Bacalhau à Brás

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bacalhau à Brás is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the rich, savory taste of salted cod with the softness of scrambled eggs and the crispy texture of golden potatoes. The dish is a great way to enjoy salted cod in a non-traditional, accessible way, offering a balance of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make, and you can prepare it quickly for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The addition of fresh parsley and olives gives it a touch of freshness and brininess, rounding out the dish perfectly. If you love comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, Bacalhau à Brás will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) salted cod (bacalhau), soaked and desalted (about 24 hours of soaking and water changes)

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks (or you can use pre-cut frozen fries)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (optional, for garnish)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the cod:

Begin by soaking the salted cod in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours to remove excess salt. After soaking, drain the cod, remove the skin and bones, and shred the fish into small, bite-sized pieces.

2. Fry the potatoes:

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the matchstick potatoes or pre-cut fries to the pan and fry them until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the fried potatoes from the pan and set them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. You can also use a deep fryer for this step if preferred.

3. Sauté the onions and garlic:

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté the sliced onion over medium heat until softened and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add the cod:

Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the shredded cod to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cod is heated through and begins to brown slightly.

5. Add the potatoes:

Gently fold the fried potatoes into the cod mixture, combining them carefully so they don’t break apart. Stir to mix all the ingredients together.

6. Scramble the eggs:

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the beaten eggs over the cod, onions, and potatoes mixture. Stir gently to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the eggs to set and create a creamy consistency, similar to scrambled eggs. Be sure not to overcook the eggs—keep them soft and moist.

7. Garnish and serve:

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with black olives (if using). Serve the Bacalhau à Brás hot, with extra olives or a side salad if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 45 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Variations

• Vegetarian Bacalhau à Brás: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the salted cod with mushrooms or jackfruit to mimic the texture of fish.

• Bacalhau à Brás with Spinach: Add some cooked spinach to the dish for extra flavor and color. It complements the cod and potatoes beautifully and adds a nice nutritional boost.

• Spicy Bacalhau à Brás: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped fresh chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed onions and garlic for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the Bacalhau à Brás on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little olive oil or butter to keep the eggs moist. You can also microwave it, but it may alter the texture of the eggs slightly.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod?

While salted cod is traditional, you can use fresh cod as a substitute. Just be sure to season it well to add the desired flavor. If using fresh cod, you don’t need to soak it in water—just cook it directly with the other ingredients.

2. Can I make Bacalhau à Brás ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components (fried potatoes, sautéed onions, and cooked cod) ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish when you’re ready to eat. The eggs should be scrambled right before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I make Bacalhau à Brás with other types of fish?

While cod is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other white fish, such as haddock or tilapia. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the fish used.

4. Is Bacalhau à Brás spicy?

Traditionally, Bacalhau à Brás is not spicy, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce for an extra kick, depending on your preference.

5. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using it in the recipe. If you’re using frozen cod, be sure to drain any excess water before shredding the fish.

6. Can I substitute the potatoes with something else?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the potatoes with zucchini or cauliflower. These alternatives won’t give you the same texture, but they will still make a delicious, healthy dish.

7. Can I add cheese to Bacalhau à Brás?

Some variations of Bacalhau à Brás include a small amount of cheese, such as grated parmesan, mixed in with the eggs. It adds a creamy, rich texture to the dish, but it’s not traditional in the classic recipe.

8. How do I know when the eggs are done?

The eggs should be soft and slightly runny when mixed with the cod and potatoes. You can cook them for an additional minute or two if you prefer firmer eggs, but the dish is best when the eggs remain creamy and moist.

9. Can I freeze Bacalhau à Brás?

Bacalhau à Brás can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the individual components (potatoes, cod, and onions) separately before adding the eggs. The eggs don’t freeze well, and their texture may change when reheated.

10. What do I serve with Bacalhau à Brás?

Bacalhau à Brás is often served with a side of olives, fresh salad, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Bacalhau à Brás is a classic Portuguese dish that brings together the rich flavors of salted cod, eggs, and crispy potatoes in a wonderfully comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you make it for a family dinner or as a special treat, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal, and enjoy the traditional flavors of Portugal in the comfort of your own home!