Meet Alaska Sablefish – the Diva of the Deep
Sablefish…Black Cod…Butterfish…whatever you call it, there’s no denying this diva of the deep is having a moment. This buttery beauty used to be reserved for restaurant chefs – but the gig is up.
Availability of products in the marketplace, easy to follow recipes, desire for nutritious meals with sustainability in mind, and cooking inspiration from across the internet has been giving black cod a glow up.
What’s in a name?
Whatever you call it, the deliciousness and benefits remain the same. At Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, we call it sablefish as that is the Food and Drug Administration’s approved market name, primarily because sablefish is not a true member of the cod family. Repeat, it is not a cod!
Though not the FDA- approved name, its nickname, black cod, is still used frequently on products and menus – always look for the Alaska Seafood logo or callout to ensure you’re getting the real deal. Another name, butterfish is often used colloquially due to the rich, velvety, melt-in-your mouth texture of the fish – it is not common on packaging.
Don’t worry – even our industry gets caught using the terms interchangeably.
Nutrition Powerhouse
Appetites across the board are demanding balanced, nutrient dense meals. Sablefish is a great answer to this desire: packing 10x more omega 3’s than other fish species, it is an ideal center of the plate protein for heart and brain health.
Registered Dietician and fisherwoman Lexi Fish-Hackett adds: “Sablefish is a nutrition powerhouse. Between the high protein content, the level of anti-inflammatory fats that are found in Sablefish, and the fact that it’s so nutrient dense in vitamins and minerals just kind of make it one of those foods that will enhance your vitality and optimize your health”.
Adding Alaska seafood to any diet provides a heart-healthy protein boost. “With 41% of consumers trying to consume more protein, seafood’s position as a lean, nutrient-dense choice is stronger than ever,” Megan Rider, ASMI’s Senior Director of Marketing and Strategy said.
Don’t believe us? Hear more from R.D., harvester, and mom Fish-Hacket on the nutritional benefits and a mom-approved weeknight dinner.
- The Nutrition Breakdown: Why Alaska Sablefish Fuels Families (Video)
- Why Alaska Sablefish (aka Black Cod) Is a Mom-Approved, Nutritious, Easy Dinner (Video)
No Nobu? No problem!
Sablefish has been a star on restaurant menus for years. Recent buzz (Example: Real Simple article) has featured miso-marinated versions of the silky fish, which often reference a dish popularized by globally renowned chef and restaurant owner Nobu Matsuhisa.
Much of the buzz centers around a newer easy, quick-prep pre-marinated miso sablefish product which is widely available and features wild Alaska sablefish – ASMI proudly supports these nobu-dupe products as part of larger full store campaigns to promote Alaska Seafood as a whole – a rising tide lifts all ships.
Looking to try your own hand at the dish with frozen or fresh sablefish fillets? Check out ASMI partner, Mia Swinehart’s, @gatherednutrition Miso Marinated Alaska Sablefish (video) – featuring a deeply flavored miso marinade that will leave you drooling for days!
Try Sablefish Tonight
ASMI has a robust collection of recipes featuring Alaska Sablefish – including another Nobu dupe, a delightful smoked Alaska sablefish dip, and a one-pan chili crisp Alaska Sablefish for an easy weeknight win.
- Alaska Sablefish recipe collection
- Alaska Sablefish (Black Cod) with Miso and Sesame Greens recipe
- Smoked Alaska Sablefish Dip recipe
- One-Pan Chili Crisp Alaska Sablefish recipe
