Bacalaitos with Garlic Mojo

Ingredients

• For the Bacalaitos 🐟:
• 0.5 lb salted cod (bacalao), soaked overnight 🧊
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 🧁
• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
• 0.5 tsp black pepper ⚫
• 0.25 tsp sazón or paprika 🌶️
• 1 1/2 cups water 💧 (adjust as needed)
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro or parsley 🌿
• 0.25 cup finely chopped onion 🧅
• Oil for frying (canola or vegetable) 🛢️
• For the Garlic Mojo 🧄:
• 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
• 0.5 cup olive oil 🫒
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or lime juice 🍋
• Pinch of salt 🧂

Instructions

1. 1Prep the Bacalao: Soak cod in cold water overnight. Drain, rinse, and boil in fresh water for 15 minutes. Drain again, let cool, and shred into small pieces.
2. 2Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, garlic powder, pepper, and sazón. Slowly add water while stirring to make a smooth, pourable batter. Fold in cod, cilantro, and onion. Let rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3Fry Time: Heat oil in a skillet (medium-high). Once hot, pour small ladles of batter into the oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain.
4. 4Garlic Mojo: In a small pan, heat olive oil over low-medium. Add garlic slices and cook until golden (not burnt). Remove from heat, add vinegar or lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. 5Serve: Drizzle the garlic mojo over hot bacalaitos or serve as a dipping sauce. Crunch, dip, repeat! 🤤💥