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.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, escallion, tomato, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper in a bowl.
- Sift flour over chopped seasoning. Add water and mix to combine ingredients.
- Add salt, fish seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning to the batter. Stir to combine.
- Remove saltfish from boiling water, then place under running water to cool. Remove saltfish from the bone and flake it into pieces.
- Add flaked saltfish to the batter and combine.
- 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.
- Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
- 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.