Salt cod—also known as bacalao or baccalà—is a treasured ingredient in Mediterranean, Portuguese, Caribbean, and Latin cuisines. This Baked Salt Cod Fish Recipe transforms preserved cod into a tender, deeply flavorful dish with simple ingredients and rustic elegance. Perfect for family dinners, festive meals, or anyone seeking authentic comfort food with heritage.
Table of Contents
What Is Salt Cod?
Salt cod is cod that has been preserved by salting and drying, a technique used for centuries to extend shelf life and intensify flavor. Once soaked and rehydrated, salt cod becomes tender, flaky, and rich—ideal for baking, stewing, or pan-frying.
Ingredients
500g salt cod, soaked and desalted
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
½ cup cherry tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional additions: olives, capers, bell peppers, or fresh thyme
How to Desalt Salt Cod
Rinse salt cod under cold running water.
Place it in a large bowl of cold water.
Soak for 24–48 hours, changing the water every 6–8 hours.
Taste a small piece—when pleasantly seasoned (not salty), it’s ready to use.
Tip: Thicker pieces require longer soaking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Build the Base
Arrange sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
Scatter onions, garlic, bay leaf, tomatoes, paprika, and black pepper over the potatoes.
Drizzle with half of the olive oil.
Step 3: Add the Salt Cod
Place the desalted cod pieces on top of the vegetable layer.
Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Step 4: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Serve
Remove bay leaf.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salt Cod
Don’t skip soaking: Proper desalting is essential for balanced flavor.
Use good olive oil: It enhances the richness of the fish.
Layer wisely: Potatoes absorb the flavorful juices and become incredibly tender.
Avoid overbaking: Salt cod becomes dry if cooked too long uncovered.
Why This Recipe Works
Authentic & Traditional: Honors classic salt cod preparation methods.
Healthy & Satisfying: High in protein, naturally low in fat.
Deeply Flavorful: Slow baking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Versatile: Easily adapted with regional spices and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the olive oil and juices.
Pair with a green salad or steamed greens like kale or spinach.
Complements crisp white wines such as Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc.
Meta Description (SEO-Friendly):
This Baked Salt Cod Fish recipe is a classic, flavorful dish made with olive oil, potatoes, and garlic. Authentic, easy, and perfect for family meals.
Rich Snippet Idea:
Recipe Type: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Portuguese / Caribbean
Prep Time: 24–48 hours (soaking)
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 c. salt codfish (3 c. flaked)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 c. extra virgin olive oil (or 1/2 olive, 1/2 vegetable)
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1 c. mashed potatoes
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco
- Freshly ground pepper
- Toast triangles
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