Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe

This is a sweet and delicious copycat of Portillo’s Sweet Peppers recipe that you can enjoy on its own or use to make other meals even better.

I’ve tasted lots of sandwiches in my life, and if you asked me about the best one, I’d mention many, but I’d always highlight the Italian beef with sweet peppers served at Portillo’s. This sandwich, packed with beef, sweet peppers, and spices, is unforgettable, and what truly makes it great is the Sweet Peppers.

That’s why I decided to recreate Portillo’s Sweet Peppers at home. They’re so tasty that you can enjoy them on their own or spread them on any meat sandwich you prefer and the taste will be more delicious for sure.

The recipe is so simple. At Portillo’s, they use green peppers, but I opted for red and yellow peppers because they’re sweeter and add a lovely, colorful look. The recipe takes only a little time, making it a great side dish to make and enjoy at home.

What is Portillo’s Sweet Peppers?

Portillo’s Sweet Peppers are a delicious and colorful side dish served at Portillo’s restaurants. Made from Green peppers, But I used red and yellow sweet peppers for my recipe, they are cooked until tender and tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. The result is sweet and savory peppers with a glossy finish. These peppers are a great addition to any meal, or even eating them on their own with a side of bread. Their sweetness and flavor make them a tasty addition to many dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 large yellow sweet peppers
• 4 large red sweet peppers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large skillet
• Bowl for mixing dressing
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Portillo’s Sweet Peppers?

Step 1:

First, Wash the peppers. Cut off the tops and take out the seeds. Slice them into long, thin strips.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and dried oregano. Stir until the sugar is gone.

Step 3:

Heat a big pan. Add the pepper strips and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring until they are soft, sometimes I cook the peppers with a little of olive oil (just Little).

Step 4:

Pour the dressing over the peppers in the pan. Stir well and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the peppers are coated and the dressing is a bit thicker.

Step 5:

Take off the heat and add salt and pepper if you like. Usually, these peppers are used to make Portillo’s Italian Beef, Also you can enjoy them alone with a tasty side with a drink of your choice.

Some Tips!

• Try to Choose peppers that are shiny and firm, with no soft spots.
• Use a sharp knife to cut peppers. After cutting off the tops, you can scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• For even more flavor, marinate the peppers for longer before cooking.
• Sometimes I love to add A pinch of red pepper flakes to add that spicy kick I love.

How to Store Leftovers?

Let them cool down first. Then put them in a tight-sealing container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, put them in a freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 weeks. When you want to eat them again, just thaw them in the fridge and warm them up.

What to Eat with Portillo’s Sweet Peppers?

You can Enjoy your Portillo’s Sweet Peppers incredibly like I did most of the time by filling them inside an Italian beef sandwich, just like the one served at Portillo’s, it’s my favorite way to enjoy them. You can also mix them into a fresh salad for added color and sweetness. Also, you can enjoy them alongside Chicken Milanese Brio or Steak Kabob Texas Roadhouse as a tasty side dish. They also pair wonderfully with cheese and some sausages for a simple appetizer. Lastly, you can spread them on a slice of crusty bread for a quick and delicious snack.

FAQ

Can I use green peppers instead of yellow or red?

Yes, green peppers can be used, but they will be less sweet than yellow or red peppers. Also, green peppers are used at Portillo’s.

Can I Control the sweetness of the peppers?

Yes, you can add more or less sugar in the dressing to make the peppers sweeter or less sweet, It’s up to you.

Is it necessary to cook the peppers?

Cooking the peppers is recommended to bring out their sweetness and achieve a tender texture, but you can ignore cooking if you want.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, other types of vinegar like apple cider can be used.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider too.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Adding garlic powder, basil, or thyme can definitely make the sweet peppers taste even more delicious! Just a little bit of these seasonings can add more flavors.

Can these peppers be served cold?

While they are typically served warm, they can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Portillo’s Sweet Peppers are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal, you can add it to your beef sandwich or any type of sandwich or even enjoy it with a side or main course of your choice, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with others and subscribe to my blog for more tasty side recipes.