How to desalt and cook salt cod easily for a flavorful, tender, and savory fish fillet. This incredible cured fish is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent choice for any meal!
Salted cod is very popular in many countries around the world, especially in Europe and the Caribbean. People have been preserving fish in salt for centuries as the salt draws out the moisture. You may think that desalting and cooking cod is very complicated, but I promise you, it isn’t!
I am really excited to share this recipe with you! Salted cod is healthy with lots of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s high in protein and low in fat, and it’s relatively inexpensive. The best thing is that it’s super simple to make and so versatile. You can add it to all sorts of dishes – from salads to stews and fritters.
Soaking is the most important step in preparing salt cod. Most recipes say to soak for 24 hours. However, this is risky and may leave the fish too salty. About 48 hours is a better bet.
Salt Cod vs. Fresh Fish
Although salted cod is not fresh, it has many benefits, namely the taste. The process of salting cod produces a very mild taste – it’s savory but not salty or too overtly fishy. Arguably, it has a nicer texture and flavor than fresh cod. But what I like the most, though, is that you can pair salted cod with so many different flavors, particularly salads, like Simple Quinoa Salad with Walnuts and Avocado, Easy Tuna Salad with Mixed Vegetables, or High-Protein Grilled Salmon Avocado Salad Bowl.
It’s also delicious with rice (like this Simple Breakfast Fried Rice with Egg) or grains, in general, like quinoa.
In addition, for more of a Caribbean flavor, I think salt cod is amazing with a serving of Coconut Bake, Buljol salad, and Spicy Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baigan Choka/Bharta).
Before cooking the cod, though, you need to rehydrate and desalinate it by soaking it in cold water first. It does take a bit of preparation, but it is totally worth it! Don’t worry, it’s really simple, too!
A fillet of salt cod fish. A quality salt cod will come both with bones and skin.
How to Desalt Salt Cod
If you have a very large cod fillet, you can first cut it into 2 or several pieces. It’s easiest to do so with scissors.
Then, carefully rinse the fish with fresh water. Make sure you cover the fish with water in a large bowl and gently rub it to remove the salt. Alternatively, you can do this directly under running water.
You can repeat this 2-3 times if you feel like there’s too much salt left, but don’t worry as you still need to soak the fish in water. You will see how much salt is left behind when discarding the water.
Then soak the fish in some more fresh cold water and keep it in the fridge for 12-24 hours, in an airtight container. Make sure to change the water every few hours.
Chef’s note: it’s best to use a ceramic or glass container as these materials are resistant to salt.
Optionally, you can remove the skin before cooking. To do that, pull the flesh with your fingers away from the skin. I usually like to keep the skin on and skip this step.
The Best Way To Desalt Salt fish / CodFish Quick & Easy #saltfish #fast
FAQ
Can you soak baccala too long?
Do you rinse fish after salting?
How do you soften salt fish?
How long do you boil salt fish?
Let the salt fish boil for 20 minutes; drain, and when cool enough to handle, your fish is ready for you to use in any recipe calling for that type of fish. Add the salt fish to a pot of hot water. Let the water cover the fish. Place the pot on high heat and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 25 minutes. Drain. Add a fresh batch of hot water.
How to soak salt cod fish?
It is recommended to use +2ºC water for soaking salt cod fish. Therefore avoiding spoilage and bad odor. Some people actually but the bowl in the refrigerator for soaking. Be especially careful if you live in a place with a warm climate, in this case the water should be maintained cold at all times.
How do you cook fish if it’s too salty?
Make sure to change the water every few hours. Either cook the whole piece once you’ve soaked it long enough or take a small piece and boil it and then taste it. If it’s too salty, just keep soaking the fish for a few more hours before cooking the whole fish. Once you’ve soaked the fish, rinse off any excess salt.
How do you keep fish fresh if it’s too salty?
Carefully rinse the fish with fresh water. Make sure you cover it with water. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times if you feel like there’s too much salt left. Soak the fish in some more fresh water and keep it in the fridge for 12-24 hours, in an airtight container. Make sure to change the water every few hours.