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Prego Roll

This classic Prego roll is a high-protein favourite that brings the authentic flavours of a Portuguese steakhouse into your kitchen. The secret lies in the marinade, where soy sauce and smashed garlic tenderise the skirt steak, ensuring every bite is succulent and aromatic. When paired with a generous lashing of homemade garlic and parsley butter, this sandwich becomes a truly comforting meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Perfect for a weekend lunch or a post-workout dinner, these rolls are quick to assemble once the meat has marinated. Skirt steak is an ideal cut for this recipe as it sears rapidly in a hot frying pan, taking only minutes to reach a perfect medium-rare. Serve these steak sandwiches immediately while the garlic butter is still melting into the toasted bread for the best experience.

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Ingredients for Prego Roll

  • 6 garlic cloves

  • 1 tablespoon packed flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 450g skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat

  • 5 garlic cloves

  • 8 to 10 parsley sprigs

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 4 Portuguese rolls

  • 110g garlic butter

Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley leaves. Mix the garlic, parsley, and salt into the butter until very well combined. This will keep, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

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 colour.

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.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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