Best 3 Easy Bacalao Puerto Rican Fish Stew Recipes

Puerto Rican fish stew, known as bacalao, is a delectable dish that combines the flavors of the Caribbean with a hearty stew. This flavorful dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to enjoy the flavors of Puerto Rico. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create an authentic bacalao that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of San Juan.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BACALAO A LA VIZCAINA (BASQUE STYLE CODFISH STEW)

Bacalao a la Vizcaina (Basque Style Codfish Stew) image

This Spanish-style fish stew from the Basque region of Spain is a traditional peasant dish popular in all Spanish-speaking countries (where each has given it their special twist). For example, in Mexico it is usually made for Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Lent; in Puerto Rico it is a year-round favorite but most enjoyed during Lent. This is one of the Puerto Rican versions.

Provided by Milly Suazo-Martinez

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews Seafood

Time 9h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 pound salted cod fish
4 potatoes, sliced thick
2 onions, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
2 teaspoons capers
2 large cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup pitted green olives
1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
½ cup golden raisins
1 bay leaf
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup water
¼ cup white wine

Steps:

Soak the salted cod in about 2 quarts of water, changing the water 3 times over the course of 8 hours. Drain and cut the fish into bite-size pieces.
Layer the half of each ingredient in the following order: potatoes, cod fish, onions, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, olives, roasted red peppers, and raisins. Place the bay leaf on top, then pour half the tomato sauce and half the olive oil. Repeat with the remaining ingredients in the same order. Pour the water and white wine on top. Do not stir.
Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.5 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Cholesterol 192.3 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 42.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 4353.3 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

BACALAO GUISADO (CODFISH STEW)

Bacalao Guisado (Codfish Stew) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 pounds dried codfish
1 gallon water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 culantro* leaves, chopped
2 whole bay leaves
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon capers
2 potatoes, peeled, diced and boiled until tender
4 sprigs cilantro, leaves chopped, for garnish

Steps:

In a large pot, add the codfish and cover with 1 gallon of water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 10 minutes to remove the salt. Drain the cod and break it into small flakes with a spoon. Set aside.
In a large frying pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the green peppers, onion, tomatoes, and culantro and cook for 2 minutes. Add the codfish, bay leaves, red bell peppers, tomato paste, and capers. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the boiled potatoes and cook until heated through, about 2 more minutes.
Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or cooked plantains, if desired.
Serving suggestion: white rice or cooked plantains.

PUERTO RICAN FISH STEW (BACALAO) RECIPE - (4/5)

Puerto Rican Fish Stew (Bacalao) Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by kuca_murisa

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound flaky white fish, such as haddock, tilapia or cod (see Tip), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 Anaheim or poblano chile pepper, chopped
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water, as needed
1 avocado, chopped (optional)

Steps:

1.Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 2.Add fish, tomatoes and their juices, chile pepper, cilantro, olives, capers, oregano and salt; stir to combine. Add up to 1/2 cup water if the mixture seems dry. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with avocado (if using). Tips & Notes Tip: Opt for firmer hook-and-line-caught haddock or U.S.-farmed tilapia. Pacific cod also works, but will be more flaky.

Tips:

Use a large pot or Dutch oven to allow plenty of room for the stew to simmer and the flavors to develop.
Be sure to season the bacalao well with salt, pepper, and oregano before adding it to the pot. This will help to enhance the flavor of the fish.
Don't be afraid to add more vegetables to the stew. Some good options include potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions.
If you want a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix together equal parts cornstarch and water until a smooth paste forms. Then, stir the slurry into the stew and cook until thickened.
Serve the bacalao stew with rice, beans, or bread.

Conclusion:

Bacalao stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover bacalao. The stew is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you have some bacalao on hand, give this recipe a try.