Receita Africana: Fufu com queijo Picado Wagyu
Receita Africana: Fufu com queijo Picado Wagyu is a medium Brazilian recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Prospect Park Deli Brasil on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $8.87 total, $4.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Beef Sirloin Steak (trimmed, about 1.5‑inch thick)
- 2 pieces Fufu Buns (soft, slightly sweet Brazilian rolls; can use hamburger buns if unavailable)
- 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 small Bell Pepper (thinly sliced; use red or green for color)
- 2 slices Cheddar Cheese (full‑fat, sliced about 0.5 cm thick)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Barbecue Sauce (sweet‑smokey variety)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for greasing the grill pan)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Set aside in a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Season the Steak
Pat the steak dry, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Time: PT2M
Heat the Grill Pan
Place the grill pan over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil, spreading it evenly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook the Steak
Lay the steak on the hot pan. Cook 4‑5 minutes per side for medium‑rare (internal temp ~62 °C). Remove and let rest on a plate covered loosely with foil.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Onion and Pepper
Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Stir‑fry for 3‑4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Toast the Fufu Buns
Slice the fufu buns horizontally (if not pre‑sliced). Lightly toast the cut sides on the grill pan for about 1 minute until golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Place the rested steak slice on top, followed by the sautéed onion‑pepper mix, a slice of cheddar cheese, and drizzle 1 tbsp barbecue sauce. Cover with the top bun.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Serve the sandwiches immediately while hot. Optionally garnish with extra pepper or a side of pickles.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Sirloin Steak: Ribeye steak, flank steak
- Instead of Fufu Buns: soft hamburger buns, bao buns
- Instead of Onion: shallots, red onion
- Instead of Bell Pepper: jalapeño (for heat), poblano
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Provolone, Mozzarella
- Instead of Mayonnaise: aioli, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Barbecue Sauce: ketchup mixed with smoked paprika, chipotle sauce
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, cayenne pepper (use sparingly)
Equipment Needed
- Grill Pan or Flat Top Griddle
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Serving Plate
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning the steak properly before cooking
- Achieving a good sear on the steak without overcooking
- Sautéing onion and pepper just until softened to avoid bitterness
- Toasting the fufu buns without burning
- Ensuring the cheese melts slightly before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the steak dry for a better crust.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- A light brush of butter on the bun before toasting adds extra flavor.
Troubleshooting
Steak is tough or dry
Let the steak rest 5‑7 minutes after cooking; slice against the grain and avoid over‑cooking.
Onion and pepper are still crunchy
Increase sauté time by 1‑2 minutes and add a splash of water to help steam them.
Cheese does not melt
Cover the sandwich with the pan for 30 seconds or place under a broiler for a few seconds.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly for up to 24 hours; reheat steak and toast buns before serving.
Freezer: Freeze cooked steak separately for up to 2 months; do not freeze buns as texture degrades.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled sandwich at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice onion and pepper up to 2 hours ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Prepare mayonnaise‑barbecue sauce mix in advance and refrigerate.
- Cook the steak a day ahead; reheat gently on the pan before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich in Brazilian street food culture?
The Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich blends the African‑origin fufu bread, popular in Brazil’s northeastern regions, with the Brazilian love for grilled meat (churrasco) and melted cheese, creating a hearty snack often sold at street stalls and delis.
What are the traditional regional variations of fufu‑based sandwiches in Brazil?
In the Northeast, fufu is sometimes replaced with tapioca flatbread, while in the South you may find a thicker pão de queijo roll. Some regions add chimichurri or hot sauce for extra kick.
How is the Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich traditionally served in Brazil?
It is usually served hot, cut diagonally, with a side of pickled vegetables or a small salad, and enjoyed with a cold soda or a caipirinha.
During which Brazilian celebrations is a steak‑and‑cheese sandwich like this commonly enjoyed?
These sandwiches are popular during weekend churrasco gatherings, local festivals (festas juninas), and as a quick lunch option for workers in urban markets.
What authentic ingredients define a Brazilian‑style Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich versus common substitutes?
Authentic versions use Brazilian fufu rolls, a thick cut of sirloin or ribeye, full‑fat cheddar or provolone, and a sweet‑smokey barbecue sauce. Substitutes like hamburger buns or other cheeses work but change the traditional flavor profile.
What other Brazilian dishes pair well with the Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich?
It pairs nicely with feijão tropeiro, a simple vinaigrette salad, or a side of fried yucca (mandioca frita). A cold glass of guaraná soda balances the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich?
Common errors include overcooking the steak, under‑seasoning, burning the fufu bun, and not allowing the steak to rest, which all lead to a tough, flavor‑less sandwich.
Why does this recipe call for sautéing the onion and pepper after the steak instead of cooking them together?
Cooking the vegetables after the steak lets the pan retain the meat’s flavorful fond, giving the onion‑pepper mix a richer, caramelized taste without steaming them in excess moisture.
Can I make the Cheese Fufu Steak Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can grill the steak and sauté the vegetables up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich just before serving and reheat the steak briefly on the pan.
What does the YouTube channel Prospect Park Deli Brasil specialize in?
Prospect Park Deli Brasil focuses on Brazilian deli‑style recipes, street‑food classics, and quick‑prep meals that showcase regional flavors with a modern twist.
How does the YouTube channel Prospect Park Deli Brasil's approach to Brazilian cooking differ from other Brazilian cooking channels?
Prospect Park Deli Brasil emphasizes fast, deli‑counter techniques, using readily available supermarket ingredients and a playful, conversational style, whereas many other channels focus on traditional home‑cooking or elaborate festive dishes.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
