Espetada (Carne de Vaca)
Madeiran Skewered Beef with Keto Sides
Yes, with a tweak: explicitly omit milho frito (fried cornmeal) or any potato sides. About 2g net carbs per serving, lower than 9 in 10 Portuguese dishes.
What it is
A traditional Madeiran dish featuring large, succulent chunks of beef (often sirloin or rump) seasoned with garlic, bay leaf, and sea salt. The meat is skewered and typically grilled over an open fire, served hanging, accompanied by a side of low-carb vegetables.
Key ingredients
Beef (sirloin/rump), garlic, bay leaf, sea salt, olive oil, side of sautéed greens (e.g., spinach, collard greens).
How to make it keto
Explicitly omit milho frito (fried cornmeal) or any potato sides. Request a side of sautéed green vegetables or a simple green salad with oil and vinegar.
Say this to the waiter (Portuguese)
Espetada de Carne de Vaca, por favor. Sem milho frito ou batatas. Gostaria de vegetais verdes salteados ou uma salada verde com azeite e vinagre.
Espetada de Carne de Vaca, please. No milho frito or potatoes. Can I have sautéed green vegetables or a simple green salad with oil and vinegar?
Watch out for
None from the main dish. Only traditional carb sides if not correctly omitted.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
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