Our products
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 dry and desalted cod? Advantages of buying dry cod Long-term preservation and storage Total control of the desalting process Benefits of desalted cod online Immediacy and culinary convenience Consistency in salt level What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

Table of contents
Content

What is the difference between dry and desalted cod?

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

Dry cod has a firm and compact texture, requiring desalting for 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, this being an art that requires experience and patience."

Advantages of buying dry cod

Long-term preservation and storage

Dry cod has exceptional durability. Its low moisture content allows it to be stored in optimal conditions for months without refrigeration. This characteristic is especially valuable for hospitality establishments that require flexibility in their inventory management.

The stability of the dry product facilitates the planning of seasonal menus. Professional chefs value this predictability, especially when working with considerable volumes or events scheduled in advance.

Total control of the desalting process

Purchasing dry cod grants complete autonomy over the final salt point. Each recipe demands a specific degree of desalting: from preparations that require some residual saltiness to delicate elaborations that require more thorough washing.

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

Benefits of desalted cod online

Immediacy and culinary convenience

Buying desalted cod online eliminates the pre-preparation time. This advantage is especially appealing to families looking to prepare gourmet recipes without the planning required for homemade desalting.

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

Consistency in salt level

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

dry cod vs desalted, buy dry cod, buy desalted cod online, best cod for pil pil

Related Cod Products

Desalted Boneless Cod Tail (1pc) - 500g

Desalted Boneless Cod Tail (1pc) - 500g

View product →

Extra Shredded Desalted Cod - 500g

Extra Shredded Desalted Cod - 500g

View product →

Universal Shredded Dry Cod - 500g

Universal Shredded Dry Cod - 500g

View product →

What type of cod to choose for pil pil?

Authentic "bacalao al pil pil" requires thick pieces and a firm texture. For this emblematic preparation, lightly desalted dry cod offers superior results, maintaining the necessary structure for the perfect emulsion of the sauce.

Characteristic Dry 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
dry cod vs desalted, buy dry cod, buy desalted cod online, best cod for pil pil

Recommendations according to the type of recipe

Traditional preparations such as esqueixada, fritters, or croquettes benefit from the personalized control offered by dry cod. Its texture allows it to be shredded 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.

  • Dry 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 preparations

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

Dry cod
Add to cart
Desalted cod
Add to cart
Featured Products
Loading products...
Featured Products
Loading products...

Discover our selection of desalted cod at Bacalalo.

→ See our selection of dry cod

Conclusions

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

Frequently asked questions

What type of cod is best?

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

What is dry cod called?

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

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.

Know our story →
Product listYou can see the products we have in our store.
Surtido "Pulpo & Bacalao" - envase y embalaje premium
Filetes de anchoa del Cantábrico "00" Premium - detalle del producto
Regular priceFrom 38,90 € Unit price77,80 € / kg
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Cantabrian Anchovies "0" Gourmet Selection
Default Title
Morro Extra de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g - detalle del producto
Regular price 24,97 € Sale price25,95 € Unit price49,94 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Extra Clean Desalted Cod Snouts (2 units) - 500g
-4%
30gr
Caviar Beluga Iraní 000 Calidad Premium - detalle del producto
Regular priceOn Sale from 90,00 €
No reviews
Imperial Iranian Beluga Caviar 00
Up to -42%
Default Title
Lomitos de Bacalao Desalado Limpio (2ud) - 500g - detalle del producto
Regular price 21,45 € Sale price22,95 € Unit price42,90 € / kg
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Cleaned Desalted Cod Loins (2 units) - 500g
-7%

Related articles