We’ve teamed up with our friends at the True Alaska Pollock Growers Association to introduce you to your new favorite fish.
Today’s question: Are all white fish the same? Recipes that call for white fish often give that impression, without specifying which one to use. But I’ve long suspected that one of them is the most important (just look at my signature for a clue).
And it turns out he was right. Pollock, specifically Alaska pollock, is light and flaky, with a mild flavor that makes it exceptionally versatile. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids (the ones that benefit the brain and heart), and most importantly, it’s delicious, pure and simple.
Equally impressive are the people who power the wild Alaska pollock fishery. Meeting them in this inspiring video will give you a glimpse of the incredible people who bring wild Alaska pollock to our tables. You’ll see how the fishery benefits not only diners at home, but also the people behind the wild Alaska pollock product.
“In my opinion, it’s the cleanest fishery in the world,” says Jeff Crain, an industry leader. And he’s not wrong: The wild Alaska pollock fishery, located in Unalaska, home to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, is the largest sustainable fishery in the world, independently certified by both the Marine Stewardship Council and the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management program. And it’s the heartbeat of the people there. Vincent Tutiakoff, mayor of Unalaska, knows this firsthand. “Wild Alaska pollock is important to the continued development of this community,” he says.
So there you have it: Wild Alaska pollock is pretty special. And given the dizzying number of seafood options and confusing guidelines about what’s safe to eat and how often, it’s good to know you’re making a great choice. Sourced directly from the pristine waters off the coast of Alaska, wild Alaska pollock reflects transparency, integrity, and ethical sourcing. And none other than the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) endorses it as a smart seafood choice because it’s sustainably managed, responsibly caught, and not subject to overfishing.
I love the sound of that. I bet you do too. So, to get you started on cooking with Alaska pollock, I’ve picked out four of my favorite recipes.
1. Pasta broth with tomato, white fish, shallots and capers
This light and fragrant dish is, in essence, a trip to the coast to delight the senses. With fresh tomatoes, sautéed capers and tender pieces of Alaska pollock perfectly complementing the almost al dente pasta, this will become the recipe you turn to every time you dream of summer.
2. Fish tacos
This Taco Tuesday-ready recipe calls for broiling, which keeps the Alaska pollock moist and lets you control the cooking speed. The result: a simple, low-maintenance offering that’s about to join your weekly rotation.
3. Fish meunière
If you love to KISS (that is, keep it simple, baby!), read on. This recipe lets the beautiful, delicious Alaska pollock shine, and will impress your guests in about 20 minutes. Voila, dinner is served.
4. New England Style Fish Chowder
There’s nothing like a hearty fish soup to fill you up. Whole Alaska pollock fillets accompanied by Spanish chorizo make this soup especially aromatic and, frankly, irresistible. Excuse us while we dig in.
The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers Association (GAPP) is a nonprofit organization that champions one of the world’s most sustainable and nutritious seafood products: wild-caught Alaska Pollock in the U.S. With a mission to drive demand and awareness for the fish, they work to spread the word about this sustainable, nutritious, and delicious wild-caught protein source that comes directly from the responsibly managed fishery in the Bering Sea.
