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What is Hake?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

"Hake" is a term that is used to refer to several members of the cod family of fish. In all cases, true hake as a food is considered to be the lean sections of the cod. Not all types of cod qualify as this type of cooking fish. Generally, the term is reserved for deep-sea cod only.

Preparation Methods

Hake fillets.
Hake fillets.

As with many types of freshwater and saltwater fish, hake can be cleaned and filleted for various types of culinary preparation. The seafood can be baked, battered and fried, and it is even used in soups and stews in some cultures. Hake also can be served whole, and it is excellent for broiling in an oven or slow cooking on a grill.

Its agreeable texture and light flavor make this type of seafood very popular in many parts of Europe and in the United States. The fish freezes well — an attribute that makes it popular among the producers of frozen foods. Along with being used for pan frying or oven frying, white hake also is considered to be an excellent selection for poaching.

Hake is a type of deep-sea cod fish.
Hake is a type of deep-sea cod fish.

In addition to mincing it or cooking it whole, it is possible to create fish steaks from the cod. These steaks are somewhat like those made from salmon and can be prepared in much the same manner. The addition of lemon or lime juice, along with spices and herbs of choice, can create a tasty and heart-healthy entrée for lunch and dinner. Hake can be used to create a dramatic presentation for more formal meals or prepared simply for more casual gatherings.

Nutrition Information

The fatty oils found in hake promote the production of HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol."
The fatty oils found in hake promote the production of HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol."

For people who are conscious of avoiding the cholesterol content found in many red meats, preparing hake can be an excellent alternative. The fatty oils found in the fish are considered to promote the production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, whereas red meats often are loaded with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. Fish also is considered to be essential for proper cardiovascular health and brain function, so it is beneficial for it to be eaten several times a week, possibly using a different recipe each time.

Affordability

Hake's popularity and ease of cooking are why it is widely available in many supermarkets. The fillets usually are flash-frozen to lock in the taste and texture. In terms of price, cod of this type are among the more reasonably priced types of seafood, making it easy for consumers to purchase the fillets in bulk and save money without skimping on nutrition.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1006143

I just purchased salted hake. Should this be rinsed or soaked to remove the salt before baking or frying?

luke1

I'm trying a new diet. Every day I eat two small pieces of hake on brown bread lettuce with a touch of mayonnaise. I'm also exercising with a 10 mile walk daily. I want to lose 42 pounds. Is hake a healthy option and would you suggest eating it as regularly as I do?

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    • Hake fillets.
      By: nito
      Hake fillets.
    • Hake is a type of deep-sea cod fish.
      By: Edward Westmacott
      Hake is a type of deep-sea cod fish.
    • The fatty oils found in hake promote the production of HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol."
      By: blueringmedia
      The fatty oils found in hake promote the production of HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol."