Alaska pollock or walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) is a North Pacific species of the cod family Gadidae. While related to the common Atlantic pollock species of the same family, the Alaska pollock is not a member of the same Pollachius genus.
The Alaska pollock has been said to be “the largest remaining source of palatable fish in the world.
Compared with pollock, Alaska pollock has a milder taste, whiter color and lower oil content.
High quality, single frozen whole Alaska pollock fillets may be layered into a block mold and deep frozen to produce fish blocks that are used throughout Europe and North America as the raw material for high quality breaded and battered fish products. Lower quality, double-frozen fillets or minced trim pieces may also be frozen in block forms and used as raw material for lower quality, low-cost breaded and battered fish sticks, portions, etc.
Single frozen Alaska Pollock is considered to be the premier raw material for surimi; the most common use of surimi in the United States is “imitation crabmeat” (also known as crab stick). It is the main ingredient in the surimi-based sandwich product called “Seafood Sensation”.
Alaska pollock is commonly used in the fast food industry, for example the Filet-O-Fish sandwich at McDonald’s. It is also used by Dairy Queen, Arby’s, and Burger King.
You can find authentic Kosher Alaska Pollock on many Kosher Restaurants in Los Angeles.