Cod with Orange

Name: Cod with Orange
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Desalted cod 1.75 lbs; Orange juice 1.1 cups; Orange peel 2; Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp; Fresh liquid cream ½ cup; Garlic 1 clove; Type 0 flour &frac13; cup; Rosemary 1 sprig; Raisins 1.5 oz; Fine salt to taste

it de br fr es

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Loredana Cavotta

Baccala with orange is really the kind of baccala recipe you’d find in Italian kitchens when the weather cools down. It's tender, yet something a bit different. Baccala—salted cod—has been a staple in Italy forever. Really, each region has its own twist, like the herby "baccalà alla ligure" from Liguria or the tomato-rich version in Livorno, Tuscany. And listen, what makes this baccala with orange stand out? It’s that mix of classic preserved fish with a zesty, sweet kick from fresh orange. It smells amazing. Like, as soon as it hits the table.

You get it all: moist flakes of cod, a citrusy aroma, and—yeah—a hint of Mediterranean sun even in the cold. Italians love making this dish for holidays or Sunday dinners because it’s festive without being fussy. Which is great. It gives traditional food a fresh twist.

Some families add capers or olives; others keep it simple and let the salt cod with orange shine. Honestly, compared to other traditional Italian fish dishes, this version feels lighter. The fruit cuts through the richness and keeps things bright, which is nice. Home cooks often pick local oranges in winter—they’re super, super juicy—soaking right into the fish. The result? Cozy yet kinda fancy. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying quietly. Over time, this dish has become a winter gathering favorite. Everyone can dig into those juicy, citrus-infused pieces of baccala.

Thing is, an Italian salt cod recipe like this is flexible. Change it up based on what’s in season or what you’re craving. It’s one of those Mediterranean seafood recipes that shows how simple ingredients—when mixed just right—can give you something totally memorable and tangy. Every bite brings a bit of Italian tradition to your plate. For real, it’s not just a dish; it's a connection to rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re new to this recipe or it's a family tradition, baccala with orange is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. A delicious taste of Italy, no question.

How to prepare Cod with Orange

To prepare the cod with orange, first squeeze the orange juice 1 and grate the zest 2. Take the desalted cod and cut it into four parts 3.

Remove any bones with a kitchen tweezer 4. At this point, flour the cod on all sides 5. In a pan, heat the oil with a clove of garlic 6.

Place the pieces of cod 7 and brown them for 3 minutes over medium heat, then turn them over and cook for another 3 minutes. Deglaze with the orange juice 8 and flavor with the grated zest 9.

Season with a sprig of rosemary 10, salt, and add the raisins 11. Continue cooking to reduce the sauce over medium heat for about 3 minutes, then pour in the cream 12.

Cover with the lid and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes over low heat 13. Once cooked, the sauce will have reduced and the fish will be cooked through 14. Serve the cod with orange hot 15.

Storage

The cod with orange can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for one day. To reheat, simply add a few tablespoons of milk and warm it for a few minutes in a saucepan.