Puerto Rican Bacalaitos (Crispy Salt Cod Fritters)

Ingredients

• 1 lb salt cod fish
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 cup room-temperature water (Plus more as needed)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (Chopped)
• 1 small white onion (Minced)
• 2 tbsp sofrito
• 1 packet Sazón
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• vegetable oil (As needed; enough to reach a depth of ½ inch in the skillet)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the salt cod in a container and submerge it in water. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 2 days.

2. 2

   Drain the salt cod. Fill a medium pot with water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the cod to the simmering water and cook for 15 minutes. Drain it and set it aside to cool completely.

4. 4

   Once the cod has cooled, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.

5. 5

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and room-temperature water until smooth and the consistency of thick pancake batter. If the batter is too thick, whisk in additional water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin it.

6. 6

   Add the chopped cilantro, minced onion, sofrito, Sazón, garlic powder, dried oregano, and chopped cod to the batter. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

7. 7

   Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet to reach a depth of ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (180°C).

8. 8

   Using a ⅓-cup measuring cup, scoop a heaping portion of batter and carefully lower it into the hot oil. Spread the batter out gently.

9. 9

   Fry 1 to 2 fritters at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet, for 3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy.

10. 10

    Transfer the fried fritters to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter.

11. 11

    Serve and enjoy the bacalaitos hot.

Notes

The salt cod requires overnight soaking, or soaking for up to 2 days, before cooking. The source does not specify the amount of water used for soaking or simmering, nor the total volume of oil absorbed during frying.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• Caribbean
• Puerto Rican
• seafood
• pescatarian
• pan-fried
• party food