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Tuga Pops − Sunday, June 3, 2018, 8 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
4 out of 5 with 10 ratings

Authentic Bacalhau á Braga Recipe | Portuguese Cod & Onions

Whip up this Bacalhau á Braga for dinner! Savor crispy fried cod with golden potatoes, all drizzled with a delicious onion and vinegar sauce.
50 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 20 min Cooking Time 30 min
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Why you will love this Authentic Bacalhau á Braga Recipe | Portuguese Cod & Onions

Get ready to dive into this amazing bacalhau à Braga! This dish brings the perfect crunch and zesty aroma right from Portugal's Minho region. With crispy, flour-dusted Atlantic cod, tender hand-cut potatoes, and a tangy onion sauce, you’ll enjoy a delicious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a classic that’s sure to impress anyone who loves Portuguese cuisine!


Ingredients

4 cod filets (approx. 680g or 1.5 lbs)4 medium potatoes (approx. 800g or 1.75 lbs)2 large onions (approx. 300g or 10.5 oz)2 cloves of garlic1 bay leaf1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegarVegetable oil for frying (as needed)All-purpose flour for dusting (as needed)Salt to taste

Equipment:

Large mixing bowlFrying panBaking sheetKnifeCutting boardMeasuring spoonsAbsorbent paperOven

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/4 inch slices.
  2. Fry the potato slices in high-heat oil until golden and drain thoroughly on absorbent paper.
  3. Dredge the cod filets lightly in flour and fry in the same oil until the crust is golden and crisp.
  4. Remove most of the oil from the pan leaving a thin coating to sauté the sliced onions.
  5. Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, tomato paste, and vinegar to the onions and season with salt.
  6. Arrange the fried cod in the center of a baking sheet and surround the fish with the fried potatoes.
  7. Spread the sautéed onion and vinegar mixture evenly over the cod and potatoes.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C or 350°F for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.

Recipe Tips

Soak the cod in water for at least 24 hours before cooking to remove excess salt; change the water a few times to ensure that the cod is properly desalted. This is crucial for achieving the authentic flavor of bacalhau á Braga.
When frying the potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and avoid some being overcooked while others are undercooked. Additionally, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the potatoes to achieve a crispy texture.
Avoid overcooking the onions; sauté them just until they are soft and translucent. Overcooked onions can become bitter and alter the dish's overall flavor profile. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors if they start to taste too sharp.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Amarte Arte

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
540 kcal
Fat
24 g
Carbs
42 g
Protein
38 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute fresh cod with any other type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cod with other firm white fish such as haddock, pollock, or even salmon. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the fish you choose.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Bacalhau á Braga?

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, but be aware that the texture may change upon reheating.

My cod filets broke apart while frying. How can I prevent this in the future?

To prevent cod filets from breaking apart, ensure they are well-dried before dredging in flour, and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Fry in batches if necessary, and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the saltiness of the cod while enhancing the dish's overall brightness.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the rich flavors of the cod and onions.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This popular lager offers a light and slightly bitter profile that balances the richness of the dish.

General: Lager - A standard lager provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the bacalhau while maintaining a light body.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A shot of espresso provides a bold and aromatic finish that complements the hearty meal nicely.

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Reviews (4) Add a review

Madeline Simmons
Madeline Simmons
Hi Ed,
Looking for a recipe for skinless chicken thighs...tired of the same old same old..,thank u and have a great day.
4 Years ago, Saturday, March 5, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Here is one Madeline, but you will have to remove the skin: https://www.portugueserecipes.ca/recipe/803/23/Portuguese-Chicken-Thighs-with-Thyme-Recipe

4 Years ago, Saturday, March 5, 2022

Everett E. Lingley
Everett E. Lingley
My Grandmother made many cod fish dishes. Salted cod hung in small room off the kitchen.
5 Years ago, Saturday, January 8, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Those were the days Everett.

5 Years ago, Saturday, January 8, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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