Pastéis de Bacalhau (Macanese Salt Cod Fritters)
Local name: Pastéis de bacalhau
In short: Oval fritters of flaked salt cod, mashed potato, onion and parsley, fried until crisp outside and fluffy inside. A Macanese party staple. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Salt cod is the backbone of Macanese cooking, and these fritters are the classic way to use it. Flaked cod is mixed with mashed potato, onion, herbs and egg, then shaped into ovals and fried until deep golden. They are crisp outside, soft and savory inside, and sit on every Macanese snack table, often served at parties alongside cold beer or tea. The cod needs a full day of soaking, so plan ahead.
Instructions
- Cover the salt cod with plenty of cold water and soak in the refrigerator for 24 hours, changing the water 4 times. Taste a flake at the end: it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh.
- Boil the potatoes in unsalted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain well, return to the hot pot for 1 minute to steam dry, then mash until smooth.
- Poach the cod in fresh simmering water for 8 minutes until it flakes. Drain, remove any skin and bones and shred it finely with a fork.
- Mix the cod, mashed potato, onion, spring onions, parsley, eggs, nutmeg and pepper until combined but not paste-like. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep pot. Shape the mixture into ovals using two tablespoons.
- Fry in batches of 5 or 6 for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until deep golden. Drain on a rack and serve hot.
Tips
- Floury potatoes such as russets give a light fritter. Waxy potatoes make the mixture gluey.
- Test one fritter first. If it breaks apart in the oil, chill the mixture longer or add 1 tablespoon of rice flour.
Questions and answers
Can I use fresh cod instead of salt cod?
You can, but it will taste milder. Poach 300 g (10 oz) of fresh cod, flake it and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes. Freeze them shaped and uncooked on a tray, then bag for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen for 5 to 6 minutes.
Why is my salt cod too salty?
It needed more soaking. Soak thick pieces for up to 36 hours and change the water every 6 hours.
How long does it take to make Pastéis de Bacalhau (Macanese Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pastéis de Bacalhau (Macanese Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 35 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
