Whiting
These small fish have white, firm flesh and a delicate flavour. Find out how to buy the best whiting, plus tips for storing, preparing and cooking it well.
Small silvery fish with tender, white, firm flesh, delicately flavoured and low in fat. Whiting is related to cod but is slightly cheaper and less flavoursome. They are a good buy in their own right, however, for certain recipes, especially fish pates and mousse.
Read more about responsible fishing on the Marine Stewardship Council website.
Availability
June to February.
Choose the best
Buy the freshest possible fish you can find, as the flesh becomes flaky very quickly and this makes it impossible to fillet. Look for bright white fillets that are soft but not flabby.
Prepare it
Because whiting fillets are small, allow two per serving.
Store it
Wrapped in foil in the fridge and use within one or two days of purchase.
Cook it
Coated in breadcrumbs or batter and fried or flaked in fish cakes. Whiting is also good grilled, fried in butter or poached in wine.
Alternatives
Try hake or seabass.