Black cod recipe – 1h

Black Cod Recipe: A Delicious, Buttery Delicacy

Alaskan Black cod, also known as sablefish, is a prized fish known for its buttery texture and rich flavor. Its high oil content makes it perfect for grilling, baking, or broiling, as it remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. This recipe will showcase the best way to cook black cod with minimal ingredients, allowing its natural flavors to shine.

How to prepare black cod : Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal, this black cod recipe is simple to prepare and delivers a restaurant-quality dish. You’ll learn how to marinate, season, and cook black cod to perfection, bringing out the rich, melt-in-your-mouth qualities of this incredible fish.

Ingredients for Black Cod

To make this delicious black cod recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of black cod fillets (skin-on): Fresh black cod is essential for this recipe. The skin-on fillets help retain moisture and crisp up during cooking.
• ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor that pairs well with the rich texture of the fish.
• ¼ cup mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that complements the savory flavors of the soy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sake: Adds depth to the marinade and enhances the fish’s natural flavors.
• 2 tablespoons miso paste: Miso adds a subtle savory flavor and complexity to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with black cod.
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger: Fresh ginger brings a slight zing and balances out the richness of the fish.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic layer to the marinade.

Optional garnish:

• Thinly sliced green onions: For added color and freshness when serving.
• Sesame seeds: Adds a light, crunchy texture to the dish.
• Lemon wedges: For a refreshing citrus finish.

Preparing the Marinade for Black Cod

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, 2 tablespoons sake, 2 tablespoons miso paste, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. This marinade will infuse the fish with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, while also helping to keep the fish moist and tender during cooking.

Marinating the Black Cod

Step 2: Marinate the Fish

Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the fish, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the fish for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer you marinate the fish, the more intense the flavors will become. However, avoid marinating for more than 2 hours, as the fish can become too salty.

Cooking the Black Cod

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, remove the fish from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely during cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Black Cod

To get a beautifully golden, crispy skin on your fish, heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil (about 1 tablespoon). Once the oil is hot, place the black cod fillets skin-side down in the pan. Let the fish cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it, allowing the skin to crisp up.

Step 5: Transfer to the Oven

After searing the skin, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking. Roast the fish for an additional 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the fish to a baking dish after searing. Just be sure to pour any juices from the pan over the fish to maintain moisture during cooking.

Serving

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the fish is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The fish should have a tender, buttery texture, and the skin should be crisp and golden.

For presentation, plate the fish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy contrast to the rich flavors of the fish. The black cod pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a simple salad for a balanced and elegant meal.

Tips for Cooking

• Use fresh black cod: The freshness of the fish makes a big difference in this recipe. High-quality black cod has a delicate flavor and texture, so try to find the freshest fillets you can.
• Don’t skip the searing step: Searing the black cod before roasting gives the skin a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery flesh.
• Control the marinating time: While marinating the fish for longer enhances the flavor, don’t exceed 2 hours to prevent the fish from becoming overly salty or too soft.
• Avoid overcooking: Black cod is naturally rich in oils, which help keep it moist, but it’s still important to avoid overcooking it. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and test for doneness with a fork.

Variations on the Black Cod Recipe

While this recipe focuses on classic Asian flavors, there are many other ways to prepare black cod depending on your taste preferences:

1. Herb-crusted black cod: For a Mediterranean twist, coat the fish with a mixture of fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and parsley), garlic, and olive oil before baking.
2. Grilled black cod: Instead of roasting, grill the black cod over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, basting it with a lemon and olive oil marinade for a smoky, charred flavor.
3. Miso-glazed black cod: To take the miso flavor to the next level, brush the black cod with additional miso paste and honey before broiling for a caramelized, sticky glaze.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the black cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to preserve its moist texture.

Final Thoughts

Cooking black cod at home allows you to experience the buttery richness and delicate flavors of this prized fish. With its high oil content and natural tenderness, black cod is perfect for a variety of cooking methods, whether you choose to sear, bake, or grill it. The simple marinade in this recipe complements the fish’s unique qualities without overpowering them, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home chef, this black cod recipe will make an impressive addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides for a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Time

Here’s the time breakdown for this recipe:

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on how much flavor you want to infuse).
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for mixing the marinade and prepping the fish).
• Searing Time: 3-4 minutes.
• Oven Cooking Time: 7-10 minutes.
• Resting Time: 2 minutes.

The total time is approximately 50 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on how long you marinate this fish. Most of the time is inactive while the fish marinates.