Nothing beats the taste of a well-cooked black cod. No doubt, we all love it, but there are times when you may want to opt for its substitute. What if it is not available at your nearby market? Or you probably want to try a new dish.
In this article, we intend to cover the best substitutes for black cod. If you cannot get a black cod for some reason, consider trying these substitutes. Let’s get started without any further ado!
Black Cod Substitutes
Below are some healthy substitutes for black cod.
Commonly known as Patagonian toothfish, Chilean sea bass is the first substitute on our list. It has a nice umami flavor that closely resembles black cod, making it a great substitute for black cod.
It is native to the Southernmost regions of South America and likes living in cold waters. Although the Chilean sea bass fish varies greatly in size and weight, it can be up to two meters in size, and its weight can range from 35-60 kg.
What Makes Chilean Sea Bass a Good Substitute?
The oily meat of Chilean sea bass may make you think that it is unhealthy. However, that is not the case. Many health benefits have been associated with Chilean sea bass. For starters, it is rich in protein.
Any expert will tell you the importance of protein for a properly functioning body. It reduces the ghrelin level in your body, thus making you feel full. For those who do not know, ghrelin is the hunger hormone that stimulates appetite. It also helps your body fight free radicals.
In addition to that, Chilean sea bass contains many vitamins, such as vitamin D. It promotes the health of bones, teeth, and muscles. Having said that, the high price of Chilean sea bass may be a deal-breaker for some people. If you are not willing to spend much, salmon would be a better option for you.
- Salmon
Salmon is another excellent substitute for black cod. It can be cooked into many recipes, making it a versatile option. Whether you want to grill or pan-sear, you can do it all. What’s even better? It is readily available all over the world.
Visit your nearby supermarket, and you will likely find it there. A properly cooked salmon fish will have a rich taste. It is anadromous, which means it lives in both fresh and salted water.
What Makes Salmon Fish a Good Substitute?
Salmon fish offers lots of health benefits, just like black cod. It is full of omega 3- a fatty acid that improves your heart’s health. This substance helps prevent heart disorders and stroke. Besides, it also protects your body from cancer and a few other dissidents.
This substance is essential for our survival, but our body cannot make it on its own. This is why it must be included in your diet. Regular consumption of salmon fish has been associated with better brain health and memory.
Various studies have shown that it is effective against depression, Alzheimer’s, and several other disorders. It has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Moreover, it contains vitamin B12, which can improve the health of the central nervous system. All these benefits make it a healthy alternative to black cod.
- Halibut
Moving on with our list, we have halibut. It is a gigantic fish and can weigh up to 400 lbs. It has a mild taste similar to black cod. Its meat is lean and can be grilled, steamed, or sauteed. It is indigenous to eastern and western areas of the North Pacific Ocean but is widely eaten across the globe.
What Makes Halibut a Good Substitute?
The major part of the reason why halibut can be used as a substitute for black cod is that it is full of healthy nutrients. Talking about the health benefits of halibut fish, it is a great source of several vitamins, including vitamins A, D, and E.
Vitamins A and E have antioxidant properties and discourage the growth of free radicals. Moreover, halibut contains fewer calories than other black cod substitutes. This is why it is often recommended for people who want to lose weight.
- Haddock
Haddock is the last substitute for black cod on our list. It lives in cold, deep waters, usually near the sea floor. Its meat texture resembles black cod and is often called cod’s cousin.
However, its taste is slightly sweeter than black cod and has a lower oiliness level than most alternatives. It can be used in many recipes and is super easy to cook.
What Makes Haddock a Good Substitute?
Haddock is another healthy alternative to black cod and is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in protein and antioxidants, such as selenium. Selenium repairs the damaged cells in your body, thus protecting it from many diseases.
It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that slow plaque development in arteries and regulate blood pressure. Besides, it reduces the level of bad cholesterol too.
The Bottom Line
Black cod is loved for its supreme taste and health benefits. If you cannot find it at a supermarket, we have put together a list of some best alternatives to this fish.
Chilean sea bass, salmon, halibut, and haddock are some alternatives that you can try. All substitutes can be pan-seared, roasted, or grilled and pack many healthy nutrients.