Pollock – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is pollock?

Pollock is a white, round fish that is a smaller relative of the cod family. Other common names for pollock include Alaska pollock, Pacific pollock, walleye, bigeye cod, tomcod, or snow cod. The soft, white flesh of this fish has a delicate, mild flavor, and the meat tends to have somewhat of a coarse texture. 

When it’s cooked, the meat is lean, moist, and flaky. It’s often covered in breadcrumbs and is one of the most common fish used for fish fingers, fish and chips, fish tacos, and fast-food fish sandwiches. Pollock is also sometimes used to make imitation crab meat (surimi). 

Where are pollock found? 

Pollock is commonly found in the colder northern waters ranging from California to Alaska, as well as the waters in Japan, China, and Russia. The majority of commercially sold pollock are found in the Bering Sea, the Gulf of Alaska, and Russia’s Sea of Okhotsk. 

All pollock is wild-caught, as this fish is never farmed. It’s an excellent choice for anyone concerned about sustainability since it’s managed and harvested responsibly under United States regulations. The population of pollock is above target levels, and fishing for this species remains at recommended levels. There is also less than 1% bycatch, which is the incidental catch of other species while fishing for pollock. 

When is pollock in season?

For pollock caught in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea, the season is broken up into two parts. “A” season begins in late January and continues through April. This is when approximately 45% of the annual quota in the U.S. is caught. “B” season runs from mid-June through October 31st. 

Despite the defined fishing season, pollock is typically available for purchase year-round. It’s easy to find frozen pollock all the time. Fresh (never frozen) pollock may be a bit more of a challenge to find. 

What should I look for when buying pollock?

Since it’s such a popular fish, you’ll have a lot of choices when shopping for pollock in the grocery store. Not only is it commonly available in both previously frozen and frozen fillets, but if you take a look in the freezer department, you’ll also find a selection of breaded or battered pollock as well as some topped with a variety of herbs and seasonings. In addition to prepared fillets, you can also sometimes get your hands on whole pollock. 

To make sure the pollock you’re buying is fresh, look for fillets that have a firm texture. They should “bounce back” after you touch them. Fresh pollock also should not have a “fishy” smell. Instead, it should have a mild, briny smell – like the ocean. If you’re buying frozen pollock, make sure the package is intact and that the fish is frozen solid. Frozen pollock fillets should not bend. You can also check the “best by” date on the packaging. This is particularly important if you plan to store it in the freezer for a while. 

If you’re planning to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for all types of pollock via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for pollock fillets. 

How to store pollock

Fresh pollock should be kept as cold as possible as you transport it home from the store. When you get home, it’s a good idea to remove it from its original packaging and place it in a tightly sealed freezer bag. Press all the air out and place the bag in a colander. Then place the colander in a bowl filled with ice and put the whole thing in your refrigerator, preferably in the coldest part (usually the bottom drawer). When stored this way, the fish will stay good for about two days.

If you can’t cook it within two days, you’ll want to put it in an airtight bag and freeze it. Properly stored frozen pollock can stay in the freezer for about nine months. Although it will remain safe to eat after that, the quality will start to deteriorate. 

It’s important to keep your pollock frozen until you’re ready to cook it. Then, you’ll want to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before preparing it. Do not re-freeze pollock after it has been thawed. 

How to tell if pollock is bad 

If pollock has gone bad, you’ll likely notice the smell first. Pollock that has spoiled will often have a “fishy” smell, a “sour” smell, or smell like ammonia. In addition, the flesh might start to look cloudy, get soft or “mushy,” and/or get “slimy.” If you notice any change in color or texture or an “off” smell, it’s best to discard the fish. When you take pollock out of the freezer, watch out for freezer burn. This is typically indicated by ice crystals on the flesh of the fish. While you can still eat fish with freezer burn, the taste and texture may not be ideal. 

What can I substitute for pollock?

Pollock is often considered a less expensive version of cod or haddock, so you can easily substitute these two options if needed. Other fish with a similarly delicate flavor and texture include flounder, halibut, orange roughy, sea bass, or sole. You could also substitute grouper, pike, red snapper, or pompano. These fish also have a mild flavor and flaky texture. 

Add pollock to your grocery list!

Are you interested in adding pollock to your weekly meal plan? Instacart makes it easy to try new recipes! All you need to do is head over to Instcart.com, add all the ingredients to your shopping list, and let a professional shopper take care of the rest.

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