Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters) with Green Salad

Ingredients

• For the Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters):
• 8 oz salted codfish (Bacalao), soaked overnight & shredded 🐟
• 1 large egg 🥚
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 cup water *(or beer for extra crispiness!)* 🍺
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped 🌿
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 0.25 small onion, grated 🧅
• 0.5 tsp paprika or ground annatto (achiote) for color 🌶️
• 0.5 tsp salt *(adjust based on the cod’s saltiness)* 🧂
• 0.5 tsp black pepper 🥄
• 0.5 tsp baking powder *(for fluffiness!)* 🧂
• Vegetable oil, for frying 🌽
• For the Green Salad:
• 3 cups mixed greens *(romaine, arugula, spinach, etc.)* 🥬
• 0.5 cucumber, thinly sliced 🥒
• 1 small tomato, diced 🍅
• 0.5 avocado, sliced 🥑
• 0.25 red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
• Juice of 1 lemon *(for dressing)* 🍋
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🥥
• Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Bacalao 🐟
2. 21️⃣ Soak the salted codfish in water overnight, changing the water at least twice to remove excess salt.
3. 32️⃣ Drain and shred the cod into small flakes using your hands or a fork.
4. 42️⃣ Make the Batter 🌾
5. 53️⃣ In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, black pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
6. 64️⃣ Slowly add water (or beer), whisking until the batter is smooth and slightly runny.
7. 75️⃣ Fold in the shredded codfish and mix well. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
8. 83️⃣ Fry the Bacalaitos 🔥
9. 96️⃣ Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
10. 107️⃣ Drop large spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon.
11. 118️⃣ Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
12. 129️⃣ Remove and drain on paper towels.
13. 134️⃣ Assemble the Green Salad 🥗
14. 14In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, avocado, and red onion.
15. 151️⃣1️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
16. 16Serve & Enjoy!
17. 17Plate the crispy bacalaitos alongside the fresh green salad for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
18. 18Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.