Catch #25: Sablefish from Seafood Producers Co-op, Southeast Alaska

While there are plenty of methods for preparing fresh sablefish, also known as black cod—the key to success is always to take your time. Slow cooking the sablefish helps to seal in flavors and keeps the fillets tender. Here are our top preparation methods for sablefish:

Baking - This classic method of preparation is perfect for anyone looking for an easy or beginner experience in cooking fresh fish. 

• Preheat your oven to 275°F.
• Brush your fillets with olive oil and add a slight drizzle to your baking sheet. Add your choice of seasoning to each fillet—we like just a simple blend of salt and pepper.
• Lay your fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes without flipping.

Grilling or Flat-Top Griddle - Flat-Top Griddle preparation is becoming more and more popular every day, so here is a great method for preparing your fresh sablefish with a griddle or a standard grill.

• Preheat your griddle or grill to medium-high heat. For medium-high on the grill, you should be able to hold your hand 6 inches above the grill for 5 seconds.
• Prep your fillets by patting dry and rubbing with olive oil. Season your sablefish with your selected seasonings.
• Drizzle your griddle or brush your grill with olive oil.
• Cook until your sablefish flakes easily with a fork. Note: Flip once the edges start to become opaque. Check internal temperature on the thickest portion.

Pan Frying - While pan frying is on the faster side of preparations, it offers a different type of texture and overall style of enjoying sablefish.

• Start by preparing your fillets—pat them dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, preferably non-stick, heat a layer of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Once your oil is hot, add your fillets skin-side down to the pan. Press and hold with a spatula for 15 seconds, and let cook undisturbed for roughly five minutes.
• Flip your fillets over and let cook for roughly three more minutes, or until done.

Recommended Internal Temp of Sablefish: 145°F

Fresh fish is a wonderful addition to your meals, offering both flavor and nutrition. To preserve its quality and safety, follow these tips for storing fresh fish:

1. Keep it cold: When your Fresh & Wild catch arrives, promptly refrigerate. For best results, place it on a bed of ice or use ice packs to maintain a cold temperature.
2. Wrap it up: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly wrap the fish. This prevents exposure to air and helps retain moisture, keeping the fish fresh.
3. Plan your meal: Fresh fish is most enjoyable within 1 to 3 days after delivery. If you don't plan to use it within this timeframe, consider freezing it to preserve its freshness.

How is the freshness of the fish guaranteed during delivery? 

Your Fresh & Wild fillet will ship fresh, never frozen. It should arrive cool to the touch on gel ice packs. Our fresh events ship with expedited shipping and are packaged in insulated bags that keep them cool.

Can I freeze my fresh fish?

Your fresh fillets can be frozen & will keep in the freezer for approximately 30 days; once thawed it should be cooked and used within 1-2 days.  We recommend after rinsing the fillets and patting dry, to wrap in a plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag before freezing.

Do the Fresh & Wild filets contain bones? 

Your Fresh & Wild fish has been hand-filleted and may come with a few pin bones as these are hard to remove in fresh fish.

Where do you source your fresh fish? 

We work with different fishing companies and have many catch locations for our Fresh & Wild Events. Your order will come with an insert that will give you details of where the product came from. Some of our most favorite catch locations are Columbia River, Salish Sea, Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, and of course Copper River.