Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: Creamy Step-by-Step Recipe

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: classic Portuguese salt cod with potatoes and olives. Step-by-step recipe, serves 6.

Por adriano Publicado em 11 de October de 2026 · 5 min de leitura

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: Creamy Step-by-Step Recipe

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is one of the most traditional and beloved recipes of Portuguese cuisine. Created by Portuguese merchant José Luís Gomes de Sá, this dish is known for its harmonious combination of salt cod, potatoes, onions, and olives, delivering a meal rich in flavors and textures. In this article, we explore a detailed Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá recipe, with tips to guarantee the best result. Let’s get started?

Ingredients for Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Main Ingredients

2.2 lb (1 kg) of desalted salt cod (good quality)
2.2 lb (1 kg) of potatoes
2 large onions (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
Scant 1/2 cup (100 ml) of olive oil
4 eggs
Black olives to taste
Chopped parsley to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Yield and Prep Time

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Cod

Desalt the Cod: If the salt cod is not desalted, soak it in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
Cook the Cod: Place the desalted cod in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove the cod, let it cool, and flake into large pieces, removing skin and bones.
Set the Cod Aside: Place the flaked cod in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Cook the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice into thin rounds. Cook in salted water until tender but firm, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Eggs

Cook the Eggs: Cook the eggs in boiling water for 10 minutes. Once cooked, peel and slice into rounds. Set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and finely chopped garlic to the hot oil and sauté until golden and tender.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

First Layer: In a large baking dish, make a layer with half of the potatoes.
Second Layer: Add half of the flaked cod over the potatoes.
Third Layer: Cover with half of the sautéed onions and garlic.
Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining sautéed onions and garlic.
Add the Eggs and Olives: Arrange the egg slices and black olives on top.
Adjust Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Bake the Cod

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Finish with Parsley: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Choosing the Ingredients

Salt Cod: Choose good-quality salt cod, preferably Gadus morhua, known for its firm, tasty flesh.
Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes that hold their texture after cooking.

Preparation Techniques

Desalting the Cod: Plan ahead for the cod desalting process to make sure the salt is properly removed.
Precise Cooking: Cook the potatoes and cod only until tender, avoiding overcooking to keep the ideal texture.

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá Variations

Add Bell Peppers: For a colorful touch and extra flavor, add strips of red and green bell pepper to the onion and garlic sauté.
With Cream: For a creamier version, add a little heavy cream to the onion and garlic sauté before assembling the dish.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the salt cod for hearts of palm or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.

Nutritional Benefits of Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Protein and Vitamins

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is an excellent source of lean protein from the cod, plus essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.

Healthy Fats

The olive oil used in the recipe is a great source of monounsaturated fats, known for their cardiovascular health benefits.

Nutrition Facts for Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

Here is an approximate nutrition table for one serving of Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (1 serving):

Component	Amount per Serving (1 serving)
Calories	400
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	20g
Fiber	5g
Vitamin A	10% DV
Vitamin C	20% DV
Calcium	10% DV
Iron	15% DV

Conclusion

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is a classic dish that combines tradition and flavor in a comforting, delicious meal. With the right ingredients and careful preparation, you can bring a little Portuguese cooking to your table.