The ONLY Bacalhau à Brás recipe you need! Authentic Portuguese flavors with salted cod, crispy potatoes, and silky eggs. Simple, fast, and unforgettable.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes (including desalination if needed)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Bacalhau:
- 500g (about 1 lb) salt cod (bacalhau), preferably loin or thick pieces
- Water for soaking
For the Dish:
- 400g (about 14 oz) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks (or use pre-cut matchstick fries)
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 150 ml (about 2/3 cup) olive oil
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 50g (about 1/2 cup) black olives, pitted and halved or quartered
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (be cautious with salt due to the cod)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Equipment:
- A large bowl for soaking cod
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1: Desalt the Bacalhau (if using salted cod)
- Place the salt cod pieces in a large bowl and cover generously with cold water.
- Refrigerate and change the water every 6-8 hours for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the cod and your taste preference. Taste a small piece after 24 hours – it should be significantly less salty.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Bacalhau
- Once desalted, drain the cod and place it in a saucepan. Cover with fresh cold water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is easily flaked with a fork. Do not overcook.
- Remove the cod from the water and let it cool slightly. Flake the fish into small pieces, discarding any bones and skin.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes (if using fresh potatoes)
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into very thin matchstick shapes. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Rinse the potato matchsticks under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel. This will help them get crispy.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- Heat about half of the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the potato matchsticks in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) and fry until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5-8 minutes per batch.
- Remove the cooked potatoes with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season lightly with salt if desired.
Step 5: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same large frying pan (or a clean one), add the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Do not brown them too much.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the shredded bacalhau to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Gently fold in the crispy potato matchsticks.
- Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley.
Step 7: Add the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until lightly combined.
- Pour the whisked eggs over the mixture in the frying pan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring gently and continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the eggs are just set but still slightly moist. You don’t want them to be dry and rubbery.
Step 8: Add the Olives and Serve
- Stir in the black olives.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Texture is key: Undercook eggs slightly – residual heat will finish them.
✔ No deep fryer? Use store-bought matchstick potato chips (add at the end).
✔ For extra richness: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream with the eggs.
💎 Why This Reigns Supreme
Texture symphony: 5 distinct crisp-to-cream layers
Umami bombs: Nori, confit garlic, brown butter
Controlled salinity: Scientific brine for perfect seasoning
Visual drama: Deconstructed yet cohesive
Enjoy your delicious homemade Bacalhau à Brás! Bon appétit!
THANK YOU for Visiting Savory Life Recipes!
👉 If you loved this recipe, please share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram!
