Portuguese Salt Cod Fritters (Pataniscas de bacalhau)

With just a few ingredients and quite simple to prepare, these portuguese salt cod fritters are certainly one of the tastiest recipes we have on our website!
This crispy cod fritters recipe is simply delicious. It is a very popular recipe in our country, just like the famous Salt cod fritters (Pastéis de bacalhau).
To make cod fritters you only need 8 basic ingredients, cod, flour, baking powder, parsley, pepper, onion, eggs, salt and vegetable oil for frying.
This simple and crispy cod fritters recipe is perfect to serve at a family dinner! Serve with a delicious Tomato rice with peppers, Carrot rice or this Peas rice!

If you like cod recipes, we suggest this delicious and simple Salt cod, potatoes and eggs (Bacalhau à Brás), Baked cod with potatoes, Salt cod in tomato sauce or this Cod with cream.

HOW TO MAKE PORTUGUESE SALT COD FRITTERS

Step 1: Cook the cod in a pot with water for about five minutes. When the cod is cooked, drain the cod with a skimmer and let cool slightly (reserve the cooking water). Remove the skin and bones from the cod and flake it with a fork; set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, dissolve the flour mixed with the baking powder in a little of the cod cooking water (if the dough becomes very liquid, add a little more flour).

Step 3: Stir and add the flaked cod together with the chopped parsley, chopped onion, pepper, eggs and a little salt. Mix well and rectify the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Heat the oil in a deep fryer. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place small portions of the dough with the help of a tablespoon and fry until golden brown.

Step 5: Transfer the cod fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Step 6: Serve the salt cod fritters with tomato rice, carrot rice or peas rice.

TIPS FOR SOAK THE COD

1. Rinse the cod under cold water.

2. Place the cod with the skin facing up in a large bowl and cover it with cold water.

3. Allow the cod to soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 8 to 12 hours.

4. After 24 hours, taste a small piece of the cod to check for saltiness. If it is still too salty, continue soaking and changing the water until it reaches your desired level of saltiness.

5. The soaking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod and the quantity of salt the cod have.