Culinary Uses & Everyday Applications
Rich in flavor and wonderfully versatile, salted cod is a cornerstone ingredient in many traditional seafood dishes.
🍅 Bacalao in Tomato Sauce
Simmer with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and bell peppers for a Mediterranean-style preparation.
🥔 Bacalao with Potatoes
Bake or stew with potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a hearty family meal.
🍲 Seafood Stews & Soups
Add flaked bacalao to seafood stews, soups, and vegetable-rich dishes for savory flavor and a substantial texture.
How to prepare & cook SALTED cod loin FILLETS
01Thaw & Desalt: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Place the cod in a container of cold water and keep refrigerated while soaking. Change the water every 8 to 12 hours until the desired salt level is reached. Thick loin portions may require approximately 24 to 48 hours, depending on the level of salting and personal taste.
02Pat Dry & Cook: Remove the cod from the soaking water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
Simmer or Stew
- Add the desalted cod to tomato sauces, stews, or soups.
- Simmer gently for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F) and the flesh flakes easily.
Bake
- Arrange the cod in a baking dish with olive oil, garlic, onions, and vegetables.
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on portion thickness, or until the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F).
Poach
- Gently poach the desalted cod in broth, olive oil, or tomato sauce for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, or until cooked through.
*Cooking times are approximate and vary depending on portion thickness and cooking method. Use internal temperature as the final guide.
**Salted cod may be used directly in some recipes, but the final saltiness of the dish will be significantly higher than cod that has been soaked and desalted. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Recipe: Bacalao with Tomato, Olives & Bell Peppers
15 min Prep | 35 min Cook | Serves 4
Directions
01Desalt the cod according to the preparation instructions. Pat dry and cut into serving-size pieces.
02Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the onions and bell peppers for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened.
03Add the garlic and paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, olives, and bay leaf. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
04Nestle the cod pieces into the sauce. Cover and cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 63°C (145°F) and the fish flakes easily.
05Remove the bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve with steamed rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
Note: No additional salt is usually needed, especially after thorough desalting. Taste the sauce before adjusting the seasoning.
| Reference Nutritional Values (salted cod, raw) | Per 100 g | % DV* |
| Calories | 109 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 0.9 g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 6,764 mg | 294% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | — |
| Protein | 27 g | 54% |
| Calcium | 145 mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% |
*Reference values are based on comparable salted cod. Actual nutritional values may vary by product, salting method, and preparation.
Storage
Proper frozen storage helps maintain the quality, texture, and flavor of salted cod.
01Keep Frozen: Store continuously at −18°C (0°F) or below until ready to thaw and prepare.
02Keep Sealed: Keep in the original vacuum-sealed packaging until use to help prevent freezer burn, dehydration, and flavor loss.
03Delivered Frozen: Delivered frozen through temperature-controlled cold-chain handling across Metro Manila or available for local pickup in Makati City.
Shelf Life
Refer to the packaging for the applicable best-before date.
01Frozen Storage: Store at −18°C (0°F) or below and consume before the best-before date indicated on the packaging.
02After Thawing: Keep refrigerated after thawing. If desalting, soak under refrigeration and change the water periodically according to your preferred salt level. Once thawed, cook within 1–2 days for best quality. Avoid refreezing after complete thawing.
03After Cooking: Store leftover cooked bacalao in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1–2 days.