Branching Out From Old Fashioned Fish

More than likely anyone who eats fish has stumbled across cod or halibut at some point in their lives, whether it is through fish and chips or a grilled addition to a salad, these mild white fish please almost anyone's palate. Unfortunately, these days the commonly used Atlantic cod is becoming a more hazardous option for both people and the environment. With the destruction of natural habitats and prevalence of harmful toxins, people are encouraged to look to the Pacific for their seafood needs. For those who are big fans of Atlantic cod there is a close and tasty alternative in fresh Alaska Pollock.

Pollock is a nice white, mild fish very similar to Atlantic cod but without the toxins and damage to oceanic habitats. The texture of the fish is slightly softer but beyond this there are few differences between the two. Pollock can be used in almost any recipe that calls for Atlantic cod, and it has recipes of its own that play up pollock's delightful flavor. One great recipe is for citrus baked pollock. For this you will need one pound of fresh Alaska pollock fillets, two teaspoons of soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper, one clove of minced garlic, once teaspoon of lime juice, two teaspoons of lemon juice, ¼ cup of melted butter, and whatever amount of salt and pepper you would like to add.

With these ingredients assembled, begin by placing the fillets in a baking dish and combining all of the other ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the pollock fillets, making sure to thoroughly douse the fish in this delicious concoction. Preheat the oven at 400°F while preparing the fish and once it is ready place the dish in the oven and allow it to bake for about thirty minutes or until the fish easily flakes with a fork. Be sure to baste the fresh Alaska pollock twice while it is in the oven. This is only one of several wonderful recipes that allow you to enjoy the light, flaky meat of Alaska pollock, giving a lesser known fish a chance at becoming a classic like Atlantic cod.