Pastéis de bacalhau are a great Portuguese favorite. Although their real origin is the north, cod cakes became so popular that they were adopted as a true “national specialty.” Salt cod fritters are ideal fare for snacks (hot or cold) and are featured at every Portuguese function, from the most sophisticated to the humblest. If there is anything really ingrained in the Portuguese palate, loved by everyone, this is it.
Snobs may be somewhat derogatory about cod cakes, afraid of admitting that they too love this “poor man’s dish,” but do not believe them. They probably eat them all the same, when nobody is looking. Pastéis de bacalhau are sold at delicatessens, patisseries, roadside cafés, tavernas—everywhere in Portugal.–Edite Vieira
WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOR SALT COD?
If you’re just not down with salted cod, or for some reason can’t find it, Edite Vieira notes that these cod cakes are also quite nice made with fresh cod. Make sure to test the mixture before frying–you might have to add a little more salt to make up for the additional salt in the salt cod. Makes sense, right?
Pastéis de Bacalhau ~ Salt Cod Fritters
Equipment
- Deep-fry or candy or instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 10 ounces salted cod, preferably thick pieces, soaked overnight [click for soaking directions]
- 14 ounces russet potatoes, unpeeled
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 3 large eggs
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes (preferably in their skins, so the potatoes don't absorb water). Peel the potatoes and mash or sieve them. Set aside.
- Meantime, simmer the previous soaked cod in enough boiling water to cover until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the cod, discard the skin and bones, and flake the fish as much as you can with your fingers or a fork to reduce it to threads.
☞ TESTER TIP: The proper way of doing this is to place the flaked cod inside a clean cloth, fold it and squeeze and pound the contents of the cloth with your fists. In this way you will have mashed cod.
- Mix the cod with the mashed potatoes and add the eggs, 1 by 1, and then the onion and parsley. Taste and, if desired, season with salt. You may not need to add any, as the cod itself retains quite a lot of saltiness, in spite of being soaked and boiled. The mixture should be quite stiff, enabling a spoon to stand up in it. If you find it excessively dry, add one or two tablespoons of milk.
☞ TESTER TIP: Allow this to cool completely before frying.
- With two tablespoons, shape the mixture into quenelles–egg-shaped ovals. Don't feel like spoon shaping? You can roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Heat 4 or 5 inches of oil in a medium saucepan to (370°F/190°C). Carefully lower each pasteis into the oil with a spoon. Turn them three or four times to get nicely browned all over.
- When cooked, lift them with a big fork or slotted spoonOXO Slotted Spoon and place them on kitchen paper to absorb excess fat. Continue molding and frying until you use up the mixture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
These pastéis de bacalhau fritters are delicious. I’ve never cooked salt cod but when I last visited San Juan, I went to a wonderful restaurant called Santaella. When we got there, our table was not ready. The owner was embarrassed (can you believe it!) and offered us two seats next to the bar area where we could wait until our table was ready. He then brought us complimentary cocktails and bacalatos (codfish fritters made from salt cod). They were heavenly as was the rest of the food in that beautiful little restaurant.
Easy recipe with clear instructions. The pastéis de bacalhau were also a hit in the house, especially with my 6-year-old. To soften the cod I used 6 cups of water. I didn’t use extra salt after cooking the cod. I got a total of 19 spoonfuls, so I’d say 6 servings.
I’m about to make this recipe. My question refers to the cooking method only. Can these be done in an air fryer, and if so, what adjustments would need to be made to pull it off.
David, none of us has used an air fryer to make these, so I don’t have any suggestions for you. But if you find an air-fryer fritter recipe, it might give you a starting point.
Thank you. I have seen similar recipes specific to the air fryer. They all tend to have an added ingredient, a coating of breadcrumbs or panko. I’ll stick with your method. It’s much closer to what I remember when I was in Portugal.
David, the panko is mostly a way to replace the natural crispiness from deep-frying. And let me know how it goes!
This is a fantastic recipe! Have made it twice and it always pleases. My only complaint is in the recipe it says ‘one small onion’ – it’s all relative! I would appreciate a precise amount – 1/2 cup, 3/4 of a cup, etc. of finely chopped onion. Please?
Sandra, so glad you enjoy them. So, what is a small onion? I hear you. I truly do. I’ll give you the answer my Portuguese mother always gives me when I ask similar questions. Our conversation goes something like this:
“Do you like onions, David?” asks my mother.
“Sure, Ma.”
“Good! Then put in more.”
But…Maaaaaa! I need a precise measurement,” I reply.
“Then put in the precise amount you want!”
Sorry. I had to share! For this, I think 1/2 cup is a good amount.
David, with a mom like that, no wonder you became a chef ? Loved the story ❤️ Thanks for the approximate amount. That is about what I used. I have to tell you, we returned from Portugal a few weeks ago, and I have made this recipe twice to duplicate my favorite snack from our trip, and the result was even better than the ones I had in Portugal. Thank you! The only thing I do different is use only 2 eggs instead of 3. I found 3 made the batter too wet. Thanks also for including the temperature that the oil should be, that is very helpful.
You’re more than welcome, Sandra!
I don’t understand the fuss about making these simple accras Trinidad style. We made them all the time where I grew up with my family… I admit they were salty…I will try your version, Querino.
Querino, I think for people who didn’t grow up making and eating these, they can be a bit of a conundrum. I find the fritters easy to make. This version isn’t salty, and I like that!