Caribbean Salt Fish (Easy Bacalao Fish Recipe)
on Nov 17, 2021
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This simple Salt Fish recipe is a favorite in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. Savory salted cod is filleted and torn into small pieces and sautéed with herbs and spices. Known as bacalao in Spanish-speaking countries, this recipe is quick, easy and delicious.
As the name suggests, salt fish is quite salty. It’s fairly common to soak the fish overnight in water before cooking to reduce the saltiness. Saltfish can be enjoyed on its own or alongside ackee for Jamaica’s national dish.
What is Salt Fish?
In the Caribbean, “salt fish” is the name given to meaty white cod that has been salt-cured. The curing process dries out the fish and preserves it for longer storage. Less commonly, other kinds of fish such as snapper will be salt-cured, but generally speaking “saltfish” refers to salted cod.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salt Fish: broken into small pieces or shredded
- Vegetable Oil
- Garlic
- Yellow Onions
- Mixed Bell Peppers
- Fresh Thyme
- Hot Banana Pepper
- Optional Ackee
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Caribbean Salt Fish
- Desalt the saltfish by placing in a medium bowl and covering with boiling water. Soak overnight and discard the salty water.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds or just until fragrant. Then add the onion, tomatoes, thyme and hot pepper.
- Cook uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes until softened and reduced somewhat, stirring every few minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the reserved salt fish and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add optional ackee. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Tricks
- It’s best to soak the fish in water before cooking to remove the excess salt and to rehydrate the fish so it will be less dry.
- One of the most delicious ways to enjoy saltfish is by sautéing it in a skillet with herbs, spices and hot pepper.
- Add your salt fish after cooking the vegetables to avoid overcooking.
Variations
- Jamaican Saltfish and Ackee: This is the national dish of Jamaica. It’s made by combining sautéed saltfish with tender pieces of boiled ackee, seasoned with black pepper and herbs.
- Salted Cod Fish: Salted cod fish is another name for saltfish. For the most part, when people refer to saltfish, they mean salted cod fish, even though other kinds of fish can be salt-cured.
- Bacalao: In Spain, you can enjoy a hearty bacalao stew made with salt fish, potatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Saltfish Raw?
Yes, many people do eat raw saltfish, but you should take some precautions before doing so. It’s best to freeze saltfish to kill any possible parasites before eating raw. As with eating any raw fish, there is some level of risk.
How to Desalt Salt Fish Quickly?
Salt fish can quickly and easily be desalted by soaking or boiling the fish in a small saucepan of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. This removes the salt quicker than using plain water.
Where to Buy Salt Fish?
Bacalao or salt fish can be purchased online at popular retailers such as Amazon. There are also several websites that stock Jamaican ingredients such as jamaican-grocery.com.
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Easy Salt Fish Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces salt fish, broken into small pieces or shredded
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, or ¼ teaspoon dried
- 1 hot banana pepper, or 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional)
- 18 ounces canned ackee, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If needed, desalt the saltfish by placing in a medium bowl and covering with boiling water. Soak overnight and discard the salty water. Reserve the saltfish.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the oil and garlic. Saute for 30 seconds or just until fragrant. Then add the onion, tomatoes, thyme and hot pepper.
- Cook uncovered for 7 to 10 minutes until softened and reduced somewhat, stirring every few minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the reserved salt fish and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add optional canned ackee, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can store cooked saltfish for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
