Fried cod in salsa brava

Those who love fish recipes are bound to fall in love with this distinct Mediterranean-inspired dish. In this recipe, we take the most popular type of fish in Portugal and combine it with the most popular tapas sauce in Spain. The result? This irresistible Fried Cod in Salsa Brava recipe that will make your next mealtime one to remember. No one knows for sure how many cod recipes there are in Portugal. Some say over 100, others say up to 2000. In neighboring Spain, there are several well-known recipes that include salsa brava. By combining the flavors of the two Iberian nations, what you get is a unique, Mediterranean flavor combo that’s easy to make, delicious, and original.

Best method for cooking cod

You can fry it, steam it, or wrap it up in foil or parchment paper to prepare it in ‘en papillote’ style. Frying allows for a simple and speedy option, while the latter two help to preserve moisture and result in an extra level of tenderness in the overall texture. 

How to fry cod without it falling apart

We’ve all been there before. As cod is quite a delicate type of fish, sometimes when you’re frying it in the pan, it can break up and turn into a mess. There are ways to avoid this and ensure your cod stays intact. It’s a matter of knowing the tips and tricks. Firstly, you should handle the cod as little as possible when cooking it. The more it’s prodded and moved around in the pan, the more likely it is to break. You will, of course, need to turn it over. When you do this, be sure to do it as gently as possible. Furthermore, you should make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil and fish. Then allow your cod to cook and give it a gentle turn when necessary. You may only need to turn the cod over once. 

Why you should salt cod before cooking

By adding a little salt to the cod before cooking it, you get a slightly firmer texture. In Portugal and Spain, for some recipes, the cod is left in salt for a duration of up to a few days before cooking. This removes the excessive moisture and allows for various creative recipes.

Frying cod in butter or oil

The healthier option is to cook with olive oil, as our recipe instructions recommend. However, some people prefer to cook cod in butter for an alternative and flavorful effect. Butter brings its own taste and moisture to fish, and is particularly satisfying to include in the cooking of fish filets.

What to serve with cod

So your cod is ready-to-eat and smothered in our delicious salsa brava The Tapas Sauces, but now you need something to accompany it for a well-rounded meal. Here are some popular options that are known to pair well with cod recipes:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Boiled Potatoes
• Quinoa
• Ratatouille
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Fries
• Salad
• Coleslaw
• Creamed spinach
• Garlic bread

In some meals, particularly in Portugal, cod dishes will come with two sides rather than just the one. Typically, this will be a portion of rice alongside some fries, while a large bowl of salad will be shared among two or more people at the table.