This white fish, half the price of cod, is becoming the new star of Michelin-starred chefs
Faced with rising cod prices, fish lovers are looking for less expensive alternatives. A still relatively unknown white fish allows you to prepare the same recipes at a lower cost. Laurent Mariotte has also adopted it in his cooking.
Cod remains a staple in the fishmonger's aisle. But with prices that can soar, it's not always easy to include it in your meals regularly. Yet, another white fish offers tender, delicate flesh without breaking the bank. A well-known culinary personality even sings its praises.
Cod can sometimes be very expensive.
Cod is prized for its white, delicate flesh and ease of cooking. It can be found in everything from brandade to simply pan-fried fillets or baked dishes. But its popularity also comes at a price.
According to data from FranceAgriMer, the price of cod loin can reach €23.50 per kilo. The organization also tracks seafood prices at the retail and wholesale levels, allowing it to monitor price fluctuations for different species.
At that price, buying fish several times a week can quickly strain your food budget. Fortunately, there's a much lesser-known alternative that can be used in many recipes usually prepared with cod: saithe (pollock).
Laurent Mariotte is also betting on the black spot
This fish is far from being a simple substitute. Laurent Mariotte also uses it in his recipes. In a video dedicated to saithe, the columnist explains: "For this recipe, I chose saithe. It's similar to cod, and the good news is that it costs half as much."
Pollock can also be roasted in the oven, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, or simply pan-fried. Laurent Mariotte, in particular, has offered a recipe for roasted pollock tail, designed as a simple and economical dish.
Be careful when cooking
As with many white fish, the main risk is overcooking pollock. Excessive cooking can quickly dry out its flesh and make it lose its tenderness.
Whether baked, pan-fried, or used in a brandade, it's best to keep a close eye on the cooking time. With some vegetables, potatoes, or a simple lemon sauce, this fish can easily become a staple of everyday meals.