Cod Cheeks

[vanillagorilla]

I'm going to attempt a recipe this weekend that called for large cod cheeks. I can't say I've ever seen those for sale. Does anyone know if those are available in Seattle anywhere?

If not, what is a good substitution? I would guess 1 halibut cheek cut in half would equal one large cod cheek? Or would a sea scallop be better?

[gastros]

Whole Foods also carries halibut cheeks. I bought some the last time I was there - they had a good range of sizes. My preference is for the smaller cheeks as I find the larger ones a bit tough.

[howard 1st]

it takes a cod of the size that is seldom caught these days to produce salable cheeks so these delicacies are increasingly rare - halibut cheeks will translate better than sea scallops (which will be too soft and rich) but will lack a certain depth of flavor, probably unoticeable to most diners.

[vanillagorilla]

How do they compare on size. Since I've never seen a cod cheek before I don't know how big they are. Halibut cheeks seem to usually be about 4-6oz, but I could be wrong on that.

[Daniel]

The ones I encountered were significantly smaller than halibut cheeks, about the size of the last joint of your thumb.

[howard 1st]

halibut cheeks vary in size according the weight of the fish from which they are cut but the halibut can easily reach 100 pounds and it has been many years since any 100 pound cod were available. chowhound daniel is on the money...

[Daniel]

I've only seen them once in 20+ years of shopping SEA's fish mongers and I don't even remember for sure whether I got them at Uwajimaya or Whole Foods. They're delicious and I would urge hounds to grab them if they ever see them.

In your case, I would definitely call around, Mutual, University Seafood, Uwajimaya, etc. But halibut cheeks will make a good substitution.

[Leper]

Check with Mutual Fish. (If anyone has them, they will.) Halibut cheeks should substitute; they vary in size so figure total weight.

[Olympia Jane]

Leper - Good call. Mutual Fish had a huge tub of halibut cheeks at Mutual Fish when we were there on Saturday. Calling ahead to see if they have them when needed is also a timesaver.