Chinese-style Salted Cod Fritters

Ingredients

In this Chinese adaptation of the Italian Frittelle di baccalà, we incorporate Chinese spices and seasonings to give the dish a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we modify the cooking technique by deep-frying the fritters instead of pan-frying them, resulting in a crispier texture. We alse have the original recipe for Frittelle di baccalà, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) salted cod, soaked and desalted 250g (8.8 oz) salted cod, soaked and desalted
• 300g (10.6 oz) potatoes, peeled and boiled 300g (10.6 oz) potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the salted cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours to remove excess salt. Drain and rinse the cod.
2. 2.
   Boil the desalted cod in water for 10 minutes. Drain and let it cool. Remove any bones and flake the cod into small pieces.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Add the flaked cod, spring onions, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. 4.
   Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Chinese-style Salted Cod Fritters hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted cod — Soaking the salted cod for 24 hours and changing the water regularly is crucial to remove excess salt and achieve the desired flavor. Ensure the cod is fully desalted before using it in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the fritter mixture.
• Serve the fritters with a tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Salted Cod Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter and garnish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder for an attractive presentation.