Cod Is Out: 7 Delicious Fish You Must Try

Maria van der Vliet

Writer

December 31, 2025
7:52 pm

With cod stocks under pressure and quotas shrinking, Danish consumers are turning to other fish species for their holiday meals. Experts and fish auctions suggest alternatives that taste just as good, often at a better price.

Cod quotas cut for 2026

The classic cod dish may soon disappear from Denmark’s New Year’s tables. Due to shrinking fish stocks, the European Union has reduced cod quotas by 46 percent for 2026. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea had even proposed a total ban, but this recommendation was only partly followed. As a result, cod will likely become scarcer and more expensive at fish markets across the country.

Several other white-fleshed fish from the same family could step in as suitable replacements. At Hanstholm Fish Auction in northern Denmark, tons of pollock, also known as saithe, are being landed. The species has a similar texture and flavor to cod and is already popular in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.

Other cod-family fish worth trying

Denmark’s seafood scene offers many alternatives to cod. Long rough dab, tusk, haddock, and whiting all have firm white meat that flakes nicely when cooked. Haddock is especially well known from the classic British dish fish and chips and could easily become a Danish favorite too.

Meanwhile, tusk and ling are less familiar to shoppers, but both belong to the same fish family as cod and are generally sold at lower prices. Their mild taste fits perfectly into traditional Danish recipes such as fish cakes or dishes served with brown butter and potatoes, staples in Danish cuisine.

Flatfish growing in popularity

Because cod is becoming more expensive, flounder and other flatfish are expected to rise in popularity. Turbot remains a delicacy, though its price is high. Dover sole and lemon sole are also available and becoming competitive options for everyday meals. The plaice, often referred to as Denmark’s national fish, still appears in large quantities despite smaller quotas. For a budget-friendly choice, many Danes are turning to dab or flounder.

Rays, sharks, and other unusual catches

Beyond the traditional white fish, some Danes are experimenting with species most have never tasted. Skates and small shark species are technically edible, though certain types remain protected. For 2026, Denmark will have a 25 percent higher quota for rays, and the wings of these fish are considered both flavorful and versatile in cooking.

The red gurnard, a striking fish with bright fins, has also appeared in small but steady numbers at fish auctions. It provides tender white meat and comes without the restrictions of formal fishing quotas. Chefs see it as an affordable catch that can stand in for cod in stews or baked dishes.

Shellfish and squid on the rise

Seafood lovers have more to look forward to than just fish. Nephrops, also known as Norway lobsters, will have higher quotas in 2026. That means more fresh shellfish options for New Year’s feasts and fine dining alike. These delicate crustaceans are a favorite in coastal regions and pair beautifully with butter and lemon.

Meanwhile, squid have become one of the big surprises of the year. Catches from the northern North Sea have tripled over the past year, resulting in affordable prices. Still, the Danish public has been slow to embrace them. For those willing to try something different, squid can bring a Mediterranean touch to local fish tables, adding variety to traditional dishes rooted in Danish food culture.

A changing seafood landscape

At fish auctions like Hanstholm, the variety of available species reflects how fishing practices and climate pressures are reshaping what ends up on Danish plates. As cod becomes less sustainable, consumers are being encouraged to look beyond old habits and discover the quality of other species caught in local waters.

From affordable pollock and haddock to exquisite turbot or the adventurous flavors of ray wings and squid, Denmark’s fish counters offer far more than cod alone. With responsible choices, seafood lovers can continue to enjoy traditional dishes while supporting a more balanced and sustainable fishing industry.