Salt cod fritters are one of those dishes that feel like they’re meant to be shared. They come out of the oil golden, crisp on the outside and soft inside, full of gentle fish flavor and just a touch of heat. They remind me of food you eat standing around a kitchen, reaching over one another, dipping, tasting, laughing. They hold the charm of something homemade but celebratory.
The first time I made them, I didn’t expect to love them as much as I did. But these fritters have personality — the kind that keeps you going back for “just one more” while everyone else pretends they’re done. They’re warm, comforting, and carry a sense of place. They taste like a reminder that we don’t need fancy ingredients to make something memorable.
Why These Fritters Stand Out
Salt cod brings depth, and the soaking process softens the fish into something tender and mild. When combined with fresh aromatics, herbs, and spice, everything blends into a batter that fries into little puffs of flavor.
They’re light enough to snack on, but they’re still full of character — perfect for gatherings, game nights, Sundays that call for something to nibble with good company.
They feel like the kind of food you serve proudly.
Ingredients and Notes
Salt Cod (Boned and Salted)
Salt cod has a gentle flavor once it’s soaked. The texture becomes flaky and tender. Choosing boned makes preparation easier.
Aromatics
Onion, scallion, garlic — these start the flavor base and make the fritters fragrant and fresh-tasting rather than heavy.
Herbs
Parsley or cilantro adds brightness and keeps the fritters from feeling one-note.
Chilies
Use whatever your heat comfort allows. Scotch bonnet has a floral heat. Thai chilies bring a sharper burn. Even a pinch of cayenne works fine.
Flour + Baking Powder
This gives the batter its lightness and helps the fritters puff slightly when fried.
Oil for Frying
A neutral oil works best so the flavor of the fritters shines.
Preparing the Salt Cod
This step is simple, but it needs a bit of time.
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Place the salt cod in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate.
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Change the water a few times over about 24 hours. This removes the salt gradually.
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Boil the fish in fresh water for 10–15 minutes until it flakes easily.
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Let it cool slightly, then break it apart into small pieces.
Once you do this once, the process feels natural and easy.
Mixing the Batter
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Add your flaked cod to a bowl.
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Stir in chopped onion, scallions, garlic, herbs, and chilies.
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Add flour and baking powder.
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Add water slowly until a thick batter forms. It should hold shape on a spoon without running.
This mixture should smell inviting — savory, fresh, and warm from the chilies and herbs.
Frying the Fritters
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Heat oil in a shallow pot or deep skillet.
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Use a spoon to drop level scoops of batter into the hot oil.
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Fry until golden brown on all sides.
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Set on paper towels to drain.
They should be crisp outside and soft inside, not greasy or heavy. If the oil is the right temperature, they fry quickly and cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
These really come alive with a dipping sauce.
Some favorites:
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A simple lime and mayo dip with chopped herbs
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A spicy pepper sauce
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A squeeze of fresh lime over the top right before eating
When serving to guests, I like to place them on a large platter, pile them casually, and tuck lime wedges around the edges. It feels relaxed and inviting.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can make the batter a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to fry.
The fritters can be fried earlier and kept warm in the oven, though they’re best freshly fried.
Storage
These fritters taste best the day they’re made.
If you have leftovers, reheat in a low oven to bring back the crispness.
Variations to Try
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Replace some of the fish with minced shrimp for added texture.
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Add corn kernels for a touch of sweetness.
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Fold in finely diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
This is a recipe that welcomes personal touches.
FAQs
How salty should the fish be before cooking?
After soaking and boiling, the fish should taste pleasantly seasoned, not salty. If it still tastes salty, soak it longer.
Can I use fresh cod instead of salt cod?
You can, but the flavor will be gentler. Salt cod brings its own depth.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
A neutral oil with a steady heat works well, like vegetable or avocado oil.
How spicy should these be?
That depends on who you’re feeding. You can make them mild or bring the heat.
Caribbean Salt Cod Fritters (Codfish fritters)
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these savory salt cod fritters are full of Caribbean flavor from fresh herbs and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salted codfish
- 1 hot pepper (such as Scotch Bonnet), finely minced
- 3 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 quart)
Instructions
- Place the salted cod in a bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for about 24 hours, changing the water a few times to reduce the salt.
- After soaking, drain the fish and place it in a saucepan. Cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, flake the cod into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced pepper, scallions, thyme, and parsley. Add the flaked cod and mix gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Whisk the eggs and milk together, then stir into the flour mixture to form a smooth batter.
- Fold the fish and herb mixture into the batter until evenly combined.
- Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350–375°F.
- Using a spoon, drop small amounts of batter into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time until golden on one side, then turn and cook the other side until browned.
- Remove the fritters and let them drain on a rack or paper towels.
- Serve warm. A squeeze of lime or a mild hot sauce makes a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- A simple dip made with mayo, your favorite hot sauce, and a spoonful of whole grain mustard is a great match.
- These fritters freeze well — just reheat in the oven until warmed through and crisp again.
Nutrition Information
Yield
36Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 58Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 23mgSodium 51mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 5g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
There’s something satisfying about a recipe like this — simple ingredients, patient preparation, and a final result that draws people together. These fritters bring warmth and ease to the table. They make a quiet afternoon feel like a gathering and a regular evening feel like a small celebration. They’re the kind of food that reminds you why cooking is worth the time.
