Bacalhau

Bacalhau no forno

Cod steaks baked with potatoes, onion and olive oil — the basic technique of Portuguese oven cooking.

Region / occasionNationwide / oven cooking
DifficultyEasy
Total time1 h 10 min
Servings4 servings
Photo of Bacalhau no forno — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Bacalhau no forno is one of the most universal preparations in Portugal: steaks, potatoes, onions and lots of olive oil.

The key is the doneness of the fish and the amount of olive oil: if the dish is too dry, the cod loses its juiciness; if it is too wet, it loses texture.

Ingredients

  • 4 desalted cod fillets
  • 4 medium potatoes, sliced
  • 2 onions in half moons
  • 4 sliced garlic cloves
  • 150 ml of olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Black pepper
  • Chopped parsley

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Arrange potatoes and onions in a roasting pan.
  3. Drizzle with half the olive oil and season.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Place the cod fillets on top.
  6. Add garlic, bay leaves and the rest of the oil.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the fish is done.
  8. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Cover with aluminium foil for the first few minutes if the oven runs hot.
  • Thicker cod steaks need more time; adjust the cooking time according to their thickness.
  • Serve with bread to soak up the aromatic olive oil.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • Sweet potatoes can replace some of the regular potatoes.
  • Red onion adds a different colour and sweetness.

Pairing

Dry white wine or light rosé. Content intended for people over 18 years of age. Drink in moderation.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like every traditional recipe, it may vary by region, family and cook.

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Quick facts

Prep
25 min
Cooking
45 min
Total time
1 h 10 min
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Occasion
Family lunch, day to day

Pairing

Dry white wine or light rosé. Content intended for people over 18 years of age. Drink in moderation.

Empório tip

Cover with aluminium foil for the first few minutes if the oven runs hot.

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