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    Home » Recipes » Mexican Holiday Recipes

    Bacalao Navideño + VIDEO

    Published: Dec 9, 2020 · Updated: Nov 9, 2022 by Maggie Unzueta

    Bacalao Navideño is just bursting with flavor. Cod cooked in the most incredible tomato sauce. Try it once, and you’ll love it forever.
    Jump to Recipe
    A collage of two pictures of Bacalao Navideño.

    Bacalao Navideño served on a white plate.

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Bacalao Navideño is SO good. It’s also known as Christmas Salted Cod or Bacalao a la Vizcaína. You’ll fall in love at first bite.

    No one ever thinks I’m Mexican with a last name like Unzueta. My family has origins in the Basque Country of Northern Spain.

    This is a recipe I inherited from my grandmother. It’s a blend of New World and Old World.

    That deep, RICH tomato sauce with olives and chiles gueros… Mmm! Serve with bread and enjoy!

    How to Make It


    Salted cod submerged in water in a glass bowl.

    • Soak the salted cod overnight.
    • Drain and cover with water.
    • Soak overnight for a 2nd night.
    • Drain the water.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 What type of fish is bacalao?
    • 2 Bacalao Navideño
      • 2.1 Ingredients
      • 2.2 Instructions
      • 2.3 Video
      • 2.4 Notes
      • 2.5 Nutrition
          • 2.5.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    What type of fish is bacalao?

    Bacalao is codfish. This is salted dried codfish. Salted cod requires overnight soaking and rinsing in water before using. For a quicker version of this dish, use fresh cod.

    When you drain the cod on the 2nd day, taste the water. Is it still salty? If so, soak for the 3rd night.

    Caution: Soak in the fridge, or your fish will go bad.

    Shredded cod on a wooden cutting board.

    • Shred the fish into tiny pieces.
    • Place in the fridge while the sauce is cooking.

    Yes, you can use two forks to shred, but it’s easier to do this by hand.

    Notice how there is no salt added to this recipe. That’s because the fish and the olives will provide enough salt to this dish.

    More Mexican Recipes with a Spanish Influence:


    Pescado a la Veracruzana
    Camarones a la Veracruzana
    Flan
    Rosca de Reyes

    A collage showing how to make the tomato sauce.

    • Heat the olive oil.
    • Add the onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and roasted red peppers.

    Some people will use fresh tomatoes. That’s fine too. Whatever you have on hand.

    If using fresh tomatoes, be sure to dice them into small pieces. Plus, you’ll need to add ½ cup water.

    A collage showing how and when to add the fish, almonds, and olives.

    • Add the shredded cod, vinegar, parsely, almonds, and olives.
    • Stir to combine and cook.

    White distilled vinegar is used in this recipe. You can swap out for lime juice, and if so, add at the end.

    Word to the Wise: Make sure the olives are pitted, or you will spend the entire dinner removing the pits. No bueno.

    Here, we are using sliced manzanilla olives that are stuffed with pimentos.

    Two pictures side by side of potatoes and chiles gueros cooking in a stock pot.

    • Add the cooked potatoes and chiles gueros.
    • Mix with a spatula to combine and cook 5 minutes.

    Pro Tip:

    The sauce should be thick. If it’s still soupy, let it cook an additional 5 minutes uncovered.

    Chile gueros are not spicy. Mild in heat but add plenty of flavor. To add more heat, use pickled jalapenos instead.

    The combination of the chiles and the olives is what makes this dish a perfect blend of New and Old World.

    Also, salted cod is a very popular ingredient in Northern Spain.

    Bacalao Navideño cooking in a metal stock pot.

    What to Serve with It


    Arroz Blanco
    Fresh Bread
    Sangria
    Steamed veggies

    The aromas of Bacalao Navideño cooking are simply exquisite. Perfect for Christmas Eve dinner or a special occasion. A dish to savor and enjoy!

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Bacalao Navideño served on a white plate.

    Bacalao Navideño

    Bacalao Navideño is just bursting with flavor. Cod cooked in the most incredible tomato sauce. Try it once, and you’ll love it forever.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 days days 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 days days 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 740kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb dried salted cod
    • water (for soaking)
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • 1 white onion diced
    • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
    • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
    • 2 roasted red bell peppers peeled and diced
    • 1 lb small potatoes peeled and diced in 1-inch pieces
    • 2 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
    • ¼ cup parsley chopped
    • ⅓ cup slivered almonds
    • ¼ cup manzanilla olives stuffed with pimientos sliced
    • 8-10 chiles güeros whole
    • bread (optional - for serving)

    Instructions

    • 48 hours before, place the salted cod in a bowl.
    • Cover with water and place in the fridge.
    • The next day, drain and rinse the fish.
    • Cover with water again.
    • Place in the fridge overnight.
    • Drain and rinse the fish.
    • Make sure the fish water is not salty.
    • If so, you might need to do one more overnight soak.
    • Shred the fish.
    • Keep in the fridge until ready to use.
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot.
    • Add the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers.
    • Cover slightly, leaving a small opening.
    • Cook for 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
    • The mixture will have thickened, and the color will be dark.
    • Meanwhile, boil the potatoes for about 10 minutes, or until fork tender.
    • Drain the water and set aside until ready to use.
    • Add the shredded cod into the pot with the tomato mixture.
    • Add the vinegar, parsley, almonds, and olives.
    • Stir to combine.
    • Place the lid on the pot, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
    • Stir occasionally. Be sure to gently scrape the bottom.
    • The sauce will be thick, chunky, and delicious.
    • Lower the heat and add the potatoes and chiles gueros.
    • Cook for 5 more minutes.
    • The sauce is not soupy. It should be thick. If it’s too soupy, cook it for another 5 minutes.
    • Serve with more chile gueros (to decorate), toasted bread, and or rice.

    Video

    Notes

    DO NOT ADD SALT. The fish and olives provide plenty of salt to the recipe.
    Caution: Soak in the fridge, or your fish will go bad.
    If using fresh tomatoes, be sure to dice them into small pieces. Plus, you’ll need to add ½ cup water.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 76g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 8386mg | Potassium: 2294mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 604IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!
    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Everything Enchanting

      December 12, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      I love fish and this Bacalao Navideño looks so yummilicious! The recipe is easy to follow, so I can try it someday soon 😍

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 14, 2020 at 1:09 pm

        So glad you enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Dennis Yannakos

      December 12, 2020 at 12:30 am

      5 stars
      Hmmm…. this flavor is so addictive!
      Best Kitchen Utensils

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 14, 2020 at 1:09 pm

        It is! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Danielle

      December 11, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      For someone who is visual like me, I appreciate the video!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 17, 2020 at 12:48 pm

        Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    4. rika

      December 11, 2020 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      Thank you! I am obsessed with Mexican food! This recipe is so useful and will come in handy!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 02, 2021 at 10:52 am

        I’m obsessed with Mexican food too. lol.

        Reply
    5. Swathi

      December 11, 2020 at 7:15 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing this I have some salted cod in my hand. I will try to make this looks yum. s

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:38 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    6. Catalina

      December 11, 2020 at 4:16 am

      5 stars
      I am drooling over this dish! Sounds so inviting! Love to try new International recipes!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:40 am

        Hope you try it! It’s delicious

        Reply
    7. Kita Bryant

      December 10, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this looks incredible! I would love to make this for the family.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:43 am

        It’s delicious! Hope you try it

        Reply
    8. Janeane M Davis

      December 10, 2020 at 11:36 am

      This recipe looks so fresh and clean. It seems like it would be just a joy to eat this dish.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:43 am

        It’s soo good! Hope you try it

        Reply
    9. Heather

      December 10, 2020 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      This looks like such a delicious recipe! I’m always searching for more fish recipes so I can’t wait to try.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:54 am

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    10. Lynndee

      December 10, 2020 at 9:28 am

      I’ve never had this before. It looks good. I’d like to give it a try.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:56 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    11. Kathy

      December 10, 2020 at 8:12 am

      I have never heard of this dish before. It sounds so good though. I’ll have to try it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        It is really good!h Hope you try it

        Reply
    12. Heather

      December 10, 2020 at 5:35 am

      I have never tried to shred fish before, not sure why!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        This is the perfect recipe to try it!

        Reply
    13. Tomi

      December 10, 2020 at 5:10 am

      This recipe sounds delicious. I haven’t had salted cod in ages but it’s one of those dishes that my husband really enjoys

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 10:57 am

        Hope you try it! You and your husband would love it

        Reply
    14. Rose Ann Sales

      December 10, 2020 at 4:02 am

      5 stars
      I hope we have Bacalao in our local market,so that I can try this .

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 11:09 am

        Hope they do! This recipe it’s delicious

        Reply
    15. Nikki Wayne

      December 10, 2020 at 2:37 am

      5 stars
      It sounds so savory. I love seafoods. I’ll definitely try this sometime.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 11:10 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it

        Reply
    16. Anosa Malanga

      December 10, 2020 at 12:43 am

      Thank you for sharing your recipe! I would love to try this one out. Hopefully I can successfully make it too.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 11:14 am

        This recipe is the best! Hope you try it

        Reply
    17. Tasheena

      December 09, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so flavorful, looking forward to making this for my family.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        December 11, 2020 at 11:15 am

        So glad you enjoyed this!

        Reply
    18. Bri

      December 09, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      I have heard of this but have yet to make it! Excited to try it!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 02, 2021 at 10:53 am

        Hope you try it out next Christmas. Super yummy!

        Reply
    19. melissa chapman

      December 09, 2020 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      This fish is so special and the sauce sounds very delicious. I have never cooked cod before but this recipe looks too good to pass up.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 02, 2021 at 10:52 am

        The sauce is the best! So yummy.

        Reply
    20. Amber Myers

      December 09, 2020 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so tasty. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like this before, but I bet I’d love it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 17, 2022 at 1:39 pm

        Yes, very yummy. 🙂

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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