Its subtle taste makes codfish a wonderful canvas for layering flavors. There are many ways to cook cod fish - whether it be grilled, baked, pan-fried or steamed - each technique brings out special nuances of this heathy and versatile fish.
Naturally, how to cook cod fish will depend on the style of fish you desire and the ingredients you have on hand. Here we illustrate how to cook cod fish in a variety of ways to suit your every need.
image via Northwest Wild Foods
Cod fish is found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Atlantic cod has a sweeter, milder flavor than the Pacific variety. It is beloved in countries like Portugal, Italy and Spain where locals often buy it already salted.
Wild Alaskan cod is rated as a sustainable fish by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Alaskan cod fillets are thick and have a savory flavor perfect for turning into fish and chips.
Cod fish fillets are easy to cook. If you've purchased frozen cod you can thaw it in a bowl of water. Vacuum-packed cod fish fillets can thaw in as little as 15 minutes but check the package for precise instructions. Once the fish is thawed wipe away any excess water.
Fresh cod fish fillets should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. The fish is now ready to be seasoned to your liking using staples like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.
To sauté cod fish fillets:
Baked cod fillets can be prepared in a number of ways. You could pan-sear the fish and finish it off in the oven. Or put it straight on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings then roast at 400F (205C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Another great idea is to cook the cod fillets en papillote, which involves cooking them in packets made of parchment paper. Here's how to do it:
video from Heather Pierce Giannone/Youtube
When it comes to a sauce for cod fish you can't go wrong with a classic lemon butter sauce. It's good on everything. Seriously!
Give this video a look to learn how to make a lemon-butter sauce for cod fish and other seafood:
Cod fillets are delicious served with roasted or sautéed vegetables (especially anything containing onions), pastas and rice dishes. The sky is the limit. If you are wondering what else pairs well with cod you can find inspiration in these tempting recipes:
This flavorful blend of sautéed potatoes, onions, garlic and olives with salted cod is emblematic of Portuguese cuisine.
Learn how to make bacalhau à Bras.
These crispy croquettes are made with salted cod which you could easily substitute with cod fillets. The fish is blended with potatoes and peppers then rolled in a mixture of almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios.
Click here for this tasty cod recipe.
A unique way to cook cod is the serve it with Jerusalem artichokes and rose petals.
Try this stellar recipe from chef Moreno Cedroni.
