Pacific Cod for Fish and Chips – Best Fish for Frying

by Oleg Nikitenko January 29, 2025

Pacific Cod for Fish and Chips – The Perfect Choice for a Crispy, Flavorful Meal

Fish and chips is a beloved British classic, known for its crispy golden batter and tender, flaky fish. While many types of fish can be used for this dish, Pacific Cod stands out as the best option. It offers mild flavor, a flaky texture, and sustainable sourcing, making it the ideal fish for frying.

If you're a seafood lover looking for the best fish for fish and chips, this guide will show you why Pacific Cod is the top choice, along with tips for cooking it perfectly.

🔗 Looking for premium-quality Pacific Cod? Order fresh Pacific Cod Fillets from Global Seafoods!

Why Pacific Cod is the Best Fish for Fish and Chips

1. Mild, Delicate Flavor

✅ Why It’s Great:

  • Pacific Cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the crispy batter.
  • Unlike stronger fish like salmon or tuna, Pacific Cod won’t overpower the dish.
  • It pairs well with classic tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and lemon wedges.

🔗 Looking for more whitefish options? Try Pacific Whiting for a similar mild flavor!

2. Flaky Yet Firm Texture

✅ Why It’s Great:

  • Pacific Cod has a tender, flaky texture that holds up well when battered and fried.
  • It stays moist inside while developing a crispy, golden crust on the outside.
  • The firmness of the fillet prevents it from breaking apart in the frying process.

💡 Pro Tip: Pat the cod dry before battering to ensure a crispier crust!

3. Sustainably Sourced & Environmentally Friendly

✅ Why It’s Great:

  • Pacific Cod is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
  • It is caught using eco-friendly fishing methods, minimizing environmental impact.
  • Choosing sustainable seafood helps maintain healthy fish populations for future generations.

🔗 Want a sustainable alternative? Try Lingcod Fillets for a firm, mild fish!

4. Versatile & Easy to Cook

✅ Why It’s Great:

  • Pacific Cod is perfect for deep-frying, pan-frying, baking, and grilling.
  • It absorbs flavors well, making it a great canvas for different seasonings.
  • Works well in fish tacos, sandwiches, and seafood stews.

💡 Other great frying fish options:

  • Haddock – Slightly sweeter, firmer than cod.
  • Halibut – Firmer, meatier texture (try Halibut Cheeks for a buttery texture).
  • Pollock – Budget-friendly alternative with a similar texture.

🔗 For a premium seafood experience, try Chilean Sea Bass for a rich, buttery flavor!

How to Make the Perfect Pacific Cod Fish and Chips

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Pacific Cod fillets (or Whitefish fillets )
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold beer (or sparkling water) (beer adds extra crispiness!)
  • ½ tsp baking powder (helps create a light batter)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika or Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Gradually add cold beer or sparkling water, whisking until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the bubbles to activate.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the batter cold for the crispiest results!

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper.
  3. Dredge each fillet in flour first, then dip it into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.

💡 Why Flour First? This helps the batter stick better to the fish.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully lower each battered fillet into the hot oil.
  3. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

💡 Pro Tip: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve with crispy fries, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and malt vinegar.
  • Add a side of coleslaw or mushy peas for an authentic British experience!

🔗 Want the freshest cod? Order Pacific Cod Fillets today!

FAQs About Pacific Cod for Fish and Chips

1. Is Pacific Cod a healthy choice?

✔️ Yes! Pacific Cod is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium.

2. Can I use other types of fish for fish and chips?

✔️ Absolutely! While Pacific Cod is a top choice, other great options include:

  • Haddock (slightly firmer and sweeter)
  • Pollock (similar texture, more affordable)
  • Halibut (meatier, premium choice)

🔗 Try Lingcod Fillets for a unique, firm texture!

3. Is Pacific Cod expensive?

✔️ No! Pacific Cod is affordable and widely available, making it a great choice for budget-friendly seafood meals.

4. Can I bake or air-fry Pacific Cod instead of deep-frying?

✔️ Yes! You can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes for a healthier option.

Conclusion: Pacific Cod – The Best Fish for Crispy, Delicious Fish and Chips

When it comes to making the perfect fish and chips, Pacific Cod is the ultimate choice. It offers:

✔️ Mild, delicious flavor that complements crispy batter.
✔️ Flaky yet firm texture that holds up well when fried.
✔️ Sustainable sourcing, making it an eco-friendly option.
✔️ Versatility for frying, baking, and grilling.

If you’re a fan of classic fish and chips, give Pacific Cod a try and experience its deliciously crispy perfection!

👉 What’s your favorite way to enjoy fish and chips? Let us know in the comments!

🔗 For premium seafood, visit Global Seafoods .

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