Baked Sablefish Recipe

This article features a simple seafood supper option baked sablefish recipe, which is highlighted for its rich, buttery flavor and texture. Sablefish, also known as black cod, is a buttery, rich, and flavorful fish that makes for an indulgent yet healthy meal.

Hailing from the northern Pacific waters of Alaska, Canada, and Japan, this white-fleshed fish has a high-fat content, making it a moist, tender, and delicate delight. When cooked–Sablefish has a melt-in-your-mouth texture like a fine butter or creamy custard. Its subtly sweet flavor sings when prepared to let the fish shine.

This easy-baked sablefish recipe allows you to enjoy this premium fish at home. A touch of lemon, butter, and herbs is all you need to complement the sablefish’s natural beauty. Bake until just cooked through and flaky for a restaurant-quality entree with little fuss.

Read on for tips on picking and preparing sablefish fillets with pairing suggestions. This recipe will become your new favorite way to cook this spectacular seafood!

Sablefish Recipe

This easy baked sablefish recipe turns this buttery flavored fish into a wonderful weeknight dinner. Learn quick prep tips for flawless fillets.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Seafood, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl
• Spoon or brush
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 4 (6-8 oz) skinless sablefish fillets
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Video

Notes

Be very gentle when handling sablefish, as the flesh is delicate and can flake easily.

Keyword healthy, sablefish recipe, seafood, side dish, Warm

Procedure 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Rinse sablefish fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange fillets on the prepared baking sheet. 
• In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon zest juice, garlic, and thyme. Brush the mixture evenly over the fish and season with salt & pepper. 
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
• Transfer fillets to serving plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and thyme sprigs. Serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks About Baked Sablefish Recipe

• Look for sablefish caught in Alaska to get the highest quality.
• Check for firm, shiny flesh with no discoloration when buying fish.
• Add sliced lemons, shallots, or fennel to the baking sheet for extra flavor. 
• Rub fillets with smoked paprika, cumin, or cajun seasoning.
• Start skin-side down on a hot skillet, then finish baking for crispy skin.
• Cook until just opaque throughout – do not overbake sablefish, or it will dry out.
• Pair baked sablefish with rice pilaf, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. 
• Drizzle with a lemon-caper butter sauce or pesto for extra richness.
• Substitute herbs like dill, rosemary, or oregano for the thyme.

If you enjoy our sablefish recipe, be sure to explore our entire Seafood category for more delicious recipes featuring salmon, halibut, cod, shrimp, and more. The options for amazing meals from the sea are endless!

Conclusion

Luxurious, decadent sablefish deserves its royal treatment. With just a few simple aromatics like lemon, garlic, and thyme, the rich flavor of this regal fish shines through. A quick bake yields flaky, buttery fillets that melt in your mouth. 

Taking care not to overcook keeps the fish moist and tender. Sablefish needs little adornment, allowing its velvety texture and subtly sweet taste to be the star. 

Serve this baked sablefish with your favorite sides and a crisp white wine for a restaurant-caliber meal. I hope you try this easy recipe soon and discover the divine experience that is sablefish done right!