Also known as black cod, sablefish has a rich, buttery flavor and soft, moist texture when cooked properly. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook sablefish fillets at home on the stove, in the oven, air fryer or grill.

1. How To Cook Sablefish on Stove

Ingredients

  • 4 6-oz sablefish fillets
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

Pat fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Carefully place fillets skin-side down when pan is hot. Sear 3-4 minutes.

Flip fillets over gently with a spatula and reduce heat to medium.

Add butter, lemon juice and zest to pan. Baste fillets continuously with melted lemony butter for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through and flakes easily.

Transfer fillets to plates or serve family-style straight from the pan for gourmet quality results with little effort involved. Enjoy!

2. How To Cook Sablefish in Oven

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces 6-8oz sablefish fillets
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat oven to 400°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pat fillets dry with paper towels and brush evenly with mayo on flesh side.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over mayo, gently pressing to adhere.

Arrange fillets mayo-side up on prepared pan. Top each with lemon slices and season with salt and pepper.

Roast 14-18 minutes until fish is barely opaque in center. Bake just until done; no longer.

Serve baked sablefish garnished with roasted lemon slices over the tender, moist fillets.

3. How To Cook Sablefish in Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 sablefish fillets (5-6 ounces each)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Pat fillets very dry with paper towels. Beat egg in shallow bowl.

Mix panko crumbs and garlic powder in second shallow bowl.

Dip fillets in beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in panko mixture, gently pressing to adhere crumbs.

Arrange breaded fillets in single layer in air fryer basket, without overcrowding.

Set air fryer to 380°F and cook 7 minutes. Flip fillets gently and cook 6-7 minutes more until golden brown and fish flakes easily when testing with a fork.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the hot crispy fillets.

4. How To Cook Sablefish on Grill

Ingredients

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, stems removed
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 sablefish fillets (6-8 oz each)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

Toss cherry tomatoes and shallot with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill over direct high heat, stirring occasionally until charred, about 5 minutes. Coarsely chop and combine in bowl with vinegar and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season relish with salt and pepper to taste.

Brush sablefish fillets lightly on both sides with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill fillets over direct medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely marked and flakes easily.

Serve grilled sablefish topped with charred tomato relish for added moisture and flavor contrast.

4. Frequently Asked Questions 

4.1. What Does Sablefish Taste Like?

Sablefish has a rich, buttery flavor and velvety texture. It is often described as tasting like lobster or scallops. The meat has a fine flake when cooked properly and a smooth, silky mouthfeel similar to salmon. Sablefish develops its signature sweet, delicate flavor from the fish’s high oil content.

4.2. How To Know When Sablefish is Cooked?

Check for doneness after cooking sablefish by flaking the thickest part of the fillet gently with a fork. Properly cooked sablefish will break into soft, large flakes easily when poked. Raw or translucent flesh means the fish needs more cooking time. Cook sablefish until it reaches an internal temperature between 140-145°F.

4.3. Is Sablefish Healthy To Eat?

Yes, sablefish is incredibly nutritious and heart-healthy to eat. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA which lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation.

Sablefish also contains vitamin D, selenium, niacin, and vitamin B6. Because of its rich nutrient content, it is endorsed by the American Heart Association as part of a balanced, low mercury seafood-rich diet.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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