Fish fofos

Discover this authentic Portuguese Fish fofos recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with haddock, potatoes, green chilli and 9 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 4 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this portuguese classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Fish fofos

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 600 g Haddock
  • 300 g Potatoes
  • 1 chopped Green Chilli
  • 3 tbs Coriander
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tsp Pepper
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 2 pieces Ginger
  • 2 tbs Flour
  • 3 Eggs
  • 75 g Breadcrumbs
  • For frying Vegetable Oil

Instructions

4 steps · ~34 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Put the fish into a lidded pan and pour over enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer and gently poach for 10 minutes over a low heat with the lid on. Drain and flake the fish.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  2. Step 2

    Put the fish, potato, green chilli, coriander, cumin, black pepper, garlic and ginger in a large bowl. Season, add the rice flour, mix well and break in 1 egg. Stir the mixture and divide into 15, then form into small logs. Break the remaining eggs into a bowl and whisk lightly. Put the breadcrumbs into another bowl. Dip each fofo in the beaten egg followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Chill for 20 minutes.

    8 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  3. Step 3

    Heat 1cm of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the fofos in batches for 2 minutes on each side, turning gently to get an even golden brown colour all over. Drain on kitchen paper and repeat with the remaining fofos.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  4. Step 4

    For the onion salad, mix together the onion, coriander and lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Serve with the fofos and mango chutney.

    3 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Portuguese recipe for Fish fofos is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Portuguese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your portuguese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Fish fofos is a beloved dish from Portuguese cuisine, originating in Portugal. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Portuguese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Fish fofos, white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia works best due to their mild flavor and flaky texture.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium309mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePortuguese
CategorySeafood
CountryPortugal