SKREI - umptious Norwegian Codtikichris

Skrei is a migratory cod that swims thousands of miles every winter from the Barents Sea to the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway to reproduce. Such a journey results in a lean, firm flesh rich in protein that’s a sustainably sourced, line-caught Norwegian delicacy only available from January to April.

Only the best of this migratory fish qualifies for the SKREI® branding by the Norwegian Seafood Council. To be classified as SKREI®, a fish needs to meet these quality standards:

• Caught fully grown – as a large mature cod before it has spawned (approximately. five years old);
• The skin needs to be immaculate, with no scratches, bruising or injuries – the fish must look
as good as it tastes;
• Packaged within 12 hours of being caught;
• Stored on ice at a temperature between 0° and 4° Celsius; and
• Whole, fresh SKREI® is required to have the SKREI® brand fastened to the forward dorsal fin and put in a branded SKREI® box.

I got sent some supremes of Skrei on Friday and had a most Skrei-uptuous weekend, enjoying the fish Friday and Sunday at home and Saturday at the dinner party of another London blogger (hey Rosana!). That may sound like a cod awful amount of fish for some folks, but I loved every bite and am kinda bummed to now be without anymore for the week ahead. I reckon if you’re a seafood lover as well, you’d have savoured my fishy weekend as much as I did.

Both times at home (lunch on Friday and Sunday), I ate my Skrei simply (and perfectly) panfried. On Friday, I had it fried in a pat of butter with a bit of salt and served as a filet burger with some home made tartar sauce and peas. On Sunday, it was fried in extra virgin olive oil and salt alongside some boiled potatoes and a fresh salad. Saturday, I was served a gorgeous and chunky Skrei ceviche at a dinner party hosted by Hot & Chilli blogger Rosana. In each instance, the fish was absolutely delectable. Without doubt it’s been some of the most flavoursome cod I’ve ever come across and probably some of the best quality fish I’ve ever brought into my kitchen.

In London you find skrei in Harrods Food Halls. In the north look for it at Booths. Also, it never hurts to ask at local fishmonger as well. Find out more about skrei and seafood from Norway at en.seafood.no.