Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, these salted cod fritters are enhanced by a creamy, spicy scotch bonnet aioli. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends soaked and flaked salted cod fillets, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Add 3/4 cup water gradually and mix until a thick batter forms.
  2. Step 2: Fold in 8 oz soaked and flaked salted cod fillets, 3 finely chopped scallions, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing to combine.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer fritters to paper towels to drain.
  4. Step 4: For the aioli, mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise with 1/2 deseeded and finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper and 1 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the warm fritters with the scotch bonnet aioli for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Salted Cod Fritters with Scotch Bonnet Aioli?

Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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