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Baked Black Cod Recipe
Black cod, also known as sablefish, is prized for its buttery flavor and soft, delicate texture. This oven-baked black cod recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the richness of the fish while keeping it simple and healthy. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s flavorful, tender, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this baked black cod recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces black cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine (for rinsing the fish)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
These simple ingredients combine to enhance the natural flavors of the black cod while adding a slight sweetness and umami from the soy sauce.
How to Cook Baked Black Cod
This recipe involves two main steps: marinating and baking the fish. Both are essential to achieving a moist and flavorful result.
Step 1: Marinate the Black Cod
- Salt the Fish: Sprinkle both sides of the black cod fillets with salt and set them aside for 30 minutes. This helps to remove any excess moisture from the fish and reduces the “fishy” smell.
- Rinse with Cooking Wine: After 30 minutes, pour 2 tablespoons of cooking wine over the fillets to rinse off the salt. Pat the fish dry gently with paper towels.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, cooking wine, and sugar. Pour the marinade into a shallow, airtight container and add the black cod fillets, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Marinate: Cover the container and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to soak in. This step is crucial for enhancing the fish’s taste.
Step 2: Bake the Fish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the center.
- Prepare the Fish for Baking: Remove the black cod from the marinade and use your fingers to gently wipe off any excess marinade. Too much marinade can cause the fish to burn while baking.
- Bake: Place the fillets skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the surface of the fish begins to blister and brown. There’s no need to flip the fish during baking.
- Serve: Once the black cod is fully baked, serve it immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Baked Black Cod
- Don’t skip marinating: Marinating the fish adds depth to the flavor and ensures that it remains moist and tender.
- Avoid burning: Be sure to wipe off any excess marinade before baking to prevent burning.
- Serving suggestions: Black cod pairs well with various sides, including rice, potatoes, and vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or green beans.
How to Store and Reheat Black Cod
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, cool the fish to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Leftovers:
You can freeze black cod by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 1 month. Before reheating, thaw the fish in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions:
For best results, reheat black cod in the oven. Preheat the oven to 275°F, place the fish in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 113 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
- Sodium: 1429mg
Conclusion
This baked black cod recipe is a simple yet elegant way to prepare sablefish. With its soft texture, buttery flavor, and umami-rich marinade, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, baked black cod is a versatile and satisfying option that pairs well with a variety of sides.