What’s the difference between cod and haddock? Haddock is slightly more fishy in taste and has a more delicate consistency than cod. Cod is more firm and is well-suited to grilling. Cod is slightly more expensive than haddock.
If you’ve ever enjoyed fish and chips, it’s likely that you’ve been awed by the taste of cod or haddock. Both species are among the most sought-after white fish consumed across the globe because of their tasty flavor and ability to cook.
Although cod and haddock are found in the same area and are part of the same family of fish. However, their taste and texture differ, and they can be utilized in different ways in the kitchen, to create distinctive meals.
Overview of Haddock vs Cod
| Comparison | Haddock | Cod |
| The thickness of the fillet | Thin | Thicker |
| Taste | Sweet taste Fine texture | Sweet taste Firm texture |
| Cost (2022) per fillet | $6.49 | $7.99 |
| Protein (per 3oz) | 17 grams | 20 grams |
| Calories (per 3oz) | 77 calories | 85 calories |
| Beneficial vitamins | B3, B6, B12, Selenium, Phosphorus | B3, B6, B12, Selenium, Phosphorus |
| Selenium (per 3oz) daily value | 49% | 40% |
| Phosphorus (per 3oz) daily value | 19% | 20% |
| Health benefits include | Boosts heart health Brain function support Great source of high-quality protein | Lower heart disease risk Brain function support Great source of high-quality protein |
| Can you batter it? | Yes | Yes |
| Can you pan fry it? | Yes | Yes |
| Can you oven cook it? | Yes | Yes |
| Is it gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
| Is it vegan? | No | No |
Read also: How Much is 3oz?
Find out more about the distinction between cod and haddock, as well as the best methods to cook these fish to enhance their flavors and textures.
Do Haddock And Cod Taste Different?
Because cod and haddock are from the same family of fish and are frequently located in the same areas one might think that their taste is similar.
But, that’s not the reality. Both fish are thin with white flesh their flavors are slightly distinctive.
In terms of taste, cod has an extremely mild, delicate flavor. It does not taste fishy and some even believe it’s slightly sugary.
This fish is the ideal choice for those who wish to eat more fish but don’t need a strong flavor.
Haddock has more taste than cod however it isn’t as strong as the other fish in the market.
It’s not quite as sweet tasting as cod but it is a preferred whitefish among chefs since it’s moderate enough for the majority of people, yet nevertheless has a pleasant seafood taste.
Many chefs believe that haddock should possess a similar flavor to the whitefish halibut. All of the fish listed are tasty and mild.
The flavor of cod and haddock doesn’t make difference, and some may not even notice it in terms of flavor.
If you’ve got an ingredient recipe that calls cod, and you just have haddock on hand, for the majority of the time you’ll be able to make use of the two in relation to the taste of the dish.
Does Haddock and Cod Have Different Textures?
The main difference between cod and haddock lies in the texture. They do taste different, with cod being slightly more pronounced in its “fish” flavor, where you’ll really notice a distinction is in the way they appear and feel.
Texture of Cod Fillets
Codfish fillets are large flakes as well as have a soft-firm texture. They are resistant to searing and grilling since they are more dense and sturdy than other fillets.
Pacific cod fillets are more moist content, making them unsuitable for battering or frying.
If they are raw their flesh is transparent and white-pink, and as it cooks, it will change to what appears to be an opaque white. If cooked properly, it’s flaky, moist as well as firm.
Due to its light flavor, it is a great match for numerous sauces and other meals, making it very adaptable to use at home.
Texture of Haddock Fillets
Haddock fillets feature a flake size of medium and a more tender texture after cooking. Although they are still a bit hard, these fillets are more delicate than cod fillets.
They tend to be a bit smaller than cod filets and therefore cook faster.
Like cod, the fillets of haddock are transparent white when fresh and change slightly opaque when cooked.
There’s a tiny connection tissue that is covered the flesh of the haddock, however, it doesn’t affect the flavor or texture. However, it’s a good way to differentiate the two species of fish when they’re raw.
What’s The Difference In Cost Between Haddock and Cod?
Although both fish are inexpensive, cod generally tends to be a bit higher priced than did dock generally costing approximately 1 cent higher each pound.
The difference in cost could result from overfishing, making them more costly to acquire.
Whatever way you choose, both cod and cod are reasonable options for those looking to add fish to their menus.
How Haddock and Cod Can Be Used Differently In The Kitchen?
When you cook with cod and haddock the texture will be used to determine if the fish can stand to a certain cooking technique.
Because cod fillets tend to be slightly thicker than the fillets of haddock, they are slightly more flexible in the timing of cooking.
The summer months are a wonderful opportunity to try cooking cod and haddock as they aren’t as time-consuming to cook as animal products They have a mild taste, and pair well with the fresh summer flavors such as lemons as well as fresh herbs.
Best Ways to Cook With Cod
Because of its more dense texture, cod stands up well to more intense cooking methods like grilling and pan-frying without having to worry about cooking too long. The best methods to cook cod include:
- Try grilling it on the barbecue. It is brushed with salt, olive oil, and pepper, it is quickly cooked on the grill. Grill it for around 3 minutes on each side. You may also brush the fish with butter as it cooks to stop the fish from becoming dry, and to impart the buttery taste for the fish.
- You can bake your cod using the oven. Cooking the cod with an oven can be an excellent way to impart delicious flavors in your dish without cooking too much fish.
- For baking your fish at the stove you’ll need to heat the oven to 400°F. and then brush it with olive oil salt, pepper, garlic along with lemon juice. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes to cook until it is translucent and easily flakes off with the help of a fork.
- Have a go at broiling cod over the stove. It is recommended to brush it with oil, then sprinkle it with pepper and salt before you add salt. You’ll want to broil it to a medium temperature. 3-4 inches off from the elements for 7-10 minutes until it starts to flake easily with the help of a fork.
- It’s delicious plain and served with an amazing sauce. It’s also possible to make it more interesting by searching for some spices and herbs to spice it up. You can try using curry spice rub as well as Jerk seasoning.
- You can try to deep fry the cod. Although Pacific cod might not be the best choice to deep fry, Atlantic cod holds up well when battered and then fried. It is mild in flavor that is why creating fish and chips using cod is great for people who are new to seafood.
- Consider steaming the cod. If you’re looking for a less delicate method of cooking your fish steaming it is an excellent alternative. There are many various styles to try like steaming it in a papillote pan or in the steamer basket.
- For fish that is 1 inch or thicker, you can steam for approximately 10-minutes. If it’s thinner than 1 inch, you’ll be able to steam it for around 7 minutes..
- Try pan-frying or sauteing your cod. One of the easiest ways to cook your cod is to sauté it or pan-fry it with butter. It is possible to apply a light coating of flour over the fish to give it a crisp crust or leave it simple. Make sure you season the fish with pepper and salt.
- One of the most effective methods of sautéing your cod is to cook it in butter, one side on medium-high temperature. The fish should remain in the pan for five mins until it is able to slide away from the pan if you put a spatula beneath. The bottom will be caramelized.
- Then, turn the heat down and add butter to the fry pan, and then pour it over the fish’s surface until the flesh becomes an opaque white. Remove the fish from the pan and then enjoy.
The Best Ways to Cook With Haddock
It is possible to use several of the cooking techniques described in the previous section to make your own haddock however, be aware that as the fillets are smaller, cooking time has to be cut down.
Due to its stronger taste, there are a variety of creative ways to work using haddock in the kitchen.
- Bake your Haddock with the help of an oven. Like cod, haddock stands well to baking, however it’ll require less time in the oven.
- One of the best ways to keep the moisture in the haddock is by breading it prior to baking. It is also possible to cover it with salted olive oil and pepper. You can also sprinkle a small slice of butter for those who prefer it unadorned.
- Cook at 350°F for approximately 10 to 15 mins and until fish is cooked through and easily flakes. Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook slightly after taking it out of the oven. Therefore, try to err in the direction of less is more to avoid drying out your mouthful of fish.
- You can broil your haddock by heating it in an oven. Cooking haddock in the oven is an excellent option for quick cooking time , and also some crispness on the exterior of your fish. It is possible to be imaginative with your toppings , or leave the basic. There are many recipes to experiment with.
- It is recommended to place your top rack at least six inches away from the element at the top. It takes about 6- 8 mins until the fish is cooked. Check for the transparent color and easy flaked texture to tell you the fish is cooked.
- Do you try deep-frying your Haddock. This fish is one of the top in the making of chips and fish. It is delicious in flavor and its texture stands well when cooked. Haddock is among the top chefs’ choices to batter and fry.
- Try poaching your Haddock . Poaching is a moderate method of cooking where food is put in milk, water and broth, oil or butter, and then cooked at a low heat.
- This method helps to keep the texture moist of the fish, and also provide delicious flavors from the oil or the broth.
- It is recommended to bring the poaching liquid to a simmer at a low temperature, Then add the seafood and simmer for approximately six to eight minutes. It is important to include salt in the liquid to give a great flavor to the fish.
- Try making your own haddock by pan-frying it. Another delicious option to cook haddock is to cook with oil. Sprinkle your haddock with cornmeal or flour will provide the fillet with a fantastic crispy texture. Be aware that fillets of haddock are very thin and be cooked very quickly.
- It is recommended to add salt and pepper prior to cooking. The most basic method to pan-fry for your fish is to cook it in a skillet on medium-high and before adding your cooking oil. Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side and then take it off the flame.
- Smoke your Haddock. Smoking fish is an old-fashioned method of preservation and gives a great flavor to an unappetizing fish. It’s well-suited for cold or hot smoking, and is a great way to experiment in your spice rubs as well as the kinds of wood you choose to smoke to create different flavors.
Interesting Facts & Questions
After we’ve covered the most important differences between cod and haddock and cod, let’s look at a few questions we’re thinking you’ve asked during studying this piece!
Is cod or haddock better to use for Fish and Chips?
The majority of chefs choose cod over haddock when cooking fish and chips because of its delicate texture and powerful flavor.
But, when it comes down to it both fish will make an excellent option for fish and chips as they are excellent for deep frying, and also have moderate flavors.
Is haddock a great alternative to cod?
In the majority of cases, haddock is going to be a great replacement for cod.
The only ones where haddock doesn’t perform as well as cod is when you cook or even steam your fish as the texture of cod isn’t as great for those recipes.
Do you have the option of substituting cod in place of haddock?
As haddock is substituted for cod in most recipes, you can substitute cod in many dishes. Except if you’re smoking or poaching cod and in that case, it isn’t the same way as cod.
If you plan to fry your cod in a deep pan, make sure that you’re using the Atlantic instead of a Pacific cod. The Pacific cod has more moisture, making it unsuitable for deep-frying as it may release moisture into the batter.
Where do cod and haddock cod originate from?
Both fish are located throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Haddock can be found all along the east coastline and the east coast of North America from Cape May, New Jersey all the way up to Newfoundland, Canada.
There are also plentiful on the other side of the Atlantic, specifically the North of the English Channel.
There are Atlantic and Pacific kinds of cod. The Atlantic variety is located in the area between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina towards the coastlines of Greenland.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, they are located from the Bay of Biscay on the western coast of France up to the north to the Arctic Ocean in areas around Iceland and the Barents Sea.
A Pacific type is a well-loved option for eating and is available throughout the Bering Sea all the way to the coastline of California from depths as low as 3000 feet.
