One of the healthiest fish: Black Cod AKA Sablefish
Black cod is also known as sablefish and butterfish. The high oil content in this local West Coast fish makes it super tasty and buttery, which makes it hard to overcook. It’s the perfect fish to try if new to cooking seafood at home!

Black cod is also one of the healthiest fish on the market! It’s packed with essential Omega-3 fatty acids. It has even more Omega-3’s than salmon. Studies show omega-3s can reduce risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, arthritis, and improve overall happiness. Prominent health organizations suggest eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week.

Thank you for supporting our American fishermen by choosing black cod as over 80% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported. You’re helping to reduce carbon emissions by choosing domestic and supporting a sustainable fishery.
Recipe Ideas with Cooking Instructions:
Here are three simple and easy black cod recipes for home cooks, using a pan, oven, and air fryer:
Pan-Seared Black Cod with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
– 2 black cod fillets
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the black cod fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter.
3. Add the fillets to the pan, skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
4. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
5. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets, then add the remaining butter to create a garlic-butter sauce.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Oven-Baked Black Cod with Miso Glaze
Ingredients:
– 2 black cod fillets
– 2 tbsp miso paste (white miso works best)
– 2 tbsp mirin
– 2 tbsp sake (or white wine)
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix miso paste, mirin, sake, sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Place the black cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the miso glaze generously over the fillets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and caramelized on top.
6. Serve with rice and steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Air Fryer Black Cod with Soy Ginger Marinade
Ingredients:
– 2 black cod fillets
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Marinate the black cod fillets in the mixture for 15-30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place the marinated fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is flaky and golden.
5. Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.
Bonus Videos:
- TikTok video with information highlighting how it’s local, healthy, and sustainable
- Local boat called “Four Daughters” unloading black cod at our dock in Monterey Bay. The fisherman has another boat called “Three Sons”… what a family man!