Bolinho de Bacalhau (Brazilian Salt Cod Fritters)
In short: Crisp golden fritters of shredded salt cod, mashed potato, onion and parsley, a classic bar snack served hot with lime and cold beer. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 265 kcal
Bolinhos de bacalhau are the bar snack of Rio de Janeiro and many other Brazilian cities. Salt cod is soaked for a day, flaked and mixed with mashed potato, egg, onion and parsley, then shaped into ovals and fried until crisp outside and soft within. They are eaten hot from the fryer with a squeeze of lime, and they need no flour or breadcrumbs.
Instructions
- Soak the salt cod in cold water in the fridge for 24 hours, changing the water 4 or 5 times. Taste a small flake: it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh.
- Simmer the cod in fresh water for 10 minutes, until it flakes easily. Drain, cool, remove the skin and bones, and shred the fish finely.
- Boil the potatoes in unsalted water for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Drain well, let them steam dry for 2 minutes, then mash until smooth with no butter or milk.
- Mix the potato with the cod, onion, garlic, parsley and pepper. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add salt only if needed. If the mixture is soft, chill it for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a deep pot to 180°C (350°F). Shape the mixture into ovals of about 40 g with two tablespoons.
- Fry 5 or 6 at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lime wedges.
Tips
- Do not shorten the soaking time. Cod that has not soaked for a full day makes fritters that are too salty.
- In a hurry, poach 400 g (14 oz) fresh cod and add 1 1/2 tsp salt to the mixture. The flavor is milder but the recipe works.
Questions and answers
Can I bake bolinhos de bacalhau instead of frying?
Yes. Brush them with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once. They will be firmer and less crisp than fried ones.
Can I freeze bolinhos de bacalhau?
Yes. Freeze the shaped, unfried fritters on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen at 170°C (340°F) for 6 to 7 minutes.
What do you serve with bolinhos de bacalhau?
Lime wedges and a cold beer are the classic pairing. A green salad or garlic mayonnaise also works well.
How long does it take to make Bolinho de Bacalhau (Brazilian Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bolinho de Bacalhau (Brazilian Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 265 kcal per serving, with 34 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 265 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
