Puerto Rican Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)

Crispy Puerto Rican fritters made with salted codfish.

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Chef Ruben
Chef Rubenhttps://flirtyfoods.com
I'm a self-taught culinary charmer stirring up magic in the kitchen! With recipes passed down through generations and inspiration from friends of all walks of life, my dishes are a blend of heritage and adventure. I want to keep exploring new cuisines while perfecting the art of flavor and fun. Food is my love language, and every plate is a story worth savoring.

Time and Servings:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings


Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 480mg


Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb salted codfish, soaked overnight and flaked
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1/4 cup sofrito
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Codfish:
    • Soak the salted codfish in cold water overnight, changing the water at least twice to remove excess salt. Drain, rinse, and flake into small pieces.
  2. Make Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and water until smooth. Stir in the sofrito and flaked codfish, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter should have a slightly thick, pancake-like consistency. Adjust with more water if needed.
  3. Heat Oil:
    • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles immediately upon contact.
  4. Fry Fritters:
    • Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, spreading slightly to form thin fritters. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve:
    • Remove fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a side dish or snack.

Tips for Success:

  • Thin Batter: A slightly thin batter ensures the fritters are light and crispy. Avoid making the batter too thick.
  • Test Fry: Fry a small spoonful of batter first to test the oil temperature and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Even Frying: Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.
  • Storage Tip: Bacalaitos taste best fresh but can be reheated in an oven to restore crispiness.

Wine, Cocktail, Drink Pairing:

Pair these savory fritters with a cold Pilsner Beer or a refreshing glass of Mojito to complement the salty and herbaceous flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with chilled Coconut Water for a tropical flair.

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