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Saltfish Fritters (Codfish Fritters) - recipe card

Jamaican Saltfish Fritters

Jamaican Saltfish Fritters are one of the pinnacles to Jamaican cuisines known to many. This easy breakfast treat is a favorite of my family. Ingredients include salt cod and a flour-based batter combined and fried until golden brown.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup saltfish flaked
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup bell peppers chopped
  • 1 small tomato diced
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed, sliced
  • 2 stalks escallion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fish seasoning
  • 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • ½ cup water
  • Vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. In a medium pot, add water and saltfish. Place on medium heat, uncovered, and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, escallion, tomato, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper in a bowl.
  3. Sift flour over chopped seasoning. Add water and mix to combine ingredients.
  4. Add salt, fish seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning to the batter. Stir to combine.
  5. Remove saltfish from boiling water, then place under running water to cool. Remove saltfish from the bone and flake it into pieces.
  6. Add flaked saltfish to the batter and combine.
  7. Add oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup of batter to hot oil and fry until the outer edges become golden brown. Flip to repeat.
  8. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
  9. Serve.

Notes

Notes for Making Saltfish Fritters 

  • If the batter is too thick, gradually add small amounts of water for a smoother mixture. 
  • Fry your fritters in batches to prevent using a lot of oil. You can start with 3 tablespoons of oil and add gradually from there. 
  • If the batter is too runny, add one tablespoon of flour to thicken. 
  • Always boil your saltfish to remove the added salt used as a preservative for the fish. You may taste-test a piece of the fish to determine the levels of saltiness.