Fish

Argentine Hake

B tier

Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is the high-volume Southwest Atlantic hake that fills global frozen blocks, breaded portions, and food-service fillets. Flesh is mild and white with a soft-to-medium flake; top-grade headed-and-gutted or fillet products can cook beautifully, while low-grade blocks may be wet and fragile. Flavour is neutral enough for crumbed products and children’s menus yet still respectable with butter and lemon when the cut is solid. Thaw slowly in the fridge, pat dry, and cook from well-drained flesh to avoid steaming in its own purge. Good for baking, frying, and chowders where structure is supported by crumbs or potato. Argentine and Uruguayan fisheries have faced boom-and-management cycles—buyers who care should check current stock advice. This is workhorse hake, not a plate-sized whole-fish showpiece.