Summary: Calculating how many servings a kilo of cod yields is more complex than it seems. It depends on three factors: the cut you buy (loin, chunks, flakes), the type of recipe you prepare (main ingredient or complement), and the format of the cod (dried, desalted, or fresh). This guide provides exact figures for each combination.
The Million-Dollar Question: How Much Cod Should I Buy?
Calculating how many servings a kilo of cod yields is more complex than it seems. It depends on three factors: the cut you buy (loin, chunks, flakes), the type of recipe you prepare (main ingredient or complement), and the format of the cod (dried, desalted, or fresh). This guide provides exact figures for each combination.
Serving Chart by Cut Type (Desalted Cod)
| Cut | Weight per serving | Servings per kg | Typical shrinkage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium loin (boneless) | 180-220g | 4-5 servings | 2-5% |
| Loin with bones | 200-250g | 4 servings | 10-15% (bones) |
| Regular chunks | 150-200g | 5-6 servings | 2-3% |
| Flakes / thin slices | 100-130g | 7-10 servings | 1% |
| Shredded / crumbs | Variable | Depends on recipe | 0% |
| Tail | 200-250g | 4 servings | 5-8% |
| Belly | 120-150g | 6-8 servings | 3% |
Note: figures are for desalted cod (ready to cook). If you buy dried/salted cod, multiply the weight by 1.5-1.8 to get the equivalent desalted weight — cod absorbs water during desalting.
Servings According to Recipe Type
Dishes where cod is the main ingredient
When cod is the central element of the dish (without heavy accompaniment), estimate between 180-220g per person:
| Dish | Recommended cut | Grams/person | 1 kg yields... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacalao a la llauna | Thick loin with skin | 200g | 5 servings |
| Bacalao al pil-pil | Thick loin/piece | 180g | 5-6 servings |
| Confit cod | Boneless loin | 180g | 5-6 servings |
| Baked cod | Medium loin | 200g | 5 servings |
| Fried / battered cod | Regular chunks | 180g | 5-6 servings |
Dishes where cod is just one ingredient
In recipes where cod is combined with other ingredients (potatoes, béchamel, vegetables), the fish portion drops to 80-120g per person:
| Dish | Recommended cut | Grams of cod/person | 1 kg yields... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croquettes (8-10 units/person) | Crumbs / shredded | 60-80g | 12-16 servings |
| Brandade | Crumbs or chunks | 80-100g | 10-12 servings |
| Esqueixada | Flakes or shredded | 100-120g | 8-10 servings |
| Fritters (6-8 units/person) | Crumbs | 50-70g | 14-18 servings |
| Salad with cod | Thin flakes | 80-100g | 10-12 servings |
Related Cod Products
Dried Cod vs. Desalted Cod: The Conversion
If you buy dried (salted) cod, the final desalted weight will be 1.5 to 1.8 times greater. This is important for calculating how much to buy:
- 1 kg of dried cod = approximately 1.5-1.8 kg desalted
- To get 1 kg desalted, buy about 600-700g of dried cod
Practical example: you need 5 servings of bacalao a la llauna (200g/person = 1 kg desalted). If you buy dried, you need ~650g of salted cod.
How Much to Buy for a Group: Quick Guide
| Diners | Main course (desalted) | Croquettes/brandade (desalted) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 400g | 150-200g |
| 4 people | 800g | 300-400g |
| 6 people | 1.2 kg | 450-600g |
| 8 people | 1.6 kg | 600-800g |
| 10 people | 2 kg | 750-1 kg |
Tips for Reducing Waste
- Buy the exact cut for your recipe — don't buy loin if you need flakes; it's more expensive, and you'll have to flake it yourself
- Make the most of flakes — if you buy loins and have irregular pieces left over, save them for croquettes or fritters
- Shredded cod is gold — it's the format with 0% waste and the most versatile for preparations
- Freeze leftovers — desalted cod freezes well vacuum-packed (2-3 months)
Order the exact amount
Extra Desalted Cod Collar — 900g (~4-5 generous servings)
Extra Desalted Collar — €44.90
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Conclusions
- The Million-Dollar Question: How Much Cod Should I Buy?: Calculating how many servings a kilo of cod yields is more complex than it seems.
- Serving Chart by Cut Type (Desalted Cod): Note: figures are for desalted cod (ready to cook).
- Servings According to Recipe Type: In recipes where cod is combined with other ingredients (potatoes, béchamel, vegetables), the fish portion drops to 80-120g per person.
- Dried Cod vs. Desalted Cod: The Conversion: Practical example: you need 5 servings of bacalao a la llauna (200g/person = 1 kg desalted).
- Tips for Reducing Waste: Yes, as a main course with a side dish (potatoes, vegetables, salad).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200g of cod enough for an adult?
Yes, as a main course with a side dish (potatoes, vegetables, salad). If you serve cod alone without accompaniment, increase to 250g.
What about for children?
Half of the adult portion: 80-100g as a main course, 40-60g in croquettes or brandade.
Is the indicated weight raw or cooked?
Raw (desalted cod, before cooking). During cooking, cod loses 10-20% of its weight due to water evaporation, but it absorbs oil/sauce, which compensates.
How many croquettes does 1 kg of cod make?
With 1 kg of desalted cod and the standard béchamel proportion, you get 80-100 medium croquettes. That's 8-12 servings of 8-10 croquettes each.
Buy the exact amount: desalted cod by pieces at Bacalalo.
What is the serving size of cod per person?
Cod is a white, saltwater fish. It is the most widely distributed member of the Gadidae family. Frozen product. Serving per person: 250-300 gr per person.
What is a portion of cod?
Each portion is approximately 170g to 200g.
What are the measurements of cod?
Regarding the average weight and size of this white fish, it is most common for cod to measure between 50 cm and 1 meter. Their weight also varies considerably, but an average cod usually weighs between 2 and 15 kilograms.
