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Croquetas de Bacalao

Crispy salt cod croquettes with a smooth, creamy bechamel center. Fried until golden brown for a classic tapas dish.

50 minMediumServes 4360 cal/serving

SpanishAppetizerStovetopPescatarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb desalted salt cod, shredded
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion, and cook until translucent.

  2. 2

    Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

  3. 3

    Gradually pour in 2 cups warmed whole milk, whisking constantly until a thick bechamel forms.

  4. 4

    Fold in 1/2 lb shredded desalted salt cod and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, cooking for 3 minutes until fish reaches an internal temperature of 145F.

  5. 5

    Spread the mixture on a dish and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours until firm.

  6. 6

    Shape chilled mixture into logs, dip in 2 beaten eggs, then roll in 1 cup breadcrumbs.

  7. 7

    Fry in hot 2 cups olive oil at 350F for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

Questions

Can I make Croquetas de Bacalao dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups whole milk, warmed. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Croquetas de Bacalao gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup breadcrumbs. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Croquetas de Bacalao keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Croquetas de Bacalao?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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