Cod is one of the most versatile fish in traditional cuisine. It's used in well-known dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil, bacalao vizcaína, and esqueixada catalana. However, if it's too salty, all that effort can be ruined.
That's why today we're explaining how to quickly and properly desalinate cod at home , with a simple step-by-step guide, practical tips, and advice to avoid mistakes. This way, you can enjoy its authentic flavor without over-salting it or losing its juicy texture.
Why do you have to desalinate cod?
Salt cod is a centuries-old tradition: salt was used to preserve it for months, even years, without losing its properties.
Desalination is essential because:
1. It restores the juiciness of the fish.
2. Remove excess salt , balancing the flavor.
3. It allows you to cook it in a thousand ways , from stews to cold salads.
Materials and prior preparation
Before you begin, prepare:
1. A large container to cover the cod with cold water.
2. A strainer or colander (this way the salt drains down and doesn't soak back in).
3. Very cold water (you can add ice cubes if it's summer).
4. Refrigerator: It is important to keep the cod between 6-8ºC to prevent fermentation.
👉 Tip: Group the pieces by thickness (loins, medium cuts, crumbs) to calculate cooking times more accurately.
Desalination times according to the cut
The time varies depending on the thickness of the piece:
Thick cod loins : 48-72 h, changing the water every 6-8 h.
Medium fillets : 36 h, with changes every 8 h.
Cod crumbs or trimmings : 30 min under cold water or 2 h in the fridge with a couple of water changes.
Always place the cod with the skin facing up , as that's where more salt accumulates.
Quick method (when you don't have time)
Did you forget to soak it? No problem. There are tricks to desalinate it faster:
1. Wash the pieces well under cold water.
2. Cut them into smaller portions.
3. Change their water every 2 hours.
4. In the last 2 hours, soak them in cold milk with a couple of cloves of garlic . This tenderizes the meat and reduces the salt.
⚠️ Note: the flavor will be good, but not identical to the slow method.
How to tell if the cod is ready
1. Try a small piece raw: it should be tasty, but not excessively salty.
2. The texture should be firm but juicy , without being hard or rubbery.
3. If it's still strong, leave it in the water for a few more hours.
Common mistakes you should avoid
❌ Using hot water: it can "cook" the cod prematurely.
❌ Not changing the water often enough.
❌ Leave it out of the refrigerator: it may ferment.
❌ Mixing coarse and fine cuts in the same container.
Ideal recipes according to the type of desalted cod
1. Thick loins : cod in pil-pil sauce, baked with potatoes, in the Biscayan style.
2. Medium-sized fillets : stews with legumes, cod with tomato, tortillas.
3. Crumbs or trimmings : croquettes, fritters, brandade, salads such as esqueixada.
Is it better to buy already desalted cod?
At Bacalalo, we work with desalted cod that's ready to cook. This has advantages:
Save time and effort.
It has just the right amount of salt.
It keeps well when refrigerated or frozen.
However, desalting at home gives you control over the flavor, ideal if you're looking to personalize your recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum time required to desalinate cod?
It depends on the thickness, but thick loins need at least 48 hours.
Can I desalinate cod at room temperature?
No, always in the refrigerator. It can ferment at room temperature.
What do I do if it's still salty after cooking?
You can boil it for 5 minutes in water and add sauces with onion or tomato to help balance the salt.
Can it be frozen after desalination?
Yes, no problem. That way you'll have cod ready to use whenever you want.
If you'd like to delve deeper, you can also consult the extended version of the resource on how to quickly desalinate cod at Claude.ai . There you'll find additional information to help you perfect your technique, although remember that at Bacalalo.com we always share the most comprehensive guide, tailored to Mediterranean cuisine.
Conclusion
Now you know how to desalinate cod quickly and easily at home , using both traditional and express methods. With a little organization, you'll get juicy, flavorful cod, perfect for your recipes.
If you prefer to save time, go to Bacalalo.com You will find quality desalted cod, ready to enjoy in your kitchen.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!