While traditional salt cod curing takes weeks, a quicker method exists for achieving a lightly salted cod suitable for some recipes. This isn't a full cure but offers a faster alternative.
Quick Salting Method:
This method, as demonstrated in part by Jack Stein's video ([YouTube reference missing a valid link]), involves a significantly shorter salting time.
- Prepare the Cod: Use fresh cod fillets, preferably with skin on.
- Salt the Cod: Generously cover the cod fillets with coarse sea salt. The amount of salt will depend on the size of your fillets and desired saltiness; aim for even coverage.
- Rest the Cod: Let the cod sit for approximately 10 minutes. You'll notice moisture being drawn out.
- Rinse and Cook: Rinse off the excess salt. The cod is now ready to be cooked and seasoned as usual.
Important Considerations:
- This method yields lightly salted cod, not the heavily cured version used in traditional recipes.
- The shorter salting time means less salt penetration, resulting in a less intense salty flavor.
- This technique is ideal for recipes where a milder salty flavor is desired, or where the cod will undergo further cooking that distributes flavor.
References:
- YouTube Video (Partial): Jack Stein's video (link missing) shows a similar quick salting process, emphasizing rinsing off the salt after a short resting period.
- Forking Foodie Blog: This blog post (http://forkingfoodie.blogspot.com/2014/02/salt-cod-how-to-quickly-make-your-own.html) details a method using coarse sea salt, indicating the amount of salt needed to cover the fillets. Note: This mentions a quicker method but doesn't specify exact timing.
