Food Encyclopedia

sablefish

Also known as Alaska cod, black cod and butterfish, the sablefish is actually neither a cod nor a butterfish. It ranges in size from 1 to 10 pounds and is found in deep waters off the Pacific Northwest coast. The white flesh of the sablefish is soft-textured and mild-flavored. Its high fat content makes it an excellent fish for smoking and it's commonly marketed as smoked black cod. Sablefish is available year-round whole, as well as in fillets and steaks. It can be prepared in a variety of ways including baking, broiling or frying. See also fish.