What Is Sablefish and How Do You Use It?
Have you ever thought about cooking sablefish for your next meal? Not sure where to start? We’ve curated the most important things to know about this delicious ingredient. Along with being a renowned delicacy, it’s also an easy and forgiving dish for beginners to try their hand at.
Named after the soft fur of a sable, this fish is a star ingredient in sushi, baked meals and so much more. With so many ways to cook it and so much nutritional value as well, getting to know this ingredient will feel like just the beginning.
Jump to Section
- What Is Sablefish?
- Sablefish vs. Black Cod: Are They the Same?
- How To Cook Sablefish
- Is Sablefish Healthy To Eat?
- Where To Buy Sablefish?
- What Is a Good Sablefish Substitute?
What Is Sablefish?
Are you wondering to yourself, "What is sablefish?" Well, this type of fish has garnered a lot of popularity in recent years. It’s found deep on the ocean floor of the Northern Pacific and Alaska. Other names for it include the black cod, which we’ll talk about later, and the butterfish, for its rich, buttery texture.
This long, sleek, charcoal-shaded fish can live up to 90 years or more. It’s a sustainable fish that’s long been used in Japan for its delicious texture and is now gaining favor in North America for the same reason.
What Does a Sablefish Look Like?
This type of fish has smooth, velvet-like charcoal gray-colored skin. Visually, it looks a lot like cod but isn’t related to the cod family at all. This fish grows to an average length of just over two feet but can grow to more than three feet in length with time. After being fileted, its flesh is white and smooth.
What Does Sablefish Taste Like?
After cooking, this fish tastes rich and buttery, with a satin-like texture that flakes up delicately to match. It’s fattier than both Pacific cod and halibut while being milder in flavor than tuna and salmon. Overall, this fish is a delicacy for a reason, bringing a luxurious finish to any dish that uses it.
Sablefish vs. Black Cod: Are They the Same?
To answer this question simply, yes. Sablefish are also known as black cod fish, largely due to how similar they look to cod. A fun fact to consider here is that this fish isn’t a type of codfish at all. They’re actually from completely different families.
Why Is Sablefish Called Black Cod?
While this fish isn’t actually a type of cod, there are a few reasons why it’s still referred to black cod. For starters, both share a sleek black skin with velvet-like scales. They’re also similar when it comes to size and habitat. Both kinds are common in North America and highly valued in cooking, too. Using the “cod” name also helps boost the fish's reputation and market value.
How To Cook Sablefish
Ready to learn how to cook black cod fish? There are a ton of ways to go about it, but the preparations are usually the same. The best way to learn is by taking cooking classes near you or online.
Guided by expert chefs, not only can these classes teach you to cook dishes that incorporate the buttery flavor of sablefish, they can also cover your favorite cuisines from around the world, giving you professional tips and tricks to elevate your home-cooking game.
To cook sablefish, simply start by gathering your seafood tools, including some fishbone tweezers and a good knife. Be careful with the sleek body and soft flesh of the filet when scaling it, as the skin can make it slippery. After gutting, you can use tweezers to remove the smaller pin bones. Slice it into filets or other forms, depending on the kind of recipes you want to experiment with.
Popular ways to get the most out of the flavor of this fish are by smoking, grilling or broiling. It’s also popular for sushi or crudo. With the right seasonings and careful cooking, you’ll have a delicious flaky meal in no time. Many people opt to pan-fry or bake this fish or boil it in a stew.
How To Cook Sablefish in a Pan
Have you been wondering about how to cook black cod in a pan? Using a pan is one of the most delicious ways to prepare this fish. Here’s one way to pan-fry a filet.
After patting your filet dry, season it with salt and pepper. Ensuring you're using the best pan for cooking fish, heat it with oil until it sizzles then place your filet skin-side down. Press it firmly with your spatula for about 15 seconds, then release and let it sear for about four to five minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet. Flip it with care.
When it's finished, the fish should still be moist well flaking easily when you touch it. Get creative and dress up the cooked filet to your liking, then serve.
How To Cook Sablefish in the Oven
Another great way to prepare this fish is by baking or broiling it in the oven. You may already know how to bake fish, but if not, here are some handy tips.
Firstly, baking will help develop any flavors of any marinades used. To do it, pat your filet dry beforehand and marinate it. Salt and pepper is a classic combination, as well as a dash of olive oil for crispness. Heat your oven to 400°F for around 10 minutes or until it flakes easily. For a crispy finish, pop the fish under the broiler for two to three minutes, being mindful not to overcook the fish. Intense heat for a short period of time is best for this.
How To Season Sablefish
There are a few ways to season this fish. Along with salt and pepper, you can add garlic powder and your preferred herbs. Different seasonings work best for different kinds of cooking. If you’re going to smoke this fish, sweet ingredients like sugar, honey or paprika can help bring out a unique flavor profile. For baking, lemon juice does wonders.
If you like sauces with your fish, then sweet and sour sauces or miso sauces work well with black cod. Since this fish is buttery and solid, it’s a great base for experimenting with different flavors.
Can You Eat Sablefish Skin?
The skin is definitely edible after scaling and cooking. Depending on preference, you can skin the filet entirely or leave one side on. Leaving the skin on will add common fish skin nutrients to the dish, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and E, iodine, taurine and selenium.
Is Sablefish Healthy To Eat?
This type of fish can definitely be considered a healthy addition to your diet. It is rich in omega-3 fats and fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation and have heart health benefits as well. It’s also rich in proteins, making it a great addition for those concerned with muscle repair and growth.
With that said, it does have a high oil content compared to other white fish, but this gives it its rich and buttery flavor. In general, including this fish in your diet can have ample health benefits.
Is Sablefish High in Mercury?
Sablefish has low to moderate mercury levels. Compared to other kinds of fish, its mercury levels are lower. Still, it’s important to note that adults can safely eat four or more servings a week while kids should only have up to two. Ingesting too much mercury can be dangerous for pregnant women and young children, potentially having developmental impacts on the central nervous system and the heart or blood vessels.
Where To Buy Sablefish?
If you’re on the West Coast, you can usually find it fresh for sale at your local supermarket or fish market from early March to the middle of November. If you’re in another area or it’s the off-season, you can find it frozen. Look out for both "sablefish" and "black cod," as both are the same.
For more precision, you can also find it available for order and delivery online. And to find smoked fish, consider popping into your local Jewish delicatessen.
Why Is Sablefish So Expensive?
Because of its luxurious taste, ample nutritional benefits and sustainable fishing practices, sablefish tends to have a higher price point compared to other kinds of fish. It often ends up being around $20 per pound, but this also depends on factors like the time of the season, where it’s sourced and more.
What Is a Good Sablefish Substitute?
The most similar in texture is the Chilean sea bass. Another alternative is monkfish, which boasts a similar texture and high fat content. Salmon is another substitute that’s similar in terms of texture and fat, although it has a stronger flavor.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
All in all, sablefish is a true delicacy, celebrated for its rich, buttery flavor and firm texture. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it the perfect base for a wide variety of dishes, from simple preparations to more complex recipes.
Whether grilled, baked or pan-seared, sablefish adapts beautifully to different cooking methods while maintaining its unique taste. Its high oil content also makes it ideal for smoking, adding another layer of depth to this already flavorful fish. No matter how it's served, sablefish is always a winning choice.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.