Pollock Recipes: 7+ Easy & Delicious Ways to Cook This Fish

It all started on a cold evening at my grandmother’s seaside cottage. The waves crashed against the shore as she pulled out a fresh catch from the local market—pollock. “People don’t appreciate this fish enough,” she said with a smile. That night, she prepared the most delicious, golden-brown fish fillets I had ever tasted. That was the day I fell in love with pollock.

Pollock is often overshadowed by its more expensive cousins, like cod or halibut, but this humble fish is packed with flavor, affordable, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy seafood option, or a dish that reminds you of home, pollock has something to offer.

In this article, we’ll explore the best pollock recipes, from crispy fish tacos to comforting chowder. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why Pollock? The Underrated Gem of the Sea

Pollock might not be the first fish that comes to mind when planning a seafood dinner, but it should be! Here’s why:

Health Benefits of Pollock

• Rich in Protein – A great source of lean protein to keep you full and energized.
• Low in Calories – Perfect for those looking for a lighter meal.
• High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Good for heart and brain health.
• Contains Essential Vitamins – Packed with Vitamin B12, D, and selenium.

Sustainability & Affordability

Unlike overfished species like cod or tuna, Alaskan pollock is one of the most sustainable fish choices. Plus, it’s affordable, making it a great alternative to pricier seafood options.

Growing up, pollock was a staple in my family because it was both delicious and budget-friendly. My mother always found creative ways to prepare it, from crispy fillets to hearty fish stew. Now, let’s dive into how to pick the best pollock for cooking.

Choosing the Best Pollock for Cooking

Fresh vs. Frozen Pollock

• Fresh Pollock: Look for firm, white flesh with a mild ocean scent.
• Frozen Pollock: Ideal for convenience. Just ensure it’s labeled “wild-caught” for the best quality.

Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Pollock

• Wild-Caught Pollock (Best Choice!) – Comes from Alaska’s cold waters, ensuring a cleaner, more flavorful taste.
• Farmed Pollock – Can be more affordable but sometimes lacks the same depth of flavor.

Now that we’ve chosen our fish, let’s explore the best cooking methods.

Essential Cooking Tips for Perfect Pollock Dishes

Pollock’s mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for different cooking techniques.

Best Ways to Cook Pollock

• Baking – A healthy option that keeps the fish moist and tender.
• Frying – Gives pollock a crispy, golden-brown crust (perfect for fish and chips!).
• Grilling – Adds a smoky flavor, great for summer BBQs.
• Steaming – Retains nutrients and enhances natural flavors.
• Pan-Seared – Creates a crispy outside with a juicy interior.

When I first tried cooking pollock, I made the mistake of overcooking it. Remember, pollock cooks quickly—just 4-5 minutes per side on medium heat is enough.

Now that you’re armed with the basics, let’s jump into some mouthwatering pollock recipes!

Classic Pollock Fish and Chips Recipe

A Taste of the British Coast

The first time I had fish and chips was at a small seaside shack in Cornwall, England. The salty breeze, the crispy batter, the tangy malt vinegar—it was an experience I’ll never forget!

Now, you can recreate that classic dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 pollock fillets
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sparkling water (or beer for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Thick-cut fries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter – In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Slowly whisk in sparkling water until smooth.
2. Heat oil – In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
3. Coat the fish – Dip each pollock fillet into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Fry until golden brown – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until crispy.
5. Drain & serve – Remove fish from oil and place on a paper towel. Serve with fries and tartar sauce.

Nothing beats homemade fish and chips—crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside. Now, let’s move to a lighter option.

Easy Baked Pollock with Garlic and Herbs

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

One evening, after a long day, I wanted something quick yet flavorful. I threw together some fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, baked some pollock fillets, and was amazed at how simple yet delicious it was!

Ingredients:

• 4 pollock fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the fish – Place pollock fillets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme.
3. Add lemon slices – Lay lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish is flaky.

Serve with steamed veggies or a side of rice for a healthy, balanced meal.

Pan-Seared Pollock with Lemon Butter Sauce

A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home

I remember the first time I had a perfectly pan-seared fish at a fancy restaurant—it was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with rich buttery flavors. When I tried making it at home with pollock, I was amazed at how easy it was!

Ingredients:

• 4 pollock fillets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the fish – Sprinkle pollock fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat the pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the fillets – Place pollock in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Add butter and garlic – Reduce heat to low, add butter and garlic, and let it melt. Spoon the butter over the fish.
5. Finish with lemon juice – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and cook for another minute.
6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Serve with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes!

Crispy Pollock Tacos with Fresh Salsa

A Summer BBQ Favorite

Taco night at my house is always an event! One summer, I decided to swap the usual beef for crispy pollock, and my family loved it. The crunchy fish paired with fresh salsa and a creamy sauce was a game-changer!

Ingredients:

For the Fish:

• 4 pollock fillets
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Salsa:

• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime (juiced)
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Other Ingredients:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• Shredded cabbage for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the salsa – Mix diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Prepare the fish – In three separate bowls, place flour with spices, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each pollock fillet into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
3. Fry until crispy – Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
4. Warm the tortillas – Heat tortillas on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
5. Assemble the tacos – Place fish on a tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, fresh salsa, and drizzle with the creamy sauce.

These crispy pollock tacos are perfect for summer nights with friends and family!

Hearty Pollock Chowder for Cozy Evenings

A Bowl of Comfort on a Cold Night

One winter evening, I craved something warm and comforting, and I remembered my grandmother’s fish chowder. I decided to recreate it with pollock, and the result was a creamy, hearty soup perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pollock fillets (cut into chunks)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 4 cups fish or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add potatoes and broth – Pour in the broth, add diced potatoes, and let it simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Add pollock and corn – Stir in pollock chunks and corn, cooking for about 5 minutes until the fish is opaque.
4. Finish with cream – Pour in heavy cream and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot – Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread!

This pollock chowder is a hug in a bowl, perfect for warming up during winter.

Grilled Pollock with Mediterranean Flavors

Inspired by a Trip to Greece

During a vacation in Greece, I fell in love with Mediterranean flavors—lemon, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This grilled pollock recipe captures that delicious simplicity.

Ingredients:

• 4 pollock fillets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the fish – Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the pollock fillets and marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill – Heat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
3. Grill the fish – Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
4. Serve with fresh veggies – Pair with a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce for a light and flavorful meal.

This grilled pollock is simple yet bursting with Mediterranean flavors!

FAQs About Cooking Pollock

What does pollock taste like?

Pollock has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, similar to cod but more delicate.

Can I substitute pollock for cod?

Yes! Pollock works as a great alternative to cod in any recipe.

How do I prevent pollock from falling apart?

Use gentle cooking methods like baking or steaming, and avoid overcooking. If you’re using cast iron cookware, make sure to follow proper cleaning methods to maintain a non-stick surface.

Is pollock a healthy fish?

Absolutely! Pollock is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re curious about other nutrient-dense foods, check out whether farro is gluten-free and how it can fit into your diet.

What side dishes go well with pollock?

Try serving pollock with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. If you’re looking for something hearty, consider a dense bean salad for a protein-packed side dish.

Can I freeze cooked pollock?

Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Pollock is one of the most versatile, affordable, and delicious fish you can cook. Whether you prefer it crispy in tacos, comforting in chowder, or light and healthy on the grill, there’s a pollock recipe for every occasion.

Next time you’re at the store, grab some pollock fillets and try one of these recipes—you won’t be disappointed! And if you’re curious about expanding your seafood knowledge, check out how pollock compares to other fish, like in this article on Korea’s most popular food which can be a great pairing with seafood dishes.