There’s a saying in Portugal that there are 1001 ways of preparing bacalhau, Portugal’s beloved salt cod. In the almost 8 years I’ve lived in the country, I’ve been able to try, and to cook, a great number of them. Whether that’s boiled, deep fried, baked, with cream, or even mixed in a salad! While I’m still far away from recipe 1001, I can share with you some of my favourite cod dishes and which ones you should absolutely try when visiting Portugal. So here is my top 10 cod dishes to try in Portugal!
What is Bacalhau?
First and foremost, let me answer the question of what exactly is bacalhau? The direct translation for bacalhau is cod, which is the common name for the genus Gadus, and the type of fish used in fish and chips. In the culinary context of Portugal, bacalhau refers to salted and dried cod, mainly Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caught in the waters near Norway, Iceland and Newfoundland.
Traditionally the fish was gutted, heavily salted, and later washed being left to dry in the open air. This would help to preserve the fish allowing it to be transported for longer distances. Although the preservation of fresh fish hasn’t been an issue for several decades, salt cod remains a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
10 Traditional Portuguese Cod Dishes You Need to Try
Every traditional restaurant will have at least one bacalhau dish, if not a couple, listed on their menu. So if it’s your first time trying Portuguese salt cod, or if you simple want to broaden your cod repertoire. Make sure to check this list of my Favourite Portuguese Cod Dishes (and how to prepare them).
Bacalhau à Brás – Brás Style Cod
A dish invented by a Lisbon tavern owner; and perhaps the most famous Portuguese cod dish. It consists of shredded cod lightly fried with sliced onions, garlic, olive oil, mixed with scrambled eggs and shoestring potatoes. When prepared correctly, Bacalhau à Brás is delicious and creamy, and perfect for a light lunch. It’s also super simple to cook. If you want to give it a try, here’s my Bacalhau à Brás recipe.
Bacalhau à Lagareiro – Baked Codfish with Potatoes
Another Portuguese restaurant classic, Bacalhau à Lagareiro is made with cod loins baked with plenty of extra virgin olive oil, onions, and garlic. It’s usually served with baby potatoes that are gently smashed and baked with the fish. Bacalhau à Lagareiro is absolutely delicious, although it can be a bit overwhelming for those not used to the amounts of olive oil and garlic typical in Portuguese cooking. Here’s my Bacalhau à Lagareiro recipe.
Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá – Cod, Potato, and Egg Casserole
Combine chunks of cod with sliced boiled potatoes and sautéed onions, drizzle with a high-quality olive oil and garnish with boiled eggs and olives, there you have Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá. Invented in the 19th century by a cod merchant from Porto, this dish is delicious and very comforting. Here’s how to make it!
Pastéis de Bacalhau – Codfish Cakes
To many people Pastéis de Bacalhau is the gateway into Portuguese salt cod. Think fish cakes made with finely shredded cod, diced onions, mashed potatoes, garlic, and fresh parsley, deep fried until golden and crispy. It’s impossible to eat just one! Luckily my Pastéis de Bacalhau recipe yields more than 20.
Bacalhau com Natas – Cod with Cream
If you had to choose a cod dish to try in Portugal, Bacalhau com Natas should be the one! Chunks of cod sautéed with onions and olive oil, layered with lightly fried potato cubes and a creamy bechamel, and baked until golden. It’s absolutely delicious and fairly simple to make, here’s my recipe!
Pataniscas de Bacalhau – Cod Fritters
Pataniscas de Bacalhau are a Portuguese favourite! They can be eaten at any time of the day and pair beautifully with a cold imperial. They are made by coating shredded cod in a batter made with flour, diced onions, eggs, milk, and seasonings. This batter is then deep fried until golden and crispy. It’s a beautiful salty snack! Here’s the recipe for my Portuguese Cod Fritters.
Bacalhau com Broa – Cod with Cornbread Crust
Bacalhau à Lagareiro with a twist! In this dish, bacalhau loins get coated with crumbled cornbread mixed with olive oil, thyme, black pepper, and paprika. When baked in the oven the bread turns into a delicious crust adding a lovely texture to the fish. It’s usually served with smash potatoes, and sautéed greens. Here’s how to make Authentic Portuguese Cod with Cornbread Crust.
Bacalhau à Braga – Cod with Braised Peppers
This dish typical of the city of Braga is unlike any other traditional bacalhau recipe. Cod loins are coated in flour and fried in olive oil, the same oil is then used to sauté peppers and onions. Both the cod loins and the peppers are then braised in the oven and served with homemade potato chips. If Bacalhau à Braga sounds like your kind of dish, here’s the complete recipe.
Bacalhau Espiritual – Creamy Cod Bake
Another fantastic creamy cod dish! Bacalhau Espiritual is pretty similar to Bacalhau com Natas. The key difference is the addition of shredded carrots, that bring a touch of sweetness which contrasts beautifully with the saltiness of the cod. It’s not a dish you will find in most restaurants, so it’s worth making it a home! Here’s my Bacalhau Espiritual recipe!
Bacalhau da Consoada – Portuguese Christmas Cod
To end our list of Must Try Portuguese Cod Dishes, nothing better than a festive dish. Bacalhau da Consoada, or Christmas Cod, is a special dish prepared on Christmas Eve. It’s one of the simplest bacalhau recipes, despite being a festive dish. It consists of poached cod loins, served with boiled potatoes, boiled eggs, and blanched cabbage, drizzled with a mix of olive oil and vinegar. I appreciate you won’t come across this dish unless you are invited to a Portuguese Christmas, so here’s my Bacalhau da Consoada Recipe!
Which is your favourite Portuguese bacalhau dish?
Any dishes you think should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments!