We need to talk about cod.

by Audie Metcalf

If I’m being completely honest with you, I don’t love writing health articles. They require immense amounts of research, long hours of fact checking, they’re some of our least clicked on articles, and they just take a long time to write.

So I usually ask (force?) our managing editor Carolyn to write them.

But I’m breaking my own rule today to write about the most exciting health discovery I’ve made in the last handful of years.

It’s cod.

I know you wish I said Cos, the British clothing brand specializing in a sort of Danish minimalism, but sadly, no.

It’s fish.

But we SHOULD write about Cos more. God, they make nice clothes.

But back to cod.

Here are some truly gobsmacking details about cod:

Cod is an amazing source of B12—responsible for the normal functioning of our brain and nervous systems! (see, it’s that kind of link I have to go “research” for you. But I do it! Because it’s important!

8 oz of cod has 240 cals and ... 40 grams of protein. If you are someone who counts macros (rolls eyes at self) you will appreciate this deeply.
Not bashing salmon (salmon is excellent) but if you’re on a (another eye roll) health journey and are counting cals, you’ll be astonished to learn that the same amount of salmon is 472 calories and has only 5 more grams of protein. Cod also has less saturated fat than salmon.
Cod is also a low-mercury fish, so you can eat it at least once a week
It’s also a great source for Omega-3 fatty acids, which are HUGELY beneficial for heart health

Ok. Enough of these facts. Facts only go so far. How does one … eat it? And is it easy? And does the house stink of fish for days afterward?

I have answers for all.

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What to make with cod?

The world is really your oyster. Fish gets such a weirdly bad rap in terms of its difficulty to prepare, but cod is mind-numbingly simple to cook. If you’re someone who burns water, you can still make cod. My fave way to prepare it is for fish taco night with the fam, which includes a 13-year-old who is becoming horribly picky. I throw a pound and a half of cod in a big skillet over blazing hot heat until it gets flaky and charred. Maybe 4 minutes on each side. I literally throw it into a pan with some avocado oil spray and salt. That’s it. Like this:

Then I serve it with Thincredibles tortillas (which are half the cals of regular tortillas) avocado salsa, some purple cabbage, limes, cilantro, and sour cream—life’s greatest food.

My family LOVES it, it takes me about 15 minutes to make, is deeply satisfying, and comes out to around 500 cals and 50 grams of protein. Aka, the dream dinner.

Be warned, your dog will go ape for cod:

A few other superb cod meals we’ve made and loved:

• THIS truly gorgeous and easy dinner with coconut milk

• THIS Mediterranean feast

• THIS healthy fish and chips

• THIS sheet pan meal if you have no time

And so. In conclusion. Eat more cod. It’s not scary. It’s so delicious. It helps you reach your goals. Your annoying family will love it. Oh, and no. Your house won’t stink!

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. Read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.