Cod & Ginger

Cod is a mild-flavored fish that benefits from the spicy contrast of fresh ginger, and is excellent baked, broiled, grilled, poached sauteed or steamed. Adding minced or grated ginger to a tomato- or miso-based sauce gives the cod some character, and served with a whole-grain salad and veggies, provides a healthy meal.

The Seafood Watch list from the Monterey Bay Aquarium lists cod as an over-fished variety, and recommends that you buy cod that has been caught by hook-and-line fishing methods to minimize habitat damage and the catching of other species.

Health Benefits of Cod

Because cod is a lean fish, it has fewer omega-3 fatty acids than more fatty fish, such as salmon, trout or tuna. But cod is a healthy fish, nonetheless, and like all fish may reduce your risk for serious diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Cod is also a good source for vitamin D.

Ginger and Health

People around the world have used ginger medicinally for thousands of years. Ancient people took ginger for digestive troubles and to treat arthritis and heart conditions; ginger is in use today to treat flu symptoms, headaches, menstrual problems and motion sickness, as well as to alleviate nausea during pregnancy and during chemotherapy. Ginger is also used to treat inflammation due to arthritis.

Cod with Tomato Ginger Sauce

Cook cod using whatever method you prefer and top it with a flavorful ginger sauce. Mix grated ginger with a can of crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, 2 tbsp. of soy sauce and a few drops of dark sesame oil for an Asian-inspired sauce. Top the fish with a mixture of thinly sliced green onions and fried bread crumbs.

Marinated Cod

Because cod is a mild-tasting fish, it benefits from a flavorful marinade. Marinate the cod in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or just 30 minutes at room temperature. Add grated or minced ginger along with garlic and soy sauce to a balsamic or Asian-inspired salad dressing. After marinating, dry the fish and cook, using your favorite technique. If you want to use the marinade as a sauce for the cooked fish, be sure to cook the sauce thoroughly to kill any bacteria transferred to it from the raw fish.