Puerto Rican Bacalaitos

lomiloml

Culinary Explorer
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I recently tried making Puerto Rican Bacalaitos, and they were absolutely delicious! These crispy salt cod fritters are a popular street food in Puerto Rico, perfect as an appetizer or snack. The combination of salted cod with a flavorful batter makes for a tasty and satisfying treat. Here’s how you can make your own Bacalaitos at home:

Ingredients:​

  • 1 lb (450g) salted cod fish (bacalao)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups water (or as needed)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Salted Cod:​

  • Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove excess salt.
  • Place the cod in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours, changing the water several times, to desalinate.
  • Once desalinated, drain the cod and place it in a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the fish is tender.
  • Drain the cod and let it cool. Once cooled, flake the fish into small pieces, removing any bones and skin.

2. Make the Batter:​

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
  • Add the flaked cod, chopped cilantro, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic to the flour mixture.
  • Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring until you have a thick batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.

3. Fry the Bacalaitos:​

  • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
  • Using a spoon or small ladle, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
  • Fry the bacalaitos in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Serve:​

  • Serve the bacalaitos hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the fritters.

Conclusion​

Puerto Rican Bacalaitos are a delightful and crispy treat that bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. The combination of salted cod and flavorful batter makes these fritters a perfect appetizer or snack. Enjoy them with a squeeze of lime and imagine yourself on a sunny beach in Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷🍋✨
 
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