🍽️ What is Bacalhau?
The moment you set foot in Portugal, the first name that will captivate your palate is likely 'Bacalhau'. This word, simply meaning 'cod', is far more than just a fish to the Portuguese people. It refers specifically to salted and dried cod, and it is truly the heart and soul of Portuguese cuisine. Amazingly, there are over 365 known recipes using Bacalhau in Portugal. This means you could literally enjoy a different Bacalhau dish every single day of the year, illustrating just how deeply ingrained this ingredient is in Portuguese life and culture. Its savory and chewy texture, combined with the rich flavors that emerge when cooked with olive oil, offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Bacalhau is not just food; it is a special entity embodying Portugal's history and identity.
📜 History of Bacalhau
The history of Bacalhau runs parallel to Portugal's glorious Age of Discoveries. In the 15th century, Portuguese fishermen ventured far into the Atlantic to catch cod. To preserve their catch for the long journey back to land, they devised the method of salting and drying the fish. This preserved cod became a crucial source of protein for sailors during their extensive voyages and was a silent contributor to the expansion of the Portuguese Empire. Furthermore, during periods when the consumption of meat was forbidden for religious reasons, fish like Bacalhau was allowed, which helped it to spread even more widely. Providing consistent taste and nutrition even in harsh conditions, it found its way onto the tables of all social classes, from the poor to the nobility, deeply rooting itself in the lives of the Portuguese. It is not merely a fish, but a historical legacy imbued with Portugal's spirit of adventure and wisdom for survival.
🌍 Why it's world-famous
Bacalhau is globally beloved due to its unique flavor and incredible versatility. The deep umami flavor hidden behind its saltiness harmonizes wonderfully with almost any ingredient, allowing it to be transformed into countless dishes: fried, grilled, stewed, or even in salads. Dishes like 'Bacalhau à Brás', where shredded cod is mixed with crispy fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and olives, have captured the taste buds of people worldwide. Moreover, as Portuguese immigrants spread across the globe, Bacalhau recipes traveled with them, evolving and adapting to local culinary traditions. It has transcended being just food; it has become a symbol of Portuguese culture and a medium for sharing their life and joy. Bacalhau has now firmly established itself as an iconic gastronomic representation of Portugal.
🏪 Where to try in Korea
While it might be challenging to find numerous Portuguese restaurants in Korea that perfectly replicate the authentic taste of Bacalhau from Portugal, a few establishments offer a glimpse into its charm.
- Lisboa Grill: Located in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, this restaurant makes a commendable effort to recreate authentic Portuguese flavors. I highly recommend their 'Bacalhau à Brás' and 'Bacalhau com Natas', where the fragrant olive oil and fresh ingredients create a delightful harmony. It's an excellent spot to enjoy with wine in an exotic atmosphere.
- Portugal Bistro: This cozy bistro in Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, offers Bacalhau dishes in a charming setting. Their Bacalhau croquettes and Bacalhau in seafood risotto are particularly impressive, showcasing fusion dishes that are well-suited to Korean palates.
- Ordo: Situated in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Ordo presents a modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine in a contemporary ambiance. They feature Bacalhau in pasta or tapas menus, offering a unique gourmet experience with delicate plating and sophisticated flavors.
🛒 Where to buy ingredients
If you're inspired to try making Bacalhau dishes at home, you might wonder where to source the ingredients. The most crucial ingredient, salted cod, can be difficult to find in regular supermarkets.
- Offline Purchase: You might occasionally find it in foreign food stores in Itaewon, Seoul, or in the imported food sections of major department store food halls (Shinsegae, Lotte, Hyundai). Large warehouse-style stores like 'E-mart Traders' or 'Costco' sometimes stock frozen salted cod, so it's worth checking before you visit.
- Online Purchase: The easiest method is to use online shopping malls. On major online grocery platforms such as 'Coupang', 'Market Kurly', or 'SSG.COM', you can search for 'salted cod', 'Bacalhau', or 'bacalao' (Spanish for salted cod, sometimes used interchangeably) to find frozen or dried products. You might also find a wider variety in online specialty stores that specifically deal with imported Portuguese groceries.
👨🍳 Home cooking guide
Do you think cooking Bacalhau at home is difficult? Surprisingly, many recipes are quite simple! Let's take 'Bacalhau à Brás', one of the most popular dishes, as an example.
Ingredients: 200g salted cod, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 potatoes, 3 eggs, olive oil, parsley, black olives.
Instructions:
- Desalting the Cod: Soak the salted cod in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt. (This step is crucial!)
- Prepare the Cod: Briefly poach the desalted cod in boiling water, then gently shred the flesh.
- Prepare Potatoes: Julienne the potatoes and fry them in olive oil until crispy, or bake them in an air fryer.
- Sauté: In a pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil, sauté sliced onion and minced garlic, then add the shredded cod and cook together.
- Combine: Add the fried potatoes and mix well. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble until just set.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and black olives.