A couple days ago at work, I noticed the price of sablefish (black cod). It was tad higher than the rest and I had heard about how ‘worth it’ the price was. Hey, it’s wild caught and of course, since everyone is jumping off that bridge – I’m next in line.
I didn’t have a certain flavor or ingredient come to mind when buying it, so I figured why not try the recipe on the package? I proceded to neatly cut out the recipe and pretty much followed it. Take note of the the italics on ‘pretty much’.
My findings?
It is everything that it’s cracked up to be. The preparation had me thinking that I would not be able to distinguish the ingredients added from the actually taste of the fish. I was incorrect. It ends up being a very light and perfectly seasoned fish while having some liquids to drizzle over – or onto a bed of rice {that would compliment it perfectly}. The presence and flavor of the fish is unique and definitely better than most that I’ve tried.
In my version of the recipe, I wanted a stronger citrus flavor, so I decided against zest’ing and instead minced the rind.
Ok, that’s a lie.
Truth is, I didn’t feel like zesting the orange.
Similar to not feeling like putting away laundry.
It makes sense. They are both practical. Just not for me, I suppose.
I also want to mention that I used the foil/packet method of cooking this fish. I am not quite sure why, it just seemed like the right thing to do. And again, I was saving myself a little clean up.
More importantly.
If you have little time, great company, or/and just a general love for good fish … do yourself (and anyone joining you) the favor of making it.
“Sablefish live in the Pacific Ocean, and are harvested from Alaska to Baja California. Sablefish is prized for its rich, buttery flesh and is used in many cuisines”
- trader joe’s label
1 pkg sablefish (black cod), thawed
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp orange rind, minced
3 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp ginger, minced
2 tbsp grapeseed oil, or whatever oil you like to use
salt to taste
pepper to taste
*aluminum foil, recommended
Preheat the oven to 450.
Find a baking dish and lay and oversized piece of foil in it. Big enough to set the fish inside while still having the edges protrude.
Lay pieces of fish in the middle and add ingredients on top.
Add a second piece of foil over the top sealing the edges by folding (alternating the sides).
Place packet of fish (without the baking dish) in oven for 16 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. It flakes beautifully and tastes even better.
Enjoy.
