Traditional Baked Cod Recipe | Food From Portugal

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This simple, traditional baked cod with potatoes is super flavorful and comforting! It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner with the whole family!

There’s something so comforting about the aroma of baked cod drifting from the oven — it instantly takes me back to cozy family lunches and simple, home-cooked meals. This traditional baked cod with potatoes is one of those timeless recipes that everyone falls in love with. It’s easy to prepare, uses just a few simple ingredients, and somehow turns into something incredibly delicious.

To make this tradicional Portuguese cod recipe, all you need to do is place the cod and potatoes in a baking dish, season with simple and delicious spices, and let the oven work its magic. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with a glass of your favorite red wine!

Whether it’s for a Sunday lunch with the whole family or a busy weeknight when you want something easy yet satisfying, this traditional baked cod is always a great choice! A simple and traditional baked cod recipe, full of authentic Portuguese flavor that your family will love!

Looking for more traditional Portuguese cod recipes? Discover our collection of authentic dishes, including Portuguese salt cod fritters (Pataniscas de bacalhau), Portuguese cod stew, Portuguese cod bread soup, Homemade salt cod fritters and many more delicious Portuguese cod recipes. Explore them all in this Category!

Traditional baked cod on a glass baking dish

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE

Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this cod recipe:

Cod - Salt cod, soaked for 24 hours.
Potatoes - Peeled small potatoes cut in half.
Paprika, pepper, unpeeled crushed garlic and sliced onion - To season and flavor the cod and potatoes.
Olive oil and lemon juice - Ingredients that add flavor and some creaminess to the sauce.
Chopped parsley - Adds flavor and color to the recipe.
Salt - Highlights all the other flavors.

Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this traditional baked cod recipe.

HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL BAKED COD

Step 1: Cut the cod into pieces. Peel the potatoes and cut them in half.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).

Step 3: In the bottom of a glass baking dish, place the sliced onions and 100 ml (1/2 cup) olive oil. On top of the onion and the olive oil, place the cod pieces, potatoes and the unpeeled crushed garlic. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, lemon juice and the remaining olive oil.

Step 4: Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Occasionally, baste the cod and the potatoes with the sauce.

Step 5: Turn off the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

TIPS FOR TRADITIONAL BAKED COD RECIPE

1. If the cod and the potatoes start to brown too much, reduce the oven temperature or cover with aluminum foil.

2. If you have leftovers, store the cod and the potatoes in the fridge in an airtight container (to prevent the growth of microorganisms). To avoid drying out the cod, do not reheat the food in the oven, reheat it in the microwave.

TIPS FOR SOAK THE COD

1. Rinse the cod under cold water.

2. Place the cod with the skin facing up in a large bowl and cover it with cold water.

3. Allow the cod to soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 8 to 12 hours.

4. After 24 hours, taste a small piece of the cod to check for saltiness. If it is still too salty, continue soaking and changing the water until it reaches your desired level of saltiness.

5. The soaking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod and the quantity of salt the cod have.