Pollock is a white, flaky fish with a delicate flavor and slightly firmer texture. In this article, I will answer some frequently asked questions about pollock fish and instruct you how to cook pollock in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Pollock on Stove
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of pollock fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat the pollock fillets completely dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pollock fillets in the pan skin-side down. Cook for 4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Flip the fillets over and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side.
Add the butter, garlic and parsley to the pan. Once the butter melts, baste it over the tops of the fish continuously for 2 minutes using a spoon. This buttery garlic sauce will flavor and glaze the fish.
Transfer the seared pollock to a serving plate and pour the garlicky pan sauce over the top. Garnish with another tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the tender flaky fish for added brightness. Enjoy!
2. How To Cook Pollock in Oven
Ingredients
- 4 pollock fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place the pollock fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
Drizzle the lemon garlic butter mixture over the pollock fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.
Place the baking sheet with the pollock fillets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pollock fillets rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the baked pollock fillets with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish, if desired.
3. How To Cook Pollock in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 pollock fillets (4-6 oz each)
- 1⁄2 cup cornmeal
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Pat pollock fillets very dry with paper towels. Combine cornmeal and Cajun seasoning in shallow bowl.
Brush each fillet lightly with olive oil then dredge in cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so it sticks evenly.
Arrange coated fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Mist tops lightly with additional olive oil spray if desired.
Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Carefully flip fillets and continue cooking another 5-6 minutes until cornmeal coating is crispy and golden brown while fish flakes easily in thickest parts when tested with a fork.
Serve air fried pollock immediately with fresh lemon wedges. The delicate fish stays moist within the crispy, spicy exterior for magic contrast.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
4.1. Is Pollock a Cheap Fish?
Yes, pollock is generally considered an affordable and economical fish option. When compared to more premium white fish like cod or halibut, pollock is almost always cheaper in stores and restaurants. Its low price makes it accessible for consumers looking for an inexpensive source of lean protein.
4.2. What Does a Pollock Fish Taste Like?
Pollock has a mild, delicate flavor and light texture similar to cod or halibut. While not as flaky or dense as cod, pollock holds up well in fish dishes and soaks up flavors from spices, herbs, and sauces nicely.
When cooked properly, pollock has a soft, moist bite and scant fishy taste. Its versatility and neutral taste makes it an approachable fish for people who don’t enjoy strong “fishy” flavors.
4.3. Is Pollock a Good Fish To Eat?
Yes, pollock is a tasty, healthy fish option full of dietary protein and omega-3 fatty acids. As a white fish, pollock tend to be lower in unhealthy fats or contaminants compared to some fattier fish. Pollock also contains good amounts vitamin B-12, niacin, selenium and phosphorus.
