
Lapas grelhadas
Experience the joy of grilling Lapas grelhadas with friends in Lisbon — a true taste of coastal delight.
On a lovely Sunday afternoon in Lisbon, there's nothing quite like gathering with friends at a cozy tasca to savor good food and share stories. One dish that never fails to bring smiles and satisfaction is Lapas grelhadas, or grilled limpets. These little treasures of the sea are a must-have at seaside restaurants and during festive family gatherings, where everyone comes together to enjoy the delightful flavors of the ocean.

Making Lapas grelhadas is easier than you might think, making it a go-to dish for both beginners and experienced cooks. You simply season the limpets with fresh garlic, good olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, then grill them until they're perfectly tender and smoky. Served right off the grill, they pair beautifully with some crusty bread and a chilled glass of vinho verde, offering a taste of Portugal that’s all about connection and joy.
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 400 g limpets (Lapas)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Method
- Clean the limpets under running water to remove any sand.
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Place the limpets on a preheated grill, shell side down.
- Spoon the garlic and olive oil mixture over each limpet.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes until the limpets are cooked and slightly curled.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.