🇵🇹 Portugal · Food
Cavala Alhada
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇵🇹 PTA classic dish from coastal Portugal featuring mackerel fillets marinated in a robust sauce of olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. It is a simple yet flavor-packed meal that showcases fresh fish at its finest.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Season the 4 mackerel fillets with 1 tsp salt and set aside for 10 minutes.
- 2
Slice the 2 large onions into thin half-moons and mince the 3 garlic cloves.
- 3
Heat 50ml of the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and sear the fillets for 3 minutes per side until golden.
- 4
Remove the fish from the pan and carefully set it aside on a warm serving plate.
- 5
Add the remaining 50ml of olive oil to the same pan, then add the onions and garlic, sautéing for 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 6
Stir in the 1 tsp of paprika, coating the onions evenly until fragrant.
- 7
Pour the 50ml of vinegar into the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate while creating a tangy sauce.
- 8
Pour the hot onion sauce over the reserved mackerel fillets and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fish?+
Yes, horse mackerel or sardines work exceptionally well with this garlic-vinegar sauce.
How long can this be kept?+
This dish actually improves after 24 hours in the refrigerator, as the vinegar continues to cure the fish.
Should I peel the fish?+
No, leave the skin on as it helps keep the fillet intact during the searing process.
What should I serve this with?+
Boiled potatoes or crusty sourdough bread are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
🇵🇹 PT
