How Frozen Haddock Is Prepared

Breaded fish from the frozen haddock is a dinner staple in many households, and not just because it’s fast and easy to prepare. The fact that it’s blanketed in a crunchable coating that can be dunked in sauces from tartar to ketchup likely contributes to its broad appeal.

But “fresh” doesn’t necessarily equate to superior quality, and there is a lot that can happen between when fish is caught and when it ends up on your plate at home. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between the various frozen seafood products on store shelves.

Delectable Frozen Haddock: A Classic Choice for Seafood Lovers

How fish is frozen can make a big difference in its texture and flavor, as well as whether or not it retains essential nutrients such as vitamin Bs (folate, cobalamin, thiamin and pantothenic acid). Frozen at sea, which is the ideal approach for preserving freshness, means that the seafood was quickly frozen right after catching. It then goes on to a processing facility where it is dehydrated, packaged and shipped in close-fitting moisture-proof plastic bags to ensure that there are no signs of funky odors or freezer burn.

Our top pick for frozen haddock comes from Trader Joe’s, which offers sizable breaded fillets that are golden brown and flaky without being spongy. The batter, which contains a mix of wheat flour, soybean oil, salt, yeast and cornstarch, has a good crunch and is seasoned with paprika and garlic powder. We also love that the packaging identifies the type of fish and where it was sourced, making it easier to select a product that meets your sustainability criteria. When cooking, preheat a heavy nonstick skillet or ridged stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat and brush both sides of the fish with olive, canola, or peanut oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flip and continue cooking 6 to 8 more minutes until the fish is opaque and browned.