oil is too cold, the breading may absorb excess oil.
  • Side Pairings: Serve Cachopo with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Cachopo Recipe
 
Cachopo Recipe