Fish and seafood

Cataplana de peixe

Fish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions and olive oil in a preparation inspired by the Algarve cataplana.

RegionAlgarve
DifficultyMedium
Total time1 hour
Servings4 servings
Photo of Cataplana de peixe — traditional Portuguese recipe
Photo of the traditional Portuguese recipe.

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family and cook.

About the recipe

Cataplana de peixe celebrates the Algarve coast and the closed-vessel cooking method that preserves steam, aromas and juices.

Even without a traditional cataplana, the method can be adapted using a tightly covered pan.

Ingredients

  • 800 g firm fish steaks
  • 2 sliced onions
  • 3 tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 100 ml of white wine
  • 80 ml olive oil
  • Coriander or parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Assemble layers of onion, tomato, pepper and fish.
  2. Season with garlic, salt and pepper.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and wine.
  4. Cover the pan tightly.
  5. Cook over medium heat until the fish is cooked.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs.

Tips from Empório Portugal

  • Avoid stirring too much, so the fish does not break apart.
  • A tightly covered pan concentrates the flavours.
  • Serve with bread or potatoes.

Possible substitutions in Brazil

  • Use sea bass, hake, namorado or dogfish.
  • Coriander can be replaced with parsley.

Pairing

An Algarve white wine or Vinho Verde. Content intended for people over 18 years of age. Drink in moderation.

Editorial note from Empório Portugal

This recipe is part of the editorial curation of Empório Portugal, developed from Portuguese culinary tradition. Like every traditional recipe, it may vary by region, family and cook.

Do you have a Portuguese family recipe?

Send it to the Empório Portugal community. Submitted recipes are reviewed before any publication.

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Quick facts

Prep
25 min
Cooking
35 min
Total time
1 hour
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Occasion
Fish lunch, regional table

Pairing

An Algarve white wine or Vinho Verde. Content intended for people over 18 years of age. Drink in moderation.

Empório tip

Avoid stirring too much, so the fish does not break apart.

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