Salt Cod Cakes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy and savory on the inside. These classic New England Salt Cod Cakes are made with flaky salt cod and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner. A taste of coastal tradition!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Salt Cod (24 hours ahead)
- b.Place the salt cod in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water.
- c.Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, changing the water 3 to 4 times during this period to desalinate the fish.
- d.After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily. Do not let it boil.
- e.Drain the cod well and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove any skin or bones, and flake the meat into small pieces using a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook and Mash the Potatoes
- b.While the cod is cooling, place the cubed potatoes in a separate pot. Cover with cold, lightly salted water.
- c.Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot, empty pot for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture. Mash until smooth.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Chill the Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cod, mashed potatoes, finely chopped onion, parsley, and the lightly beaten egg.
- c.Season with black pepper and a small amount of salt. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- d.Taste the mixture and adjust salt if necessary. Remember the cod will still be salty.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cakes hold their shape during frying.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Form and Coat the Cakes
- b.Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Divide it into 8 equal portions and shape them into patties about 3/4-inch thick.
- c.Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish.
- d.Lightly dredge each cod cake in the flour on all sides, shaking off any excess.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry the Salt Cod Cakes
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4-inch deep and shimmering (around 350°F / 175°C).
- c.Carefully place 4 cod cakes in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a spatula to remove the cakes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- f.Repeat the process with the remaining 4 cakes, adding more oil if needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the salt cod cakes immediately while hot, with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce or aioli.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Idahos for the fluffiest, lightest interior.
- 2Chilling the mixture is a crucial step; it prevents the cakes from falling apart in the hot oil.
- 3Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it's not, the cakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches maintains the oil temperature for a perfectly crispy crust.
- 5Always taste the cod-potato mixture for saltiness before adding any extra salt. The desalination process is not exact.
- 6For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of chopped chives to the mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cod mixture for a spicy kick.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Incorporate other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon along with the parsley for a more complex flavor profile.
Portuguese StylePortuguese Style
Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the mixture and use olive oil for frying for a more Mediterranean flavor, similar to 'Pastéis de Bacalhau'.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or fine cornmeal for dredging.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Cod is a high-quality, lean protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cod provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, as well as promoting brain function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The potatoes in the cakes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
Salt cod is codfish that has been preserved by drying and salting. This process gives it a unique texture and long shelf life. You can typically find it in the seafood section of well-stocked supermarkets, or at Italian, Portuguese, or Caribbean specialty food stores.