Pollack

[Safiya]

I've just taken a bag of fish out of the freezer. I thought it was cod when I bought it but its Alaskan Pollack. Is this similar to cod? Is it a strong tasting fish? I'm cooking for someone who isn't a big fish lover so hoping it's not strong tasting.Thanks

[Old_Geezer]

Surely all white fish taste much of a muchness as they are so bland.

I'd not class myself as a great fish lover, but it is the blandness I'm not that keen on. In a fish & chip lot, it's the batter that forms a large protion of the fish's appeal.

Personally i find strong tasting fish tend to be more interesting.

[ummmm]

Not as meaty as cod...but tastes more or less the same.

[Safiya]

She's exactly the opposite Old Geezer, she likes the blandness and hates a stong taste

Thanks ummmm

[carolegif]

I bought some of this once - frozen from Lidl. It was so grey, strong tasting and awful I gave to my cats who loved it!
Chefs have started using it, but they get the very expensive fresh caught stuff which is a million miles away from the supermarket rubbish.

[Safiya]

I bought some fish from lidl a few weeks back, think it was cod or haddock and it was horrible. This is from Iceland but if its anything like you described my neighbours cat will be getting a treat :s

[Clanad]

Here in the "lower 48" of the U.S., we see a lot of Alaskan pollock... pretty close to cod but it's not in the same family... the flesh isn't as firm. Since it's white meated fish it's not oily like salmon or lake trout. Pretty good fixed simply on a baking sheet with only a little olive oil and sprinkled with salt, pepper and a little oregano... just takes minutes in the 350 degree (F) oven to finish...
By the way, most of the imitation crab one sees in the store or even in sushi is actually treated pollock...

[Safiya]

Thanks clanad :-)

[pastafreak]

If it's the Iceland frozen fish portions-yes,they will be quite mild tasting. I think you will be safe to serve it.

[Safiya]

Thanks pastafreak, I'm unsure whether to just throw them or brave it

[venator]

My Leith's Fish Bible lists it with the cod family, but doesn't give a single recipe using it. 'Nuff said!
A nice thick beer batter hides many sins, or there are some lovely Indian fish masala dishes.

[Safiya]

Thanks venator, that really makes me wonder if it's worth cooking lol. I thought of a fish curry, the comments about the flesh not being as firm/meaty as cod are putting me off, I'm imagining it all watery and irky.

[bushbaby_de]

A lot of fish fingers are made with Pollack now. It's a really non-offensive white fish. I'm not a fish lover but I'd eat it!

[Safiya]

hi bushbaby, thanks for that. Think I might make the kids guinea pigs :-D