Known in Portugal as “pastéis de bacalhau", these fritters bring together salted cod, potatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, and a little nutmeg and pepper. This recipe can be a starter, party snack, or appetizer.
What Are Portuguese Salted Cod Fritters?
Portuguese salted cod fritters are one of Portugal's best-known traditional snacks. They are made from salted cod combined with potatoes and seasonings, then shaped and fried. Although cod is not native to Portugal's waters, preserved cod became deeply connected with Portuguese cooking because salting and drying made the fish easier to store and transport.
Pro Tips for the Best Portuguese Salted Cod Fritters
- Salted cod needs appropriate preparation before it becomes part of the mixture. If your cod is heavily salted, soak it according to the product instructions and change the water as recommended. Give it a taste after cooking before adding extra salt to the mixture.
- The potato mixture is responsible for much of the fritter's structure. Boil the potatoes until tender, but avoid leaving them sitting in excess water after cooking. A wet potato mixture can make shaping much harder.
- After boiling the cod, drain it thoroughly and allow excess moisture to escape. You want the fish to contribute flavor and texture without making the potato mixture loose.
- Once the mixture is combined, taste a tiny portion and adjust the seasoning if necessary. It is much easier to fix the mixture before every fritter has already been shaped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak salted cod before cooking?
It depends on the type of salted cod you have purchased and how heavily it has been preserved. Traditional salted cod often needs soaking in water to remove excess salt before cooking.
Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod?
Yes, you can use fresh cod, although the flavor will not be the same as traditional pastéis de bacalhau. Salted cod has a distinctive savory character that is part of the identity of the dish. If using fresh cod, remember that it contains much less salt, so the seasoning will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Can I freeze Portuguese cod fritters?
Shaped uncooked fritters can be frozen, and when ready to cook, ensure the centre is heated thoroughly. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked fritters and reheat them later.
How to Store Any Leftovers
Leftover Portuguese cod fritters should be cooled and refrigerated promptly rather than being left at room temperature for an extended period. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to help restore some of the exterior texture.
Ingredients
How to Make Portuguese Salted Cod Fritters
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Peel the potatoes, cut them into small pieces, and cook for 30 minutes.
Peel the potatoes, cut them into small pieces, and cook for 30 minutes.
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Once cooked, remove them from the heat and drain. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth.
Once cooked, remove them from the heat and drain. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mash until smooth.
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Next, place the cod in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook the cod for 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat and drain.
Next, place the cod in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook the cod for 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat and drain.
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Add the cooked cod to the bowl of mashed potatoes. Then add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, egg, nutmeg, pepper, salt, and mix.
Add the cooked cod to the bowl of mashed potatoes. Then add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, egg, nutmeg, pepper, salt, and mix.
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Lightly oil your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a portion of the cod and potato mixture and shape it into a small croquette or fritter. Repeat until you have used all the mixture. Fry in hot oil until the outside is golden brown, turning them as needed so they cook evenly
Lightly oil your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a portion of the cod and potato mixture and shape it into a small croquette or fritter. Repeat until you have used all the mixture. Fry in hot oil until the outside is golden brown, turning them as needed so they cook evenly
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Drain and serve. Enjoy!
Drain and serve. Enjoy!
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