Hello, readers! If you're a cod lover like me, you've probably come across the problem of too much salt in some recipes. But don't worry, with my effective method, you'll learn how to remove all the salt from cod without compromising the taste.
The process may seem laborious, but it's worth the effort to ensure a perfect dish. So let's get to it!

Find out how to remove salt from cod with my effective method!
Are you struggling with over-salted cod? This common problem can often ruin this delicious dish. Don't worry, though, because I have the perfect solution for you!
Find out how to effectively remove salt from cod using my efficient method. Let's dive straight into this desalting guide and make sure your cod tastes fantastic every time.
Main Conclusions
- With my foolproof method, you'll discover how to remove excess salt from cod in a practical and efficient way.
- By desalting the cod, you can balance the flavor and ensure that it is soft and juicy when prepared.
- The desalting process can be accelerated with a few infallible tips and techniques.
- There are different methods for desalting cod, but I'm going to share with you the most efficient and practical.
- It is important to take care when desalting cod to ensure the best results.
Why is desalting cod important?
Before we start talking about how to desalt cod, let me tell you why this process is so important. Salted cod is a tradition, but too much salt can totally compromise the taste and texture of the fish.
Therefore, desalting cod is essential to balance the flavor and ensure that it is soft and juicy when prepared. In addition, removing the salt from cod is essential to avoid health problems, since excessive salt consumption can increase blood pressure, for example. Finally, it's worth remembering that good desalting is the key to making your cod dish perfect!

“Salted cod is a tradition, but too much salt can totally compromise the taste and texture of the fish.”
Step by step for desalting codfish
Now that you know why it's important to desalt cod, let's go through the steps to remove the excess salt. Remember to choose a good cod and follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best result.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Buy good fresh salted cod. Check the packaging and the origin of the fish before buying. |
| 2 | Cut the cod into medium or large pieces, depending on the recipe you are preparing. |
| 3 | Rinse the cod pieces well under running water to remove excess salt and impurities. |
| 4 | Place the cod in a container large enough to cover with cold water. Add enough water to completely cover the fish. |
| 5 | Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the fridge to desalt. Leave to soak for as long as necessary, depending on the method used. |
| 6 | Change the cod water every 6 hours or according to the time indicated by your chosen method. |
| 7 | After the desalting time, remove the cod from the water and dry well with paper towels or a clean cloth. |
Now that you know how to desalt cod, let's explore the best methods for removing salt from fish.
Foolproof tips for removing salt from cod
Hello, everyone! No more suffering with salted cod, right? With these infallible techniques, you'll learn to strategies for removing salt from cod quickly and efficiently. Let's go!
First, an important tip: instead of using cold water to desalt the cod, use ice-cold water. This way, the salt is removed more easily and the texture of the fish remains soft and juicy.
One technique that works well is to change the cod's water several times over a 24-hour period. Place the cod in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 4 hours. This helps remove excess salt and ensures a milder flavor for your dish.

Another strategy is to use milk instead of water. Simply soak the cod in a mixture of milk and cold water, in equal parts, for about 24 hours. The milk helps to remove the salt and gives the fish a softer, more delicate flavor.
And if you're in a hurry, one tip is to use vinegar in the desalting process. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar to each liter of cold water. The vinegar helps speed up the process of removing the salt and leaves the cod with a milder flavor.
Finally, my last foolproof tip is to add a few slices of potato to the water in which the cod is soaking. The potatoes help to absorb the excess salt and can also be used to make a delicious mashed potato to accompany the cod.
With these techniques, I'm sure you'll be able to remove the salt from the cod efficiently and guarantee a delicious dish. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments!
Other methods for desalting cod
In addition to the traditional method of soaking the cod in cold water, there are other techniques you can try. One is the molecular cuisine technique, which consists of wrapping the cod in plastic wrap and leaving it immersed in hot water for a few minutes. This method is more efficient and can reduce the desalting time, but it requires care and attention to prevent the fish from overcooking.

Another option is to use milk to desalt the cod. Simply place the fish in a dish and cover it with milk. Let it rest in the fridge for a few hours, changing the milk every two hours. The milk helps to neutralize the excess salt and leaves the cod with a mild flavour.
For an even faster process, you can use an electric cod desalter. This device is able to remove the salt from the fish in a few hours, efficiently and practically. It's worth remembering that the investment in this equipment can be high, but it may be worth it for those who frequently prepare cod dishes.
Tips for desalting cod efficiently
When desalting cod, you need to take care to ensure that the fish is perfect. Here are some tips to help:
- Choose a large containerTo desalt cod, you need to soak it in cold water for a few hours. Choose a container large enough to hold the whole fish and ensure that it is completely submerged.
- Change the water frequently: The water in which the cod is soaked becomes salty over time, which can hinder the soaking process. desalting. It is therefore important to change the water frequently, at least three times a day.
- Leave the cod in the fridgeTo prevent the fish from spoiling or becoming contaminated, it is important to soak it in the fridge. This also helps to keep the water temperature cool, which is essential for the desalting process.
- Don't soak the cod for too long: Soaking cod for longer than necessary can leave it tasteless and with a compromised texture. The ideal desalting time is 24 to 36 hours, depending on the size of the fish and the amount of salt.
- Try other methodsIn addition to the traditional method of soaking cod in cold water, there are other techniques that can be more efficient for desalting fish. So don't be afraid to experiment and find out which method works best for you.

By following these tips, you can desalt cod efficiently and guarantee a delicious dish. Always remember to take the necessary precautions and experiment with different methods to find out what works best for you. Let's take the salt out of cod together!
Tips for Storing Desalted Cod
Once you've removed all the salt from your cod, it's time to store it properly to maintain its quality and food safety. Here are some tips for storing your desalted cod efficiently:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Keep the cod in the fridge | Once the cod has been desalted, it should be stored in the fridge to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. Opt for an airtight container, such as a food-safe plastic bag, and place it on the lowest shelf of the fridge. |
| Store for up to 2 days | Desalted cod should be eaten within 2 days of desalting. So make sure you don't store it for longer. |
| Freeze the desalted codfish | If you're not going to use the desalted cod within 2 days, the best option is to freeze it. This way, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure the cod is completely dry before freezing and place it in a food-safe plastic bag. Add the freezing date to the bag to keep track of the shelf life. |
| Avoid reusing the desalting liquid | The cod desalting liquid should be thrown away, as it contains all the excess salt that has been removed from the fish. Don't use it to cook other food, as it could end up salting your preparation. |
Remember that the correct storage of your desalted cod is essential to guarantee a delicious and healthy dish. Follow these tips to preserve the quality of your cod and try different recipes with this versatile and tasty ingredient!

Now that you've learned how to remove salt from cod, Now it's time to put it into practice and prepare delicious recipes with the fish. Here are some foolproof tips for making the most of desalted cod:
- cod dumplings: Traditional codfish cakes are a classic and delicious option. To make them, mix desalted cod with mashed potatoes, onion, garlic and seasoning to taste. Shape the dumplings and fry until golden brown. Serve with a green salad.
- Baked cod: for a more elaborate option, prepare cod in a baking dish with potatoes, onions and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Finish with olives and parsley.
- Codfish pie: For a different and tasty option, prepare a pie crust and fill it with cod sautéed with onion, garlic and tomatoes. Cover with cheese and bake until golden brown.
With these tips, you're sure to impress your guests with delicious desalted cod dishes. Don't forget to experiment with different recipes and spices to discover new flavors!

Remember that the desalting process described in this article only applies to salted and dried cod. It is not necessary to remove the salt from fresh or frozen cod. So, if you have any doubts about the type of cod you're buying, pay attention to the product description and information.
With these tips and techniques for desalting cod, you'll be ready to cook delicious dishes without worrying about excess salt. Always remember to follow the guidelines and experiment with different methods to find out which works best for you. Now all you have to do is put it into practice and delight your guests with perfect cod. See you next time!
Tips for making the most of desalted cod
Now that you know how to desalt cod efficiently, it's time to get your hands dirty and prepare some delicious recipes. Here are some tips for making the most of desalted cod:
1. Baked cod
One of the most classic cod recipes is cod in the oven. To prepare it, simply place the cod on a baking sheet, add potatoes, onions, tomatoes and olive oil and bake in the oven for around 30 minutes. The result is a succulent and tasty dish, perfect for a family meal.
2. Bacalhoada
Bacalhoada is a typical recipe from Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine, with cod, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers and olives. The preparation is simple and the result is a colorful dish full of flavor.
3. Codfish cakes
Cod fritters are a classic snack in bars and restaurants. To prepare, simply mix the shredded cod with potatoes, spices and eggs, shape the dumplings and fry in hot oil. Serve with tartar sauce or homemade mayonnaise.
4. Cod salad
For those who prefer a lighter option, cod salad is an excellent choice. Simply mix the shredded cod with green leaves, cherry tomatoes, red onion and olives. Season with olive oil, vinegar and salt to taste.
With these tips, you have everything you need to prepare delicious dishes with desalted cod. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different spices and combinations. The result is sure to be a success!
Sources
In order to write this article and share with you my foolproof technique for desalting cod, I consulted several reliable sources, such as cookery books and specialized websites. I also spoke to some professionals in the field and experimented with different methods to achieve the perfect result.
It's important to remember that desalting cod is a delicate process and requires care and attention to ensure the best flavor and texture of the fish. With the right tips and techniques, like the ones I've shared with you, I'm sure you'll be able to desalt cod efficiently and prepare delicious, succulent dishes.
Finally, we come to the end of this article on how to remove salt from cod. I hope my tips and techniques have been useful for you to prepare delicious dishes with cod without worrying about over-salting.
Remember to follow the steps and take the necessary precautions to ensure the best results. And don't forget to experiment with different methods and techniques to find what works best for you.
With desalted cod, you can prepare a variety of incredible recipes and surprise your guests. Use your creativity in the kitchen and don't be afraid to take risks!
Oh, and if you want to learn more about cooking and gastronomy, be sure to check out the other articles on our website. I'm sure you'll love them!
Until next time, and bon appetit!
Common questions
How to remove salt from cod?
To remove the salt from cod, you can follow my foolproof method. It consists of soaking the fish in cold water for a period of time, changing the water every 6 hours. This helps to desalt the cod efficiently.
Why is it important to desalt cod?
Desalting cod is important because excess salt can compromise the taste and texture of the fish. By removing the salt, you balance the flavor and guarantee a soft and juicy cod when you prepare it.
What is the step-by-step process for desalting cod?
The step-by-step process for desalting cod is simple. First, place the fish in a large bowl of cold water. Leave it to soak for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours. After the indicated time, the cod will be desalted and ready to use.
Are there any tips for speeding up the desalting process?
Yes, there are some infallible tips for speeding up the process of desalting cod. One is to cut the fish into smaller pieces, which allows the water to penetrate more quickly. Another tip is to add a few potato slices to the water, as they help absorb the salt.
Apart from the traditional method, are there any other ways of desalting cod?
Yes, in addition to the traditional method of soaking the cod in cold water, you can try other methods. Some examples are the use of milk, white wine or even immersion in cold water with ice. Each method can bring different flavors to the cod, so choose the one you like best.
What precautions should I take when desalting cod?
When desalting cod, it's important to consider a few precautions. Make sure you use cold water to prevent the fish from spoiling. Also, keep the cod refrigerated while it is being desalted. Also remember not to add salt when preparing recipes with desalted cod.
How should I store desalted cod?
After desalting the cod, you can store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in. This way, the desalted cod will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
What are the best tips for making the most of desalted cod?
With desalted cod, you can prepare many delicious recipes. Some ideas are: codfish à Gomes de Sá, codfish à Brás, codfish cakes, among other options. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy incredible dishes with desalted cod.
Can I use these techniques to desalt fresh or frozen cod?
No, the techniques mentioned in this article only apply to salted and dried cod. In the case of fresh or frozen cod, the desalting process is not necessary.
Where can I find more information on how to desalt cod?
For the preparation of this article, we consulted various sources, including cookery books, specialized websites and professionals in the field. If you want to delve deeper into the subject, I recommend researching reliable sources specializing in cooking.
Do you have any other final tips?
Now that you've learned how to remove salt from cod, Remember to follow the step-by-step instructions, take the necessary precautions and experiment with different methods. Each person may have different preferences, so it's worth trying out what works best for you. Enjoy your meal!
Verônica Ribeiro, the creative mind behind “Cozinha da Vê”, is passionate about flavors and aromas and transforms her passion for cooking into irresistible recipes. With a unique ability to combine ingredients and a special touch of affection in each dish, she conquers hearts and palates, making cooking a truly delicious experience on her blog.