Best 6 Bacalao Balls Recipes

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**Bacalao Balls: A Taste of Portuguese Tradition**

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Portugal with our irresistible Bacalao Balls recipe. These delectable treats, lovingly crafted with salted codfish, are a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. With two variations to choose from, the classic Bacalhau Balls and the innovative Air Fryer Bacalhau Balls, you'll have options to suit your preferences and cooking style. Both recipes promise an explosion of flavors, textures, and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on this exciting adventure of creating these iconic Portuguese delights.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

BRAZILIAN CODFISH BALLS



Brazilian Codfish Balls image

Provided by Ingrid Hoffmann

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h15m

Yield 12 codfish balls

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (about 2 to 3 medium), peeled and cut into chunks
3 cups clam juice (or fish or shrimp bouillon)
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
1 bay leaf
1 pound cod fillets, cut into large chunks
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 teaspoons green hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Put the potatoes in a pot and cover with the clam juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl. To the cooking liquid, add the onion and bay leaf; bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. While the potatoes are still hot, mash with a hand masher and set aside. Add the cod to the simmering broth and cook until the fish is opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and add to the mashed potatoes.
  • Add the eggs, cilantro, hot sauce, and salt to the fish and potato mixture. Mix until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cooled and firm, at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the bread crumbs on a plate.
  • Using an ice cream scoop, roll the chilled fish and potato mixture into 2-inch balls. Then roll each ball in bread crumbs to coat completely. Put the codfish balls on the prepared pan and spray the tops lightly with nonstick cooking spray, this will make them really crispy. Bake until the codfish balls are nicely browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Put the codfish balls on a platter and garnish with cilantro.

BACALAO BALLS



Bacalao Balls image

If you have never tried salt cod fish before, this a great recipe to start off with. These lil' balls are so addictive. You can't just eat 1 or 2. Make plenty because they will go fast. Happy Cooking sw:)

Provided by Sherri Williams

Categories     Seafood Appetizers

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb bacalao (salt cod fish, deboned)
5-6 small smashed red potatoes (cooked)
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 large fire roasted red peppers, chopped
2-3 scallions, chopped
2 Tbsp italian parsley, chopped
1-2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp spicy seafood seasoning
1 medium lemon zest, grated
serve with spicy sauce of choice

Steps:

  • 1. soak cod fish in cold water for 8 hours in the fridge. change water 2-3 times
  • 2. combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl
  • 3. mix well
  • 4. roll into 1 inch balls
  • 5. in a 350 degree fryer, fry 3-4 minutes or until until golden brown. serve with spicy sauce

MARIA'S PORTUGUESE BACALAU



Maria's Portuguese Bacalau image

This is a traditional Portuguese dish that brings back memories of mom. It is not only tasty but it is always a hit at parties. Plan ahead, because the salted cod needs to soak for 24 hours.

Provided by BINGADING

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Portuguese

Time P1DT2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 pounds dried salted cod fish
4 Yukon Gold potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped, divided
½ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
¾ cup olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
freshly ground pepper to taste
4 hard cooked eggs, chopped
10 pitted green olives
10 pitted black olives

Steps:

  • Soak the dried salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked cod, and boil for about 5 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove cod from water, and save water for cooking potatoes. Remove skin and bones from the cod, and flake the meat into pieces using a fork. Set fish aside in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of parsley, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over the fish, and toss lightly to coat.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the potatoes into the fish water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain under cool water, peel and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and saute until golden and caramelized. Stir one clove of garlic into the onions. Set aside.
  • Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of a greased 8x11 inch baking dish. Cover with half of the cod, then half of the onions. Repeat layers, ending with onion.
  • Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Before serving, garnish the top with green and black olives, and hard-cooked eggs. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701 calories, Carbohydrate 25.2 g, Cholesterol 277 mg, Fat 31.3 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 77.1 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 8223.1 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

BACALAITOS (CODFISH FRITTERS)



Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 50m

Yield 30 fritters

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound salted cod, soaked overnight in 3 cups of milk
4 1/2 cups water
3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 small onion, 1/2-inch dice
1 small sweet red pepper, 1/2-inch dice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
Oil, for frying

Steps:

  • Drain salted cod. Boil fish in 3 cups of the water and the milk until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove cooked fish from liquid, shred and set aside to cool. Make a batter with the flour, baking powder and remaining water. Add cod, onions, peppers, garlic and cilantro. Deep fry spoonfuls of the batter in oil heated to 350 degrees until golden.

SALT COD FISH BALLS



Salt Cod Fish Balls image

Make and share this Salt Cod Fish Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Julie Bs Hive

Categories     Caribbean

Time 8h36m

Yield 12 balls, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 lb salt cod fish
2 cups diced raw potatoes
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs, beaten
breadcrumbs
vegetable oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Soak cod fish in water, preferably overnight then boil for 1/2 hour. Meanwhile peel and dice potatoes; boil for 20 minutes. When cool mash coarsely.
  • Drain, rinse fish under cold water and flake making sure to remove fine bones.
  • Add butter, pepper and shredded fish to potatoes, mix well.
  • Form mixture into light, feathery balls.
  • Dip in beaten egg then breadcrumbs. Fry in deep oil in fryer basket until golden brown.
  • Drain on absorbent paper and serve very hot with your favorite cocktail sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94.8, Fat 2.3, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 66.5, Sodium 1348.1, Carbohydrate 4.4, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.3, Protein 13.4

JOANN COATS'S CODFISH BALLS



Joann Coats's Codfish Balls image

Provided by Molly O'Neill

Categories     dinner, appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound boneless, skinless salt cod
3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, minced
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 pinch nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste
3 eggs, separated
4 cups vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Soak the cod overnight as above. Drain and cut into 1-inch squares, removing any remaining bones. Place the cod in a deep pot with the potatoes, cover with water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then drain.
  • Mash the potatoes and cod with the onion, parsley, nutmeg, pepper and salt (how much depends on the saltiness of the cod). Stir in the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry and fold them into the potato mixture.
  • Heat the oil to 350 degrees in a medium saucepan. Drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture (about 8 at a time) into the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes, turning once or twice, until golden. Drain on paper towels. Allow the oil to return to 350 degrees between each batch. Keep warm in a 300-degree oven until all are done.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 999, UnsaturatedFat 81 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 92 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 3210 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the bacalao balls will be. Use fresh, flaky cod, and make sure the other ingredients are fresh and flavorful as well.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will make the batter tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Fry the bacalao balls in hot oil: This will help them to brown evenly and crispy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside.
  • Serve the bacalao balls hot: They are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or aioli.

Conclusion:

Bacalao balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks. With their crispy exteriors and tender, flavorful interiors, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting appetizer to try, give bacalao balls a try. You won't be disappointed!

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