Name: Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 pound bacalao (salted codfish); 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 packet Sazón seasoning (with achiote for color); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 2 teaspoons Sazón Complete seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (taste before adding full amount — depends on cod’s saltiness); 1/2 cup yellow onion (finely diced); 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper (about 1 small to medium pepper); 2 tablespoons sofrito; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 1/2 to 2 cups water; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of crispy, savory bites that burst with bold, vibrant flavors, you’re about to fall in love with this Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe. These Puerto Rican treats offer the perfect balance of salty cod, aromatic spices, and a crisp, golden exterior that’s pure perfection. Whether you’re new to Bacalaitos or have enjoyed them before, this recipe is your ticket to making authentic, irresistibly delicious fritters right at home. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that’s as fun to make as it is to devour!

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl contains five separate layers of ingredients on top of a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick white flour powder. On this base, clockwise from the top, there is a small mound of dark red-brown paste, finely diced bright red bell peppers, finely chopped white onions, shredded pale yellow chicken, and minced light yellow garlic. Each ingredient stays separate, showing distinct colors and textures, ready to be mixed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe is how simple yet essential every ingredient is in creating that perfect combination of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role, from the flaky codfish to the lively spices that bring the fritters to life.

1 pound bacalao (salted codfish): The star of the dish, providing that iconic salty, flaky flavor.
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your batter, helping create that delightful crispy exterior.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Adds lightness and helps keep the fritters tender inside.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the batter a wonderful lift and light texture.
1 packet Sazón seasoning (with achiote for color): Brings vibrant color and an irresistible mild spice blend.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that beautifully complements the fish.
1 teaspoon white pepper: Contributes gentle heat without overpowering the delicate flavors.
2 teaspoons Sazón Complete seasoning: Boosts the depth of flavor with its unique spice mix.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (taste before adding): Balances flavors but adjust depending on how salty your cod is.
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch.
1 cup finely diced red bell pepper: Brings color and a fresh, sweet peppery hit.
2 tablespoons sofrito: This flavorful blend intensifies the aromatic layers.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: For that warm, savory punch.
1 ½ to 2 cups water: Carefully added to get the batter perfectly thin and pourable.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for frying to a golden, crispy finish.

How to Make Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Codfish

Start by soaking the bacalao in plenty of fresh water to remove excess salt. Bring it to a gentle boil for 15 minutes, then drain and refresh the water. Repeat the process one or two more times until the saltiness mellows to your liking. Once tender, remove any bones and skin, then shred the flesh into small, delicate flakes. This preparation is key to getting that perfect, tender texture inside your Bacalaitos.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sazón packet, oregano, white pepper, Sazón Complete seasoning, and kosher salt. The combination of these spices is what really sets the Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe apart, delivering that complex and vibrant flavor profile you want. Next, fold in the finely diced onion, red bell pepper, sofrito, minced garlic, and of course, the shredded codfish. Gradually add water while whisking until you reach a thin, pourable batter reminiscent of pancake batter—this ensures your fritters fry up light and crispy rather than dense.

Step 3: Fry the Bacalaitos

Fill a deep frying pan about halfway with vegetable oil and heat it to approximately 350°F. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the batter but not so hot it burns the fritters before they cook through. Using a ladle, pour batter into the oil and spread it gently to form an irregular, rustic shape—this gives the fritters their signature lacy edges. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and tantalizingly crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain off excess oil. The result? A crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside Bacalaitos that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe

There is a metal tray with six golden brown, crispy fritters resting on a wire rack lined with light brown parchment paper. Each fritter is round and slightly uneven in shape with a rough, crunchy texture and small red and darker brown bits visible inside. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. The fritters look freshly fried with a shiny, oily coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, simplicity wins. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice on top brightens the salty richness perfectly. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little heat, a drizzle of spicy mayo or Puerto Rican hot sauce makes a fantastic partner to these fritters.

Side Dishes

These crispy Bacalaitos shine alongside classic Caribbean favorites like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) or a fresh, tangy mango salad. They also pair beautifully with a cold beer or a refreshing tropical cocktail, making any gathering more festive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Bacalaitos on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, cilantro sauce, or a sweet chili dip. Stack them upsides with colorful garnishes to create a rustic, inviting spread that beckons everyone to dig in. You can also turn this dish into a sandwich filling inside crusty bread with pickled vegetables for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Bacalaitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lay them flat in a single layer separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispiness as much as possible.

Freezing

To keep Bacalaitos longer, freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment once completely cooled. After they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. This method lets you enjoy authentic Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe anytime without the fuss of making a fresh batch.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Bacalaitos in a hot oven or air fryer for several minutes until they regain their crispy golden exterior. Avoid the microwave, which tends to make them soggy and lose that much-loved crunch. Perfectly reheated, these fritters taste almost as great as freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cod instead of salted codfish for this Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe?

While fresh cod can be used, it will lack the signature salty punch that dried, salted bacalao provides. If using fresh cod, you’ll want to adjust the seasoning accordingly and possibly add salt to the batter to mimic that savory depth.

How can I reduce the saltiness of the bacalao before cooking?

Boiling the salted codfish in multiple changes of clean water is the traditional way to reduce excess salt. Tasting after each boil helps you decide if it’s mild enough for your taste before shredding it into the batter.

Is this Bacalaitos recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but you may notice slight differences in texture and crispness.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the batter fresh before frying to get the lightest, crispiest fritters. The batter may thicken or separate if left sitting too long, affecting the final texture.

What oil is best for frying Bacalaitos?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying. They help you achieve that golden crust without overpowering the fritters’ flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making these Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) at home is an absolute joy — you get to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas and enjoy golden, crispy bites full of rich history and bold flavor. Whether it’s for a family feast or a casual snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and experience the magic of Bacalaitos right in your own kitchen—you won't regret it!

Bacalaitos (Salted Codfish Fritters) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need