Bacalhau à Minhota (Salt Cod with Onions and Fried Potatoes)

In Portugal’s Minho-style cooking, salt cod is often treated simply, letting good olive oil, onions and potatoes do the work. This version pairs soaked bacalhau with thick slices of fried Yukon Gold potato and a glossy onion topping softened gently with garlic and dry white wine. A light flour coating helps the cod turn golden in the pan while keeping the fish firm and moist, and the parsley and black pepper finish keeps the dish fresh rather than heavy. It is a robust, savoury dinner with the familiar comfort of fried potatoes, but the long desalting soak is essential for the right seasoning and texture.
Cuisine style Portuguese home cooking
Flavor profile Savoury • Saline • Sweet onion • Herby
Techniques Soaking • Pan-frying • Sautéing
Key equipment Large frying pan • Colander
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly
Time commitment Make-ahead friendly

Why this recipe works

  • Properly prepared salt cod: A full soak with several water changes removes excess salt while preserving the firm, flaky texture that defines bacalhau.
  • Crisp potatoes, tender cod: Fried potato slices bring a golden edge and soft centre, contrasting with the lightly crusted cod and silky onions.
  • Sweet, savoury depth: Slow-softened onions, garlic, olive oil and reduced white wine create a glossy topping that balances the saltiness of the fish.

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Timing notes

  • Plan for soaking: The cod needs about 24 hours in cold water before cooking, with several water changes to control the salt level.
  • Serve promptly: The dish is best served hot once the cod has been warmed through with the onions and the potatoes are still crisp-edged.

Authenticity notes

  • Minho-style finish: The generous onion topping cooked in olive oil and white wine is central to the character of Bacalhau à Minhota.
  • Light flour coating: Dusting the cod before frying helps form a delicate golden surface without turning the dish into a heavily breaded fish recipe.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm salt cod: Look for pieces that feel firm and substantial rather than thin or brittle, as they hold together better during soaking and frying.
  • Check before cooking: Taste a small flake after soaking; if it still tastes aggressively salty, continue soaking with fresh cold water.

Common mistakes

  • Browning the onions: Keep the onion heat gentle so they soften and sweeten without taking on too much colour.
  • Crowding the potatoes: Fry the potato slices in batches so they brown evenly instead of steaming in the pan.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Soak the salted cod to remove excess salt: rinse it, then place in a bowl, cover with cold water, and refrigerate for 24 hours, changing the water 3 to 4 times. Drain well in a colander and pat dry. Cut into 4 portions if needed.
  2. Peel the potatoes and cut into about 1 cm slices. Slice the onion thinly, and thinly slice the garlic. Roughly chop the parsley.
  3. In a large frying pan, heat about 120 ml of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the potatoes in batches for 10 to 14 minutes, turning, until golden and tender; transfer to a plate and season lightly with a pinch of fine sea salt. Keep warm while you cook the cod.
  4. Put the plain flour on a plate and coat the cod lightly, shaking off any excess. Add a little more olive oil to the pan if needed, then pan-fry the cod over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Transfer the cod to a warm plate.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining olive oil to the pan. Add the onion and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until very soft and sweet but not browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the dry white wine and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the onions are glossy and the wine has reduced slightly. Return the cod to the pan and spoon the onions over the top to warm through for 2 minutes. Finish with black pepper and parsley, then serve with the fried potatoes.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Taste a small piece of the soaked cod before cooking; if it is still very salty, soak for a few more hours with one more water change.
  • Keep the onion heat low so it turns soft and sweet without colouring, which is key to the Minho-style finish.
  • If you are serving vulnerable groups, ensure the cod is cooked until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dry White Wine with a slightly sweeter Dry White Wine for a rounder, less sharp sauce.
  • Replace Fresh parsley with a smaller amount of Fresh parsley stirred in at the end only, for a fresher, brighter finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate the cod and onions in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan with a splash of water until piping hot; re-crisp the potatoes in a hot pan with a little Extra virgin olive oil.

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Bacalhau à Minhota (Salt Cod with Onions and Fried Potatoes)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 24h 30min (45min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
  • Allergens:
    Fish Gluten Wheat

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