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Portugal · Lunch

Bacalhau à Brás

Bacalhau à Brás is a quintessential Portuguese dish that showcases the country's love for cod, a staple in its cuisine for centuries. Traditionally served during festive occasions, especially Christmas, this dish combines salted cod with finely chopped onions, straw fries, and scrambled eggs, embodying the rich flavors and textures of Portuguese cooking.

TraditionalSpecialFish
Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Servings2
DifficultyIntermediate

Published September 3, 2026 by MedTable AI · JJDigit

About this recipe

Bacalhau à Brás is a quintessential Portuguese dish that showcases the country's love for cod, a staple in its cuisine for centuries. Traditionally served during festive occasions, especially Christmas, this dish combines salted cod with finely chopped onions, straw fries, and scrambled eggs, embodying the rich flavors and textures of Portuguese cooking.

Ingredients

  • 200 g salted cod - soaked for 24 hours, changing water twice
  • 3 medium onions - finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves - minced
  • 4 large eggs - lightly beaten
  • 100 g straw fries - fresh or pre-fried
  • 50 ml olive oil - for frying
  • 2 black olives - for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Start by rinsing the soaked cod under cold water and then boil it in a pot of water for about 10 minutes until tender. Remove from heat, let cool, and then flake the cod into bite-sized pieces, discarding any skin and bones.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the flaked cod to the skillet and sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Gently fold in the straw fries, mixing well to combine. Create a small well in the center and pour in the beaten eggs, stirring continuously until the eggs are just set and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and black olives. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tip

To achieve the best texture, ensure that the eggs are cooked gently and not overdone, resulting in a creamy consistency that binds the ingredients together beautifully.

Serving suggestion

Traditionally, Bacalhau à Brás is served with a side of green salad and a glass of Vinho Verde, which complements the richness of the dish.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

Calories450 kcal
Protein35 g
Carbohydrates35 g
Fat20 g
Fiber2 g
Sodium900 mg

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