How to cook Rock Cod?

[auntieshelly]

My neighbor left me a message today saying that he went fishing (California North Coast) and will be bringing me fresh Rock Cod tomorrow. I have never cooked this type of fish. Does anyone know anything about it and, perhaps, an idea for cooking it? Is it a tender flaky fish or more firm like swordfish? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!!

[unmuzzleme]

I don't know from hands on experience, but I've heard that rock cod is similar to red snapper in taste and texture. So, that would make it more flaky and delicate. It's probably something like regular cod, which is flaky as well, though (depending on the size of the fish) usually larger fillets.

I hope that helps!

[BreezyCooking]

From what I've read, the true Rock Cod is a lean white flaky fish with a mild taste, which can be prepared in any way you'd prepare other fish like that (regular cod, etc.).

However, I've also heard that some people use the term "Rock Cod" as a common name for other fish (like certain Groupers & other types of rock-dwelling fish), so you may have to wait & see exactly what you'll be getting.
The true Rock Cod is indigenous to your area, though, so I have a feeling you're going to be in for the real thing & some seriously fine eating!!! I'm SO jealous!!!!

[auntieshelly]

Thanks, Unmuzzleme and Breezy, for your advice. You are correct. Rock Cod can be cooked in many ways. I decided to drizzle it with olive oil, lemon juice and a few splashes of soy sauce. I added some herbs and then baked it for a very short time and it was delicious -- tender, flaky,and mild in taste. Next time, I will try to saute or grill it. I appreciate your help!!

[BreezyCooking]

Now I'm even MORE jealous!!! Sounds positively delicious. One of the things I miss since moving to VA from Long Island, NY, was that a 5 minute walk from my parents' house with fishing pole in hand netted me a lot of lovely fresh fish (flounder, porgy, weakfish, eel, bluefish, blue crab, etc., etc.).

[unmuzzleme]

Yum! Glad to help out. Wish I could taste a bit...

Let us know how grilling works. I haven't had much success with flaky fishes on the grill. Do you usually put foil down to protect the fillets?

[Swann]

Originally Posted by BreezyCooking

Now I'm even MORE jealous!!! Sounds positively delicious. One of the things I miss since moving to VA from Long Island, NY, was that a 5 minute walk from my parents' house with fishing pole in hand netted me a lot of lovely fresh fish (flounder, porgy, weakfish, eel, bluefish, blue crab, etc., etc.).

We miss not living in Virginia Beach as I went to the wharf in Norfolk to buy fish, lobster, oysters, etc and at the VBeach for a bushel of blue crabs! San Diego just does not have that kind of fishing and outlets for the consumer. We do not have those good seafood resturants either.

[auntieshelly]

Thanks, again, everyone! I will let you know if and when I get more cod and try to grill it. To answer your question, unmuzzleme, yes, I would probably use foil. My friend grills lots of fish and almost always uses foil to keep the fish from sticking to the grill and falling apart. I love your stories, Breezy and Swann, about living so close to the sea that all you have to do is walk to the wharf for your fish!! I live east of San Francisco (about a 20 minute drive) and can drive over for fresh crab, oystsers, shrimp,etc., but I rarely do so -- don't know why?!?! More fish stories later ....