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Savoring the Sea: What Does Cod Taste Like?

For many of us, the term cod immediately bring cod liver oil to the imagination.

However, in reality, cod is a popular term for ground fishes belonging to the genus Gadus, according to Wikipedia.

Among them, the Pacific cod and Atlantic cod are a very popular food in many parts of the world. 

But what does cod taste like? Unless you’re a chef or a fisherman, the authentic taste of cod may be a bit elusive.

This post attempts to dig into what cod tastes like and what makes it so healthy.

In addition, you will also learn to prepare and cook cod in the best way. 

So let’s begin.

What is Cod?

what is cod

Cod is a common label for ground or demersal fishes that belong to the Gadus genus.

However, cod also refers to some fishes that do not belong to this genus.

It is a cold-water fish that prefers living in the bottom.

Cod is migratory fish with a voracious appetite and is not to be confused with a lingcod. 

It has a spotted body with a grayish to green color. Some can also be a different shade of brown and even black, similar to a haddock.

A fully-grown cod can reach up to 201 lbs or 91 kg in weight and up to 6 feet or 1.8 m in length. 

Atlantic cod and the Pacific are the two most popular cods that are used in cooking.

In addition to its flesh, cod liver is also highly sought after for its dietary benefits. 

What Does Cod Taste Like? Does Cod Taste Good?

what does cod taste like

In general, cod has a flaky white flesh like pollock and has a mild flavor.

But between the Atlantic and the Pacific cod, the former tastes a tad bit sweeter than the latter.

On the other hand, the Pacific variety is a bit savory than its Atlantic cousin.

In this regard, Pacific cod is very similar to a halibut in taste as well as texture. 

Among the marine fishes, cod comes closest to tasting like a chicken.

However, this is only true for freshly caught cod. To some extent, newly frozen cod also has a similar taste to chicken breast.

If the cod on your plate tastes different or has a fishy smell, you can be sure that it is not fresh. 

Nutritional value of cod 

Apart from its fantastic taste, cod is popular due to its nutritional benefits.

Here’s the nutritional breakdown of 100 gm of cod. 

Note: The following nutritional data is according to the USDA. The information is about the Atlantic code.

However, the nutritional value between an Atlantic and Pacific cod does not differ significantly. 

  • Protein – 17.81 g
  • Total fat/lipid – 0.67 g
  • Ash – 1.16 g
  • Potassium – 413 mg
  • Calcium – 16 mg
  • Phosphorus – 203 mg
  • Sodium – 54 mg
  • Magnesium – 32 mg
  • Iron – 0.38 mg
  • Niacin – 2.063 mg
  • Water – 81.22 g
  • Vitamin – Vitamin A, B12, C, E, D and traces of Vitamin K. 
  • Traces of folic acid, folate, choline, carotene, lycopene, and glycine, among others. 

The total energy per 100 gm of cod is 343 KJ.

How to Prepare and Cook Cod?

how to cook cod fish

Cod has a firm flesh, which makes it a delight for cooking. The fish is ideal for baking, grilling, broiling, and pan-frying.

However, the right preparation of cod can make all the difference in the final taste. 

Marinating the cod fillet is a great way to tenderize it. A mixture of citrus, herbs, and other seasonings of choice added to the fillet and resting it for an hour is one way to go.

This marinating method for cod is great if you plan to fry or pan sear the fillet.

Alternatively, a concoction of lemon juice, a dash of vinegar, garlic, and spices works excellent for baking or broiling cod. 

Cod is typically a very healthy fish, so it does not come with specific precautions while cooking.

However, since it has good sodium content, you might want to use it sparingly or skip the salt altogether. 

Furthermore, cod and other marine fishes can sometimes be a host for parasites.

These parasites can cause several health problems, including diarrhea and muscle cramps.

So it is crucial to cook the cod thoroughly to prevent these negative effects. 

Conclusion

As is evident throughout the post, cod is healthy as it is delicious.

It is very versatile for cooking and does not require a lot of preparation.

This healthy fish also cooks quickly, so you can put it on the menu without a lot of fuss, which is more reason to add cod to your menu today.

what does cod taste like

What Does Cod Taste Like? Does Cod Taste Good?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Food Taste
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
  • For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
  • Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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