Hake is a term used to refer to several members of the cod family. In all cases, true hake is considered to be the lean sections of the cod. It is important to note that not all types of cod qualify as this type of cooking fish. Generally, the term is reserved for deep-sea cod only.

As with many types of freshwater and saltwater fish, hake can be cleaned and filleted for several different types of culinary preparation. The seafood can be baked, battered and fried, or even used in soups and stews in some cultures. Hake can also be served whole, and is excellent for broiling in an oven or slow cooking on a grill.

Because of the agreeable texture and light flavor of the hake fish, this type of seafood is very popular in many parts of Europe as well as the United States. The fish does freeze well, an attribute that makes it popular among the producers of frozen foods. Along with pan or oven frying, white hake is also considered an excellent selection for poaching.

For people who are conscious of avoiding the cholesterol content found in many red meats, preparing hake can be an excellent alternative. The fatty oils found in the fish are considered to promote the production of HDL or good cholesterol, whereas red meats often are loaded with LDL or bad cholesterol. Since fish is also considered essential for proper cardiovascular health and brain function, it is possible to include hake in the diet several times a week, using a different recipe each time.

In addition to mincing or cooking whole, it is also possible to create fish steaks from the cod. These steaks are somewhat like those prepared from salmon and can be prepared in much the same manner. The addition of lemon or lime juice, along with spices and herbs of choice, can create a tasty and heart healthy entrée for lunch and dinner. Hake can be used to create a dramatic presentation for more formal meals, or prepared simply for more casual gatherings around the table.

Owing to the popularity and the ease of cooking hake, it is widely available in many supermarkets. The fillets are usually flash frozen in order to lock in the taste and texture. In terms of price, cod of this type are among the more reasonably priced types of seafood, making it easy to purchase the fillets in bulk and save money on the food budget without skimming on nutrition.