Plate of fried salt cod in a garlic-pepper sauce, on top are pepper flakes and sliced garlic cloves

5 from 1 vote

Portuguese Salt Cod with Garlic-Pepper Sauce

This Portuguese fried salt cod is served with a garlic and red pepper sauce made with pimenta moida. It’s a traditional Portuguese dish, a specialty of the Azores. One taste and you’ll understand why it’s a classic.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Mains

Cuisine: Portuguese

Servings: servings

Calories: 508

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound salt cod, soaked for 24 hours
▢ 1 to 2 cups flour
▢ Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Garlic-Pepper Sauce (can be easily doubled)

▢ 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
▢ 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
▢ 2 teaspoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
▢ 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
▢ Pinch cayenne
▢ 1 teaspoon pimenta moída, or more to taste

US - Metric

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, garlic, cayenne, and pimenta moída and mix thoroughly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Put the flour in a shallow bowl. Drain the cod, pat it dry, and then dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 1 1/2 inches and heat it over medium-high heat. Fry the cod, turning once, until golden brown, about 9 minutes. Remove the fish from pan, drain it on paper towels, and then transfer it to a large platter. Serve warm with garlic-pepper sauce drizzled over the top.

Nutrition