Pataniscas de Bacalhau
Pataniscas de Bacalhau are traditional Portuguese cod fritters, featuring flaky salt cod encased in a light, airy batter. They are a popular appetizer or light meal, often served with rice and salad.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Salt cod (bacalhau)(Must be desalted before use. Look for good quality, thick pieces.)
- 2 Large Eggs(Room temperature is best for batter.)
- 150 g All-purpose flour(Sifted for a lighter batter.)
- 1 bunch Fresh parsley(Finely chopped. About 1/2 cup packed.)
- as needed Vegetable oil or other neutral oil(For deep frying. About 2-3 inches in the pot.)
- 120 ml Water(Cold water for the batter.)
- to taste Salt(Only if needed, as cod is already salty.)
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Desalt the salt cod: Rinse the salt cod under cold running water. Place it in a large bowl and cover generously with cold water. Refrigerate for at least 24-48 hours, changing the water 2-3 times a day. Once desalted, drain the cod, pat it dry, and remove any skin or bones. Shred the cod into small flakes using your fingers or two forks.
⏱️ Overnight + 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and eggs until smooth. Gradually whisk in the cold water until you have a smooth, pourable batter, similar in consistency to pancake batter. Stir in the finely chopped parsley. Season with black pepper and a tiny pinch of salt if necessary, tasting the batter first to gauge the saltiness from the cod.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Combine cod and batter: Gently fold the shredded cod into the batter. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Fry the pataniscas: Heat the oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F). Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of the cod and batter mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fritters are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (180°C/350°F) for crispy, evenly cooked fritters. Too low, and they'll be greasy; too high, and they'll burn before cooking through.
- ✓For a lighter batter, some recipes suggest adding a pinch of baking powder or using sparkling water.
- ✓Serve immediately for the best texture. They are delicious as is, or with a side of 'arroz de feijão' (bean rice) and a fresh salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped sautéed onion or garlic to the batter mixture for extra flavor.
- For crispier fritters, ensure the oil is hot and don't overcrowd the pan. You can also try a slightly thicker batter.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.