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Bacalao seco vs bacalao desalado: cuál comprar para cada receta - Bacalalo

Dried cod vs. desalted cod: which one to buy for each

December 26, 2025Maria José Sáez Pastor⏱ 5 min de lectura

Summary: What is the difference between dried and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dried cod Long-term preservation and storage Total control over the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Culinary immediacy and convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

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What is the difference between dried and desalted cod?

The distinction between dried and desalted cod lies in their preparation and preservation processes. Dried cod retains all its curing salt, while desalted cod has undergone a controlled rehydration process that removes excess salt.

Dried cod has a firm, compact texture, requiring a desalting period of 24 to 48 hours depending on the thickness of the pieces. Its flavor is intense and salty, characteristics that make it a star in traditional recipes. In contrast, desalted cod offers culinary immediacy, maintaining the characteristic juiciness of Norwegian or Icelandic fish.

"The optimal desalting point determines the success of any cod preparation, an art that requires experience and patience."

Advantages of buying dried cod

Long-term preservation and storage

Dried cod boasts exceptional durability. Its low moisture content allows it to be preserved in optimal conditions for months without refrigeration. This feature is particularly valuable for hospitality establishments that require flexibility in their inventory management.

The stability of dried products facilitates seasonal menu planning. Professional chefs value this predictability, especially when working with significant volumes or events scheduled in advance.

Total control over the desalting process

Purchasing dried cod grants complete autonomy over the final salt level. Each recipe demands a specific degree of desalting: from preparations requiring a certain residual saltiness to delicate dishes that need more thorough rinsing.

This control allows the product to be adapted to personal preferences and specific culinary techniques, proving fundamental in achieving the desired texture in each preparation.

Benefits of desalted cod online

Culinary immediacy and convenience

Buying desalted cod online eliminates the need for prior preparation time. This advantage is particularly appealing for families looking to create gourmet recipes without the planning required for home desalting.

Vacuum packaging and refrigerated shipping ensure the product's freshness, maintaining its organoleptic properties intact from the processing point to the consumer's kitchen.

Consistency in salt level

Professional desalting ensures homogeneity in every piece. This uniformity is crucial for restaurants and caterers who require predictable results in their preparations, eliminating variables that could compromise the final outcome.

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What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

Authentic bacalao al pil pil demands pieces of considerable thickness and firm texture. For this iconic preparation, slightly desalted dried cod offers superior results, maintaining the necessary structure for the perfect binding of the sauce.

Feature Dried Cod Desalted Cod
Preparation Time 24-48 hours Immediate
Preservation Several months 5-7 days refrigerated
Salinity Control Total Professional
Ideal for pil pil Excellent Good
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Recommendations according to recipe type

Traditional preparations such as esqueixada, fritters, or croquettes benefit from the personalized control offered by dried cod. Its texture allows it to be flaked with precision, creating the desired consistency for each preparation.

For quick recipes, improvised stews, or everyday cooking, desalted cod is the most practical option. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated directly into sofritos, pasta, or vegetables without compromising the final result.

  • Dried cod: ideal for pil pil, esqueixada, and traditional preparations
  • Desalted cod: perfect for quick stews, salads, and daily cooking
  • Both options: excellent for croquettes, fritters, and creamy dishes

The choice will depend on your culinary preferences, time availability, and the specific type of preparation you have in mind.

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Discover our selection of desalted cod at Bacalalo.

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🛒 Products mentioned in this article

Desalted Boneless Loins

Already desalted — save 48h

21,45€

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⭐ 4.9/5 · Cold shipping 24-48h · Since 1990 in Mercat del Ninot

Conclusions

  • What is the difference between dried and desalted cod?: The distinction between dried and desalted cod lies in their preparation and preservation processes.
  • Advantages of buying dried cod: Dried cod offers exceptional durability.
  • Benefits of desalted cod online: Buying desalted cod online eliminates pre-preparation time.
  • What type of cod to choose for pil pil?: Authentic pil pil cod requires pieces of considerable thickness and firm texture.
  • Recommendations according to the type of recipe: Traditional preparations such as esqueixada, fritters, or croquettes benefit from the personalized control offered by dried cod.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of cod?

Summary: What is the difference between dried and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dried cod Long-term preservation and storage Full control over the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Immediate culinary convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

What is desalted cod?

Summary: What is the difference between dried and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dried cod Long-term preservation and storage Full control over the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Immediate culinary convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

What is dried cod called?

Summary: What is the difference between dried and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dried cod Long-term preservation and storage Full control over the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Immediate culinary convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

Does desalted cod have anisakis?

Summary: What is the difference between dried and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dried cod Long-term preservation and storage Full control over the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Immediate culinary convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

Salted cod

Lo que cierra una receta

Salted cod

El detalle que separa un plato de un buen plato.

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Maria José Sáez Pastor

Maria José Sáez Pastor

Kitchen & Sea Recipes

Expert in cooking and seafood recipes. Passionate about Mediterranean cuisine, she develops and adapts traditional and creative recipes with cod, anchovies, seafood, and gourmet preserves.

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