Best Ways to Cook Fresh Oregon Lingcod

Lingcod is a gnarly-looking fish that has scary-looking fangs. They look and act like a beast in the waters, though they are absolutely delicious! They have firm, yet light, flaky flesh, weighing between 10-20 pounds and measuring over 20 inches.

If you caught fresh Oregon Lingcod, you’re probably wondering how to cook it. Read on to learn all about how to cook Lingcod and impress family and friends!

 

Best Ways to Cook Fresh Oregon Lingcod

Lingcod comes from the Pacific greenling family, a native to North Pacific waters off the North American coast. They come in various colors but are usually brown or have copper blotches, known for the cod-like flesh, which is white and flaky.

It’s a fish with mild flavors, making it very versatile. It stands up well to pan-roasting, steaming, and braising. Furthermore, it’s healthy for the heart, as the meat is filled with protein, vitamins, minerals, and of course, Omega-3 fatty acids.

Now, what can you do with Lingcod? Here are the best recipes to follow when you want to cook fresh Oregon Lingcod:

 

Pan-Seared Lingcod

This is a straightforward and delicious dish that goes well with rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of Lingcod, cut into fillets
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• A quarter teaspoon of black pepper
• Half a teaspoon of onion powder
• Half a teaspoon of paprika
• One tablespoon of butter
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• Three cloves of garlic
• A sprig of fresh thyme
• A large lemon
• One teaspoon chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Dry your fillets with paper towels, then season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Place the olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat, melting the butter and the oil to heat up.
3. Place the fillets on the pan with the garlic and thyme, allowing it to cook for 4-5 minutes until it has a golden-brown crust. Don’t move it around or mess with it.
4. Flip your fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the side has browned. The fish should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, but ensure your garlic doesn’t scorch.
5. Remove your fillets from the pan and tent with foil, allowing it to rest. While it rests, adds lemon juice to deglaze your pan, then spoon the sauce over your fillets before serving it, topping it with parsley.

 

Baked Lingcod

This is a light and easy recipe that’s quick to do and easy to follow. Pair it with a lemon butter garlic sauce and your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh Lingcod, cut into fillets
• Two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, ensuring your baking pan is 4-5 inches from the heat source.
2. Prepare your Lingcod by rinsing it in cold water and cutting it into serving pieces if needed. Remove the bones using fish-bone tweezers, then lay them flat in your foil-lined baking pan. Rub olive oil on both sides of the fish, enough to coat evenly, then season it with salt and pepper.
3. Bake the fish at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. You can test if it’s cooked by gently cutting the thickest part of the Lingcod. If the fish is translucent to opaque at the center, it’s fine.
4. Allow it to rest and cook outside the oven for a few minutes, then serve your baked Lingcod with your favorite sauce. Serve it with rice, salad, or crusty bread.

 

Grilled Lingcod

This is an easy recipe you can pair with your favorite roasted vegetables. It will give off light and fresh favors!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh Lingcod without the skin and bones
• A quarter cup of olive oil
• One teaspoon of Cajun Spice
• Slices of garden or heirloom tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your broiler or chargrill at medium heat.
2. Season your Lingcod with Cajun Spice, or with salt and pepper, on both sides. Moisten your fish with oil, then place it on your grill or broiler.
3. Cook your fish for 2-3 minutes. Continue to turn and cook the fish until it’s done, with a temperature of about 140 degrees F. Take the fish out of the broiler or griller, then allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes.
4. Plate your fish with roasted vegetables and rice, then top it with tomato slices and basil.

Deep-Fried Lingcod

This is popular among the kids, because who doesn’t like fish and chips? Check out this recipe when wanting a fancy snack.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Lingcod fillets
• One teaspoon of salt
• One teaspoon of garlic powder
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of white pepper
• One ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
• 10-12 ounces of lager beer
• Peanut oil
• Lemon

Directions:

1. Cut your Lingcod fillets in smaller, equal portions. This helps the fish cook faster and make it less of a hassle to fry. Cut Lingcod with the grain to prevent it from falling apart quickly.
2. Prepare the beer batter by mixing the dry ingredients and sifting them. Afterward, use a whisk, stirring in the cold beer with the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until there are no more clumps.
3. Batter your Lingcod in a pot of oil that maintains a temperature of 350 degrees F. Drop in the battered Lingcod and let it cook for 5-8 minutes, or until it reaches 160-165 degrees F. Place it on paper towels to drain out excess oil and serve!

 

Wrapping It Up

Lingcod is a versatile fish and can be cooked in various ways and for whatever course, whether you need an appetizer, main course, or snack. By following the right recipe, you can make sure your freshly-caught Lingcod will taste as great as it looks when you serve it. Just make sure you store your Lingcod well as soon as you catch it to maintain its meat quality!

Hopefully, you learned a lot about how to cook fresh Oregon Lingcod! If you’re still planning out your fishing trip, consider hiring fishing charters and contact us now. We can help you catch Lingcod and other fish species to serve up for dinner.