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Bacalaítos

A traditional Puerto Rican beach snack — Bacalaítos are golden, lacy fritters of salt cod bound in a whisper-thin sofrito batter and fried until crisp at the edges.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 20 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Bacalaítos - Portoricain recipe

A traditional Puerto Rican beach snack — Bacalaítos are golden, lacy fritters of salt cod bound in a whisper-thin sofrito batter and fried until crisp at the edges. They are sold by roadside vendors all over the island, always best eaten piping hot with a cold beer. The shredded cod, garlic and recao give each crunchy bite a deep, briny savor.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Desalt the cod by soaking it in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. Drain, then simmer in fresh water for 15 minutes; drain, cool, and flake the fish, discarding any bones.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and garlic powder, then stir in the sofrito, minced garlic, recao and water to form a thick, spoonable batter. Fold in the flaked cod.
  3. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop the batter by heaping spoonfuls, a few at a time, spreading each into a rough 4-inch (10 cm) round.
  4. Fry until deep golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately, hot.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps keep the fritters light. If the cod is still salty, hold off seasoning the batter with extra salt.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook20 min
Servings6
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →