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Whole Cod Fish for Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to whole cod
About whole cod
If you're eager to prepare a stunning meal that's designed to delight everyone at the table, a whole cod is a perfect pick. To get all the ingredients you need, you don't even have to leave the house. Browse your local supermarket's selection online and order your entire shopping list via Instacart. Choose same-day delivery to save yourself a trip to the store!
When you shop for fish, it's tempting to purchase only the cuts you need, such as fillets or steaks. However, by purchasing a whole cod, you can prepare a more impressive presentation and save the more unusual parts for recipes such as stews and stocks.
When it comes to preparing a fish whole, cod is an excellent choice. As a fish that's native to the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans, cod is on the larger side and can easily weigh 10 pounds or more. This type of fish can be wild-caught or farmed, and its flesh is white when cooked. Although cod is known for its firm flesh, it also flakes nicely, making it easy to eat no matter how you serve it.
Whole cod cooking tips
Cod has a relatively mild flavor that's known for its sweet and buttery notes. You can bring out its distinctive flavors by using one of these popular cooking methods:
- Grilling: Season the cod with salt, pepper, and olive oil before stuffing it with herbs and lemon slices. Cook the fish over medium-high heat right on the grill for at least five minutes on each side.
- Roasting: Because cod is a relatively moist fish, roasting can add tons of flavor without drying it out. Simply score the skin and rub it with cooking oil, and then stuff the fish with herbs and garlic. Turn up the oven to about 450 degrees, and cook the cod for about 20 minutes or until completely cooked.
- Baking: To add even more flavor to your cod, you can bake it and serve it with sauteed vegetables. Start by rubbing the cod with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Saute the vegetables in butter separately and serve everything together.
Note that the whole fish you purchase in the supermarket often comes ready to prepare, which means it's already been cleaned. If it hasn't been cleaned, then it's essential to complete these steps before cooking the cod.
You can typically tell when cod is completely cooked if the flesh easily flakes off with a fork. While that usually means it's reached a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees, you can always use a meat thermometer to double-check. When you're ready to serve, garnish the cod with lemon wedges and vegetable dishes on the side.
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FAQs about whole cod
If you're planning to make a cod recipe, you might need to decide between buying a whole fish or individual cuts. In some ways, buying cuts is cheaper, but in other respects, purchasing a whole fish is a better deal.
When you only want a small portion, such as one or two fillets, then it's much cheaper to buy the amount of cod you need. That way, you'll only pay for the fish you're planning to use, and you won't spend money on extra portions.
However, if you're planning to use all of the parts of the cod and you don't mind devoting a little time to the cleaning process, then it's cheaper to buy a whole fish. You might not serve all the cuts at once, but you can set aside the bones and other parts for future recipes, such as fish stock.
Cod isn't necessarily bad from a nutritional or sustainability perspective. In fact, cod is considered one of the leaner fish, which means it's higher in protein and has relatively low fat.
However, for sustainability purposes, it's important to pay close attention to the label when shopping for cod. Most cod that's available in supermarkets comes from the Pacific Ocean, such as the waters around Alaska. Atlantic cod is harder to find for a reason. It's considered overfished and close to extinction, making it a much less ideal option. If you're unsure, check for a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification on any whole cod you purchase.
Comparing these two popular white-meat fish is a matter of personal preference. Both cod and tilapia are good sources of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and they have relatively firm, white flesh. However, cod is known for being naturally sweet and buttery, while the flavor of tilapia can change substantially, depending on where it's farmed. If you want a more consistent flavor profile, then whole cod is a better choice.