Captain D’s is a popular fast food seafood restaurant chain that is known for its battered and breaded white fish. The white fish that Captain D’s uses in their menu items is actually a blend of different types of white fish. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly goes into Captain D’s famous white fish:
Pollock
One of the main types of white fish used in Captain D’s battered fish is Alaskan Pollock. Pollock is a mild, flaky white fish that is very popular in the fast food industry. It is abundantly available in the northern Pacific ocean near Alaska. Pollock has a mild flavor and light texture that absorbs batter well and doesn’t overpower the taste of the breading when deep fried. It is also quite affordable, which helps keep costs down for high-volume restaurants like Captain D’s.
Cod
Atlantic cod is another key ingredient in Captain D’s white fish blend. Cod is another mild white fish that is easy to find in large quantities, which is crucial for big chains like Captain D’s. It has a soft, flaky texture and its mild flavor complements the other white fish like pollock that it is blended with. Cod is traditionally used in dishes like fish and chips, so it lends itself well to the battered preparation that Captain D’s is known for.
Hake
Hake is a less well-known type of white fish that also makes its way into Captain D’s fish blend. Like pollock and cod, hake has a delicate, mild taste. There are a few different varieties of hake that may be used in Captain D’s fish, like Pacific hake and white hake. Hake supplies some of the volume needed to produce enough fish for all of Captain D’s restaurants while keeping the flavor profile relatively neutral.
Tilapia
Tilapia is a hugely popular white fish in restaurants and is often breaded and fried. Its mild flavor and flaky texture work well in Captain D’s fried fish blend. Tilapia is able to be farmed intensively so it is easy to source in the large quantities needed to supply all Captain D restaurants. The versatility and year-round availability of tilapia make it an ideal fish for the Captain’s D white fish blend.
The Blend
Captain D’s does not publicly provide the exact proportions of each fish used in its blend. However, based on industry practice, the blend is likely made up predominantly of pollock and cod, with smaller amounts of hake and tilapia. These four white fish allow Captain D’s to achieve its signature flavor and texture while keeping costs manageable and supply steady. Restaurants may tweak the blend slightly depending on availablity and cost while keeping it as consistent as possible for customers.
Why a Fish Blend?
There are a few key reasons why Captain D’s uses a blend of white fish rather than just one type:
- Consistent supply – Blending fish ensures Captain D’s has enough fish year-round to supply all locations, since availability of any one type could fluctuate
- Affordability – Blending lower-cost fish like pollock with pricier cod lowers the overall cost for the high volumes Captain D’s requires
- Mild flavor – The fish tasted alone have subtle flavors so they don’t compete with the fried breading when combined
- Texture – Each fish contributes an ideal flakiness and tenderness to the blend
Breading Process
Once the white fish blend is delivered to each Captain D’s location, it goes through a standard breading process before being fried and served:
- The fish is first dipped into a milk and egg wash mixture. This helps the breading adhere to the fish.
- The fish is then coated with seasoned flour, which forms a base layer of breading.
- After the flour, the fish pieces go into a breadcrumb coating. This gives the signature crunch and texture.
- The breaded fish sits for a few minutes so the breading sets before being fried in oil.
The end result is Captain D’s iconic lightly fried white fish with a tender interior and crunchy golden exterior. The flavorful breading is what really makes the fish pop but allows the mildness of the white fish blend to still shine through.
Nutritional Profile
Captain D’s breaded white fish is a pretty lean source of protein, especially when compared to fried options like chicken tenders or shrimp. A typical serving of Captain D’s fried fish contains:
| Calories | 290 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 16g |
Allergen Information
Since Captain D’s white fish contains a blend of different mild fish, it is generally safe for those with allergies to a specific species like cod. However, it is important to note that the fish is cooked in shared fryers. So those with severe seafood allergies should still exercise caution:
- Contains: Fish (pollock, cod, hake, tilapia), wheat (breading)
- May contain: Milk, egg (breading process)
- Shared equipment: Crustacean shellfish (shared fryers)
Sustainability
With seafood sustainability an increasing concern, Captain D’s states that all of its seafood comes from responsibly managed fisheries. Pollock and cod stocks in the North Atlantic remain healthy and abundant. Tilapia is primarily farmed so its wild habitat is not really impacted. Organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council certify the fisheries that supply chains like Captain D’s source from.
Conclusion
Captain D’s famous battered white fish is made from a careful blend of mild fish like pollock, cod, hake and tilapia. This allows the chain to achieve a signature flavor, texture and consistent supply. The fish is breaded and fried to golden perfection. While not the healthiest fried food option, Captain D’s fish still offers relatively lean protein. Those with seafood allergies should check with the restaurant for the latest ingredient and preparation details. But for those who love a classic fried fish plate, Captain D’s secret whitefish blend hits the spot.