Bacalaítos Fritos – Codfish Fritters

Every so often, my mom would make them at home as a treat.

This appetizer is a popular street food in Puerto Rico and in cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami. Every so often, my mom would make them at home as a treat. They actually have their roots in Spanish cuisine. This dish was brought to Puerto Rico by Spanish colonists and is probably even more popular today. Simple to make and delicious they are first cousins with alcapurrias, empanadillas, and papas rellenas! Cholesterol alert, to be sure!

§ Ingredients

Yields 8–12 bacalaitos

• 1-pound salted boneless cod fish
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning, with pepper (Goya)
• 2 cups water
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons cilantro
• oil (for frying)

§ Instructions · Let's get cooking

1. 01Soak codfish in cold water overnight in the refrigerator; alternatively, you can soak in milk for a while and rinse before boiling.
2. 02Drain and rinse with cold water several times.
3. 03In a saucepan, cover codfish with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. 04Drain, rinse, and repeat this process 2 times.
5. 05Let the codfish cool completely and remove all the skin and any bones.
6. 06Shred the fish and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Adobo.
7. 07In a bowl, create the batter by whisking together the flour, baking powder, egg, Adobo, and water. I also add a packet of Sazon ® with culantro and achiote both for added flavor and coloring.
8. 08When the texture is smooth, mix in the garlic, cilantro, and shredded fish.
9. 09Prepare a frying pan or deep fryer, and heat approximately ¼" of oil on medium heat.
10. 10Carefully drop the batter into the oil by large spoonfuls into the hot oil
11. 11Make sure the batter spoonfuls are not too thick so that they'll fry evenly and crisply.
12. 12Fry until golden brown on both sides.
13. 13Drain on paper towels.

Pair up with a light salad for a tasty summer meal. You can also serve with white rice and beans. Yields 8-12 bacalaitos

¡Buen provecho!