Dive into Wholesome Hake: What Does Hake Taste Like?

Hake is a fish you must try if you enjoy eating seafood.

They belong to the Cod & Haddock family and are considered a sustainable white fish option.

The flavors of the fish may differ slightly amongst the 12 or 13 species used for commercial purposes.

They are native to the Irish seas and have been used as food in Europe for many decades.

However, this white wonder is also slowly gaining popularity in the US.

A majority of commercially viable species live in deep and shallow waters of the ocean.

They’re known for their rapid growth and reproduction cycle and hence a more resourceful product choice than cod or haddock.

Let’s have a look at what does hake taste like below.

What is Hake?

Belonging to the order of Gadiformes, a type of ray-finned fish, the hake is a lesser-known variety of Cornish cod.

The fish is native to the oceans near Ireland.

Nowadays, they can be found in many different parts of the world due to human intervention.

In the culinary world, hake is slowly growing in popularity as an excellent substitute for cod and haddock.

Often it is compared to its more famous cousins in taste and flavor, but rest assured, it has earned its place in the kitchens of many top restaurants.

People have now started seeing the potential of the hake fish as a healthier meal choice thanks to its ability to reproduce rapidly.

The fish is by no means in danger of being overfished and is quite manageable to harvest daily.

Fishmongers will usually sell them frozen, frozen fillet, or fresh.

These are the three primary ways the fish is marketed, and European traders usually supply the fresh hake.

What Does Hake Taste Like?

Hake is part of the pristine white fish family served in many high-end restaurants.

Gourmands prefer to work with them because of their delicate flavors that pair well with almost anything.

In the US, many refer to them as ‘whiting’ or ‘Merluccius bilinearis’.

The texture of the fish is quite flaky and soft.

It’s got a more pinkish hue as compared to other white fish.

However, they taste just as good or even better when prepared fresh.

While preparing the fish, you’ll notice that it’s got a good balance of lean and fat content.

It does not overpower any of the dish’s other elements when being cooked in curries or paired with other foods.

There’s a subtle sweetness that lingers in the aftertaste when cooked right.

White fillets are known best for not having that overpowering aroma of the sea.

These fishes are prized for that one quality of being able to retain their delicate taste even after being bombarded with different seasonings.

They are considered a great cut of meat even by those who don’t prefer to indulge in seafood.

Since the meat from the Hake fish is relatively compact and coarse compared to cod or haddock, many Americans don’t prefer it.

But usually, the preparation style tends to contrast the flaky and soft features of the fish.

If cooked correctly, most people would choose hake over any other white fish.

How to Cook Hake?

The most notable way of preparing the hake would be battering it up and deep frying the delicious fish until golden brown.

Once it’s well done, serve it on a bed of chips along with some salt and vinegar.

Yes, that’s in reference to the classic fish and chips that every brit loves so dearly.

Other classic ways to prepare this gorgeous fillet are either pan-searing or roasting it.

It’s best to add some texture to this dainty fish as it can become soft.

This is because of its ability to retain moisture.

Since hake is originally from Europe, several European dishes incorporate the use of its meat.

There’s a wonderful Spanish clam and hake dish called the ‘Merluza a la Koxkera,’ which is a must if you want to complete depth of its flavor.

This underrated and underused cousin of the cod can be used in diverse ways in the kitchen.

You can cut them into steak portions or even cook them whole.

Mincing the meat and adding it to dishes is another innovative way of preparing your hake.

Conclusion

Your hunt is over if you’ve been looking for the ideal meat substitute and can’t afford to buy those expensive white fish fillets.

Hake an affordable choice that gives you all the benefits of eating healthy and won’t break the bank.

Plus, you’re doing the environment a favor as it’s a sustainable source of meat.

If you’ve been consciously trying to source your meat products, then this item is for you.

There are no risks of overfishing, and many people have taken the step to use hake in their kitchens.

It’s a great option for an excellent fine dining experience at a reasonable price.

You’ll get all the rich flavors and textures at seemingly impossible prices, so go ahead and try the hake.