How to Desalt Crumbled Codfish

In this entry, we are going to discover how to desalinate cod step by step.

Saltedcod is a key ingredient in Portuguese cuisine. The desalting of the cod gives it a flavor and texture that has little to do with fresh cod (much milder in flavor). Salt is used as a preservative, salted cod brings large amounts of sodium (8.1 mm x per 100 gr.) that we reduce by half with the tips I give you below.

Its easy preservation and convenient transportation make cod a perfect resource for numerous recipes. A classic in northern cuisine, especially in Basque and Galician cuisine. A fish that you can eat all year round, affordable and that helps to eat in the interior of Spain very good quality fish.

Before Beginning with the Cod

• The salted cod is covered with a layer of salt (depending on the quality of the pieces we buy) more or less large. Before starting the soaking process we must clean this layer under cold water. If we do not do this step, that is to say to do the soaking without removing the salt, it will take more time to desalinate.
• To know how to desalinate cod, we must first cut them into pieces if they are very large. Normally the thick loins are the ones used in preparations with sauce and longer cooking (for example in tomato sauce or Biscayan style).
• The thinnest parts will be used for the preparation of pil-pil. Finally, the trimmings are left for scrambled eggs, cold or warm salads and for stuffing peppers.

Step by Step, How to Desalt Codfish

• To know how to desalinate the crumbled cod correctly, the piece of fish must be covered with plenty of water. We place all the pieces with the skin upwards, it is where more salt accumulates and this way we help it to go down.
• The thicker parts (usually cod loins) should be desalted for 3 days, with a change of water approximately every 6 hours. The thinner parts should be desalted for 36 hours, with a change of water every 8 hours. The remains and the crumbled cod are usually desalted under cold running water for 10 minutes, but if you do not want to waste a lot of water, you can also leave them soaking for 2 hours with a water change after 1 hour, that is enough. The cod is always desalted in very cold water so that it is well compact, covering it completely, placing it in the lower part of the refrigerator uncovered.
• While the fish is desalting it must remain at a temperature between 6 and 8º C inside the refrigerator, since at room temperature it can ferment. If this happens to you, you will notice it immediately, it has happened to me once, the smell is… well, I don’t need to describe it. Inside the refrigerator we avoid temperature variations, which would accelerate or delay the desalting process, especially in summer.
• To know if the cod is already desalted we will taste a pinch of the central area of the fillet. Before cooking, remove the cod from the refrigerator and place the pieces on a kitchen towel or absorbent paper. The fish must be dry before using it in the preparation of dishes with sauce. This way the cod will recover the room temperature and will keep its sponginess.

Tips on How to Desalt Crumbled Codfish

• Quick desalting with small pieces of cod, crumbs. If we want to eat the crumbs and we have forgotten to desalinate it, another trick is, once it has been cleaned in water to remove the coarse salt, put it in milk until it covers and boil it. The crumbs will be ready in just a few minutes.
• To obtain a juicier cod, in the last three hours change the water for milk. This improves the texture and gives it a whiter color. We will give it more flavor if we add a clove of garlic to the milk. It can be put in milk longer. It depends on taste.
• If you have desalted the cod and it takes a while to use it, it can catch a little odor, which can spread to the refrigerator. To avoid this, put half a lemon next to the cod and this will prevent the smell from spreading.

Suggestions for consumption:

1. Bacalao al Pil Pil: Prepare a delicious Basque recipe for bacalao al pil pil. Cook desalted cod over low heat in a pan with olive oil and garlic, creating an emulsified sauce that is creamy and delicious.
2. Tortilla de Bacalao: Make a traditional Spanish omelette by adding pieces of desalted cod to a mixture of beaten eggs, onion and potatoes. Cook until golden brown on both sides and serve hot.
3. Bacalao a la Vizcaína: Prepare a typical Basque dish with desalted cod in a sauce of tomato, onion, peppers and chilli. Serve with white rice for a comforting and tasty meal.
4. Cod Croquettes: Make homemade croquettes with a mixture of crumbled desalted cod, bechamel sauce and parsley. Form the croquettes, dip them in beaten egg and breadcrumbs, and fry them until golden brown and crispy.
5. Cod Salad: Combine desalted cod flakes with tomato, onion, olives and roasted peppers. Dress with olive oil, vinegar and salt for a fresh and light salad.
6. Cod Gratin: Place desalted cod fillets in an ovenproof dish, cover with a layer of mayonnaise and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Broil in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Codfish Portuguese Style: Prepare a classic Portuguese recipe with desalted codfish, onion, peppers, tomato and olives. Cook everything together in a casserole with olive oil and spices until tender and delicious.

These are just some of the ideas we offer you to enjoy desalted cod in a variety of delicious dishes. We hope you have learned how to desalinate cod correctly. Enjoy it!

Recipes:

Codfish in Pil Pil sauce🌊🍽️

Baked Codfish🐟🥘

Codfish Durum🌯🐟

Buy Codfish Online

Conclusion

Properly desalting crumbled cod is key to enjoying its optimum flavor and texture. With these tips and the detailed method, we hope you have learned how to desalinate cod in a simple and effective way. Remember that good desalting brings out the best in cod, making it ideal for many traditional and modern recipes. For more preparation tips and other seafood guides, visit our blog.

Aaron Llor

Amante de la tecnología y la comida asiática

Desde que embarqué en Freshcado, no he dejado de aprender cosas nuevas acerca de los distintos tipos de pescados y mariscos. Este fascinante mundo culinario me ha inspirado a transformar todo ese conocimiento al ámbito digital. En Freshcado, siempre buscamos estar a la vanguardia y ser los mejores, combinando innovación tecnológica con nuestra pasión por los productos del mar.