One customer called this “the best fish ever! So buttery and moist; it is hard to overcook it!” Our melt in your mouth Blackcod (also known as Sablefish, and not to be confused with Cod) is very high in omega-3s, with each 4 oz portion averaging a whopping 1.6 grams—more than most all wild Alaskan fish species including that of salmon! So it’s no wonder it’s velvety texture and high oil content turns heads. I recently made this particular dish for a dinner party and my friends love of it leads me to want to share it here. Inspired by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, here is a new favorite in our book!

Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Alaska sablefish fillets skin removed
- 6 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
Braised Red Onions:
- 6 ounces bacon diced
- 3 large red onions peeled, halved, and sliced from root to tip
- 3/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped thyme leaves
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Crust:
- 3/4 cup panko Japanese bread crumbs or fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 Tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Directions
- Remove any bones that may remain in the Alaska sablefish fillets and cut into 8 equal portions. Mix the soy sauce and sugar in a resealable plastic bag and add the fillets. Seal the bag and turn it several times to evenly distribute the marinade; refrigerate for at least 4 hours (24 hours maximum).
- Meanwhile, make the braised red onions: Cook the bacon in a large saucepan until it renders and begins to crisp. Pour off half the fat. Add the red onions to the pan along with the wine, soy sauce, thyme, brown sugar and vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid boils away and the onions are tender, about 15 minutes. The onions can be refrigerated until you are ready to bake the fish.
- Toss the panko or bread crumbs with the parsley, thyme and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
- When ready to assemble, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Reheat the braised onions in a saucepan and spread them out in a large shallow baking dish. Lift the fish fillets from the marinade and arrange them on top of the onions, skinned side down. Top each fillet with an even coating of the crust mixture, gently patting it on with your fingertips. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or just until the fish flakes apart slightly when nudged with your finger and the interior is no longer translucent. Turn the broiler to high and broil until the crust is golden brown. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Serve with mashed or roasted winter squash, or braised winter kale.