Appetizer · Main Course · Mediterranean ·

Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley

Name: Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 400g salted cod fillets; Water, for soaking and boiling; 500g russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Vegetable oil, for frying

These savory bolinhos de bacalhau are a delightful blend of salted cod, potatoes, and fresh herbs, making them perfect for any occasion.

4.9(749 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 11, 2025

Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Cod Preparation

For the Batter

For Frying

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 174 kcal
Protein: 17.83 g
Carbs: 15.67 g
Fat: 4.17 g
Fiber: 2.17 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1042 kcal
Protein: 107 g
Carbs: 94 g
Fat: 25 g
Fiber: 13 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
400g salted cod fillets	380	86	0	1	0
Water for soaking and boiling	0	0	0	0	0
500g russet potatoes peeled and quartered	380	8	87	0	12
2 large eggs	140	12	2	10	0
1 small onion finely chopped	20	1	5	0	1
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped	2	0	0	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil for frying	120	0	0	14	0

These nutrition values are estimates and not intended as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Desalting the Cod

1
Place the salted cod fillets in a large bowl.
Place the salted cod fillets in a large bowl.
2
Cover with cold water and refrigerate for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
Cover with cold water and refrigerate for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
Tip: For the best flavor, ensure the cod is soaked for at least 24 hours to remove excess salt.
3
Drain and rinse the cod thoroughly.
Drain and rinse the cod thoroughly.

Preparing the Dish

1
Boil the potatoes until tender.
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2
Cook and shred the cod.
In a large pot, boil the desalted cod for 10 minutes. Drain, remove any bones, and shred finely.
3
Combine potatoes, cod and seasonings.
Mash the potatoes and combine them with shredded cod, onion, parsley, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: ⚠ Taste the mixture before adding more salt, as residual saltiness from the cod can vary. 💡 Use a potato ricer for smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.

How to Make Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Shape the fritters
Shape the cod-potato mixture into small balls or ovals.
2
Heat the oil
Ensure the oil is heated to 180°C (350°F) for optimal frying.
3
Fry the fritters
Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4
Timing
Boiling Potatoes: 20 min; Boiling Cod: 10 min; Frying: 15 min.
5
Heat Guide
Boiling: Medium-high heat; Frying: Medium heat.