How to Salt Cod (5 Steps)

If you can't find it in your local store, there is a quick way to make your own salt cod, also known as baccala. Salt cod is also an ingredient in many delicious recipes like creamed baccala and baccala stew. Many people enjoy this salted fish in different dishes during lent.

Things You'll Need

  • cod fillets
  • sea salt
  • shallow dish
  • plastic wrap

Instructions

  1. Rinse each fillet in cold water and pat lightly with a paper towel or cheesecloth.

  2. Rub the salt thoroughly into the fillets. Be careful not to tear your cod fillets. Rub each side of the cod fillets with the sea salt. The surface of the fish should be completely covered with sea salt. And sprinkle another coating of sea salt in the bottom of your shallow dish and lay the salted fillets on top of it.

  3. Cover your fillets with plastic kitchen wrap. Press the wrap down onto the surface of the fish. Do not just cover the dish. Make sure to remove all of the air from around the fillets for optimum salting.

  4. Place the dish of wrapped cod fillets in the refrigerator. You want to salt your cod for about 24 hours. To salt the fish evenly, turn the fillets at least once, preferably at the halfway point of the salting process. Be sure to re-wrap the fillets after turning.

  5. Remove it from the dish after 24 hours has passed. Rinse it thoroughly in cool water. Pat the fish dry. Now your fish is ready to use in whatever recipe you like.