BLACK COD / SABLEFISH - FISH SPECIES FEATURE
What is a Black Cod / Sablefish?
Black Cod is the common market name for Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), and the only species in the genus Anoplopoma. So despite their common name, they are not cod at all. Black Cod are white fish species that are wild-caught in the deep cold waters along the West Coast of the US from Baja California to Alaska. They boast healthy and abundant populations, and, when caught in the US, are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council and rated “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch.
Black Cod are the absolute king of Omega-3, boasting almost twice as much Omega-3 as wild King Salmon, and 10x as much as Atlantic Cod. This superfood is so rich in good fats, a mere 3-4oz portion satisfies your daily recommended intake.
Black Cod has long been a revered delicacy and mainstay in Japanese cuisine, and was made world-famous as Nobu’s signature dish “Miso Black Cod”. Black Cod is also sometimes referred to as Butterfish for its incredibly velvety texture and indulgent, buttery taste. Black Cod has thick fillets, a robust texture, and breaks up into large, chunky flakes when cooked. A superfood has rarely tasted this delicious and indulgent.
Black Cod Quick Facts
Black Cod/ Sablefish Biology
Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) , which is probably better known as Black Cod or Butterfish, is the only species in the genus Anoplopoma. So despite their common name, they are not cod at all.
Black Cod / Sablefish are deep-sea fish that live in cold waters at depths of 650 - 9,000 feet all along the West Coast of the US, all the way into Alaska. They are highly migratory species in their juvenile stages, venturing as far as 1,200 miles.
They are long-lived species that can live to 90 years old, although most of the commercially caught sablefish is less than 20 years old. They can reach up to 3 feet in length and start reproducing around age 5-6. They feed on a variety of marine life, including smaller fish, squid, octopus, crustaceans, or jellyfish.
Black Cod / Sablefish Sustainability
Wild & Natural
Black Cod is caught wild on the West Coast of the United States. Being wild-caught means that it requires no arable land, no precious fresh water, nor any fertilizer, pesticides, polluting chemicals, or any antibiotics to produce this great protein source.
Healthy and Abundant fish population
Black Cod belongs to the West Coast groundfish fishery which is among the most positive sustainability success stories around. Following a decline in some species’ population levels during the 1990s and receiving a federal disaster declaration in 2000, these species have bounced back to great abundance levels thanks to a total commitment to sustainability.
Well-managed fishery
Black Cod, along with all other West Coast groundfish species, is subject to a rigorous science-driven management process through the federally appointed Pacific Fishery Management Council that ensures continued abundance in future. This entails scientifically set limits on total catch, and limitations on when, where and how fishing can occur (i.e. avoiding spawning season, avoiding sensitive habitats or gear that minimizes accidental by-catch).
Keeping it local
While the average seafood product consumed in the United States clocks up over 5,000 food miles, Black Cod are caught and processed locally on the West Coast. Keeping it local not only minimizes food miles and their carbon footprint, but also maximizes product freshness and quality.
100% monitored FISHERY
Black Cod fishermen are 100% accountable for their catch. West Coast fishermen who target black cod are monitored either through an independent observer and/or camera system on board on every single trip to ensure compliance and complete record-keeping.
Independently certified SUSTAINABLE
Since 2014, Black Cod caught in California, Oregon or Washington, has been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the gold standard for wild sustainable fish. Moreover, Black Cod from these states are rated as a green “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch.
Black Cod/ Sablefish Nutrient Content
Black Cod, also known as Sablefish, is the absolute King of Omega-3! This fatty, buttery, flaky white fish is absolutely dripping with those good essential fats, that are so important for our heart health, our brains and neurological health, our immune system, and fertility.
Black Cod has a whopping 1792mg of Omega-3 (EPA +DHA) per 100g of fillet (3.5oz)! So that small amount of fish more than covers your daily recommended intake (1100mg for women, 1600mg for men).
For comparison, calorie for calorie, Sablefish / Black Cod has higher levels of Omega-3 than any other white fish - for example it has 10x more Omega-3 than Atlantic Cod. Even more so, Sablefish has more Omega-3 than other fatty fish like Salmon, Mackerel or Anchovies. In fact, it has almost twice as much Omega-3 than wild King Salmon.
Learn more about how Black Cod/Sablefish compares here.
Black Cod / Sablefish Taste & Cooking
Black Cod has long been revered as a real delicacy in Japan; and the Japanese really know and appreciate good seafood.
Taste: Black Cod is also referred to as Butterfish for its incredibly velvety texture and indulgent, buttery taste. Black Cod has thick fillets, a robust texture, and breaks up into large, chunky flakes when cooked. There is no fish quite like Black Cod - it is truly unique - but perhaps the closest comparison is with Chilean Sea Bass.
Preparation Method: Black Cod can be prepared in a variety of ways - it’s suitable for baking, sautéing, broiling, steaming or grilling (skin-on). Be assured, Black Cod is so buttery that one simply cannot overcook it. It’s less commonly used for high-fat preparations like deep-frying, but also not no-fat preparations like acid-curing or raw.
Black Cod has been made world-famous as Nobu’s signature dish “Miso Black Cod”. It takes very well to being marinated and balanced by umami and acidic notes. Here in the US, many chefs like to smoke Black Cod, and then prepare it simply with bread, on a seacuterie board or in dips and fillings.
How to cook Black Cod / Sablefish
Recipe: Ike-jime Black Cod with truffles
Recipe: Black Cod cookout on the beach
Recipe: Roasted Black Cod with truffled pea sauce
Recipe: Black Cod collars "BBQ wings"
Recipe: Smoked Black Cod home fries
Recipe: Black Cod Tenders
Recipe: Slow-roasted Sablefish (aka Black Cod)
Recipe: Black Cod with Arugula Pesto and Wild Mushrooms
Recipe: Smoked Black Cod 2 ways
Recipe: Hawaiian Black Cod Sliders
Black Cod / Sablefish Recipes
Recipe for Miso Black Cod with Potato Espuma (creamy mashed potatos) and allium dust
Common Questions
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Black Cod is available in good supermarkets, fish markets, and restaurants along the West Coast of the US, and increasingly throughout the US. We have provided a list of markets, online suppliers, and restaurants that focus on these local sustainable species. Check out our Retail & Restaurant Guide>>
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Yes, Black Cod is the common market name for Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), and the only species in the genus Anoplopoma. So despite their common name, Black Cod are not cod at all.
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No, Black Cod, is not a true cod. Instead, Black Cod is the common market name for Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), which is the only species in the genus Anoplopoma.
Like cod, Black Cod is a white fish with thick fillets and large moist flakes. However, Black Cod has a much higher oil content than conventional cod, which give Black Cod an incredibly luxurious buttery taste and the highest Omega-3 levels of any seafood. See our nutrient comparison >>
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Yes, Black Cod is an incredibly healthy and sustainable choice! Black Cod, also known as Sablefish, is the absolute King of Omega-3! This fatty, buttery, flaky white fish is absolutely dripping with those good essential fats, that are so important for our heart health, our brains and neurological function, our immune system, and fertility.
Black Cod has a whopping 1792mg of Omega-3 (EPA +DHA) per 100g of fillet (3.5oz)! So that small amount of fish more than covers your daily recommended intake (1100mg for women, 1600mg for men). Calorie for calorie, Sablefish / Black Cod has twice as much Omega-3 than wild king salmon and 10x as much as Atlantic Cod.
Learn more about how Black Cod/Sablefish nutrition compares here.
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Black Cod, also known as Sablefish, has approximately 14.4g of protein along with 1792mg of Omega-3 (DHA+EPA) per 100g (3.5ox) serving. It's a very healthy and sustainable source of protein.
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Black cod has a high oil content, which makes it both incredibly healthy owing to its exceptionally high levels of Omega-3 (DHA+EPA), and also gives it a rich, buttery flavor and luxurious texture, making this top-tier choice of fish. And due of its high oil content, it's basically impossible to overcook Black Cod, and make this fish stand up very well to grilling, baking and smoking. Find more details on Black Cod nutrition and recipes on this page.
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The deep-sea habitat of black cod contributes to its high fat content, which enhances its rich flavor and tender, moist texture, making it a prized fish in culinary circles.
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Be assured, Black Cod is so buttery that one simply cannot overcook it. Black Cod can be prepared in a variety of ways - it’s suitable for baking, sautéing, broiling, steaming or grilling (skin-on). Popular dishes are Miso Black Cod, Soy & Ginger marinated Black Cod, Smoked Black Cod, or simple pan-seared Black Cod are popular dishes. Try out our great Black Cod recipes on this page!
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Black Cod typically costs between $15-$25 per pound, which works out to $3.75 - $6.25 per 4oz portion. However, Black Cod is a top tier fish - it's local and sustainable, high in Omega-3, and it's a very elegant, buttery, delicious fish that makes for a luxurious meal.
Note that prices can vary based on season and location.