Bacalaitos, a traditional dish in various Caribbean countries, are savory fritters made from salted codfish, flour, and other seasonings. These golden-brown delights are a staple in many households, enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and often served with a spicy dipping sauce. With countless variations and techniques passed down through generations, finding the perfect bacalaitos recipe can be a delightful culinary adventure. This article aims to guide you through the rich history and diverse culinary landscape of bacalaitos, providing insights into the key ingredients, variations, and cooking methods to help you create the most authentic and flavorful bacalaitos that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BACALAITOS - FRIED CODFISH FRITTERS
This makes a very tasty appetizer! Chill overnight, it makes for a less salty fish. These are served all over Miami and they are so good! Originally on the Goya Foods web site.
Provided by Manami
Categories Puerto Rican
Time 45m
Yield 30 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Soak codfish in cold water overnight in the refrigerator.(Change the water at least 3 times ~ have also heard that it is good when soaked in milk).
- Drain, rinse with cold water several times.
- In a saucepan, cover codfish with water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cool, remove skin and bones.
- Shred the fish.
- In a bowl make a batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, adobo and water.
- When smooth, mix in garlic, cilantro and shredded fish.
- Check for seasoning, if necessary add some more pepper or the adobo with pepper.
- In a skillet, heat 1/4" of oil on medium heat.
- Drop the batter by spoonsful into hot oil and cook until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towel.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 74.6, Fat 0.4, SaturatedFat 0.1, Cholesterol 23, Sodium 1089.2, Carbohydrate 6.5, Fiber 0.2, Protein 10.4
BACALAITOS (COD FRITTERS)
One of Puerto Rico's signature dishes. It can be main, side dish or just an appetizer. The Cod is finely chopped, therefore, the flavor is not so strong. Very high in calories but worth having at least two once a year!
Provided by l0ve2c00k
Categories Puerto Rican
Time 40m
Yield 12 bacalaitos
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cut the cod fish in small chunks, place in a pot, cover with water and boil on high for 15 minutes.
- Drain, debone, wash and shred.
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder.
- Make a little well in the center. Pour the water slowly and mix to make a thick like sauce.
- Add the pepper and sazón and stir well.
- In a mortar, crush the garlic and culantro leaves. Add to the mix.
- Add the shredded bacalao and mix well.
- In a frying pan, pre-heat the vegetable oil.
- Fry the bacalaitos on high heat by dropping big spoonfuls in hot oil.
- Turn as needed.
- Bacalaitos are done when they are golden.
- Drain in paper towels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 117, Fat 9.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 4.1, Sodium 85.3, Carbohydrate 6.1, Fiber 0.2, Protein 2.5
BACALAITOS FRITO (CODFISH FRITTERS)
My Mom would fry up a big batch of Bacalaitos on Saturday afternoons to hold us over until dinner time. With 9 kids this recipe was something she could make quickly...we would stand in line with our napkin ready for Mom to drop our fritter in...Memories! You can find dry salted codfish in Latin, Italian & Greek markets. I prefer...
Provided by Ana Santiago
Categories Seafood Appetizers
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. In a bowl put the flour, baking powder, pepper and parsley
- 2. Strain the codfish that's been soaking and flake with your hands (or a fork)
- 3. Slowly whisk water into dry ingredients to make a batter
- 4. Add codfish to batter and stir with spatula, scraping bowl as you stir
- 5. Fry by 1/4 or 1/2 cupfuls in hot oil (350 degrees) turning once until nice & golden (don't burn)
- 6. Strain on paper towels, serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use a Mortar and Pestle: Traditional bacalaitos rely on a mortar and pestle to achieve a smooth and flavorful batter. This method helps extract the natural oils from the salt cod, resulting in a more intense taste and texture.
- Soak the Salt Cod Properly: Before incorporating the salt cod into the batter, ensure it's adequately soaked to remove excess salt. Change the soaking water multiple times over several hours or overnight to achieve the desired saltiness.
- Control the Batter Consistency: The batter for bacalaitos should be thick enough to coat the codfish pieces without being too runny. Adjust the amount of flour or water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Fry at Medium Heat: Maintain medium heat when frying the bacalaitos to prevent burning the outsides while ensuring the insides are cooked thoroughly. This will result in crispy exteriors and tender, flaky interiors.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the batter to enhance the flavor of the bacalaitos. These herbs add a vibrant aroma and taste that complements the salt cod.
Conclusion:
Bacalaitos are a delightful culinary treat that encapsulates the rich history and flavors of Caribbean cuisine. By following these tips and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can create your unique version of this beloved dish. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or snack, bacalaitos are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, and embark on a culinary journey that will transport your senses to the sun-kissed shores of this enchanting region.
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