Black cod, also known as Sablefish and Butterfish, is a gourmet fish with a rich, buttery flavor and delicate, silky texture. It is found on the menus of the world’s most exclusive seafood restaurants. While it is known as a delicacy in many countries, it is especially popular in Japan.
Black Cod is found along the northeastern Pacific Ocean from northern Mexico to Alaska but is most commonly found in Alaska. Alaskan black cod stands apart from their regular cod thanks to the frigid waters of Alaska. The cold temperatures result in higher fat content, making for a richer flavor and more Omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, Alaskan black cod is sustainably sourced and special provisions are in place to ensure the Alaskan fish populations remain at healthy levels, preventing overfishing.
Baked black cod is especially easy to cook and requires minimal work on your part. Here is how I like to cook black cod. You won’t believe how delicious this fish is compared to other varieties.
Black cod fillets Poached in Garlic, Lemon, Butter Sauce
2 servings
Ingredients
2 (6-ounce) Alaska sablefish (black cod) fillets
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic, Lemon Butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 servings of Mashed Potatoes
Directions
Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper and lightly dredge in the flour. Set aside
Combine the ingredients for the Garlic Lemon Butter sauce in a medium skillet.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, and add the fish skin-side up. Cover the pan. Cook for 12 minutes, carefully turning once after 6 minutes.
The recommended temperature for cooked fish is 140°-145°F.
Place a serving of mashed potatoes on each serving plate. Carefully lift a portion of the fish out of the skillet and place it on top of the potatoes. Pour the sauce over the fish and potatoes on each plate. Serve with peas or another green vegetable.
Chicken Saltimbocca with Artichoke Sauce
2 Servings
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
6 large fresh sage or basil leaves
4 thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma
1/4 c unbleached all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Half of a 14-oz can of artichoke hearts drained
½ cup Chicken Stock
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Place the chicken breast halves between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound them with a rolling pin or meat pounder until the breasts are about ¼ inch thick; set aside.
Put 2 sage leaves on the less smooth side of each pounded chicken breast. Cover them with the 2 prosciutto slices and press until they adhere. Cover the breasts and chill them for 10 minutes.
Spread out the four on a pie plate and add salt and pepper to taste. Working with one piece at a time, coat the chicken with the flour and shake off the excess flour.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until hot; reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the chicken for 5 minutes per side, or until the pieces are golden and just cooked through.
Coarsely chop the artichoke hearts (about 1/2 cup). Add them to the skillet along with the chicken stock and butter. Simmer until the liquid is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
Place the chicken dinner plates; spoon the sauce over the chicken to serve.
Lemon Rice
Make the whole recipe, leftovers heat easily and you can save time.
Servings 6
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion diced
3 cloves garlic finely minced
2 cups Long Grain White Rice
1 teaspoon salt
3 ½ cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 large lemon juiced
Directions
Heat the butter in a deep pot over medium heat then add the onion and cook until slightly translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant.
Add the rice and salt, stir, and fry for 6-7 minutes or until the rice turns an opaque white color, stirring the entire time to prevent burning.
Add the broth and lemon juice and stir to combine.
Bring the rice to a simmer then reduce the heat to low-medium and cover.
Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has cooked completely.
Remove the pan from the heat and leave the lid on the pan.
Let the rice rest for 10-15 minutes before fluffing and serving.
Garden Peas with Chopped Onion
Ingredients
1-10 pkg frozen peas, defrosted
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Saute butter and onion in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the peas and heat over low until hot.
Serve with a green vegetable, such as sauteed spinach.
Ingredients
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup {8 tablespoons} unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
3 cups cubed leftover ham
16 oz dried short pasta shape, such as elbows, cavatappi, or Penn pasta
5 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon ground mustard
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced processed cheese, such as Velveeta
¼ cup chopped parsley
Directions
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large Dutch Ove. Mix this melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs and set aside.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same Dutch Oven. Add the onion, ham, and garlic and saute for 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Pour into a bowl and set aside.
Pour the milk into the pot and bring to a simmer (medium heat). Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
Add remaining butter and mustard. Mix everything together until the butter has completely melted. Add the 1 cup of diced Velveeta and heat until melted, stirring constantly.
Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and mix until fully melted. Add the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and mix well/ Add parsley and peas. Stir.
Remove from the heat source. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Top with buttered panko crumbs and place under the broiler for a few minutes to lightly brown the crumbs. Serve in pasta bowls.
Ingredients
1 cup of each of the following vegetables cut into small pieces
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Zucchini
Green Beans
Peas
Corn
Potatoes
Soup
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 garlic cloves, grated
1tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning
4 cups tomato purée
2 cups canned chopped Italian tomatoes
½ teaspoon Calabrian chili paste
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups water
Parmesan cheese rind
Salt and pepper to taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Directions
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the vegetables that take longer to cook: onion, carrots, celery, green beans, and potatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and remaining vegetables. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Add purée, tomatoes, broth, water, cheese tind, and seasonings. Bring to a low boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook untold the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Serve in soup bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Salmon Cakes
Ingredient
1 lb salmon fillets
1/4 cup finely chopped onion plus extra for poaching
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup prepared ranch dressing
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for poaching
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs, divided
Butter for cooking
Directions
Poach the salmon in simmering, lightly salted water in a deep skillet for 5-6 minutes. Add a few slices of onion, a few sprigs of time , salt and pepper to the poaching liquid.
Drain and flake fish with a fork. Remove any skin and pin bones. Cool slightly. Add the celery onion, bell pepper, salt, pepper, mustard lemon juice, ranch dressing, thyme and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Mix well. Divide into 4 equal patties. Place the remaining breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat the cakes on both sides in the crumbs. Place on a plate and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet and brown the cakes on both sides. Serve with lemon wedges.
Lemon Pasta With Peas
Ingredients
9 oz pkg fresh linguine pasta
Salt
Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup frozen and defrosted peas
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Drain.
Heat the butter, oil and garlic in the empty pasta pot. When the butter has melted, add the lemon juice, peas and drained pasta. Heat for a minute. Mix well and add the cheese. Stir and serve with salmon cakes.
Nut-Crusted Fish Fillets
Ingredients
2 white fish filets (6 oz. each) {I used red snapper}
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons finely chopped {your choice}
1 teaspoon each of fresh parsley, chives, rosemary, and thyme
Directions
Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper. Place skin side down on a baking sheet or pan.
Combine mustard and honey, and brush on top of the fish.
Mix nuts, and herbs together and sprinkle on the fish.
Bake at 400°F 15 minutes or until flaky.
Creamy Lemon Butter Sauced Gnocchi
Ingredients
1- pkg shelf-stable potato gnocchi, about 17 oz
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
Juice of two lemons
8 tablespoons butter
2 garlic, grated
Salt to taste
⅓ cup heavy cream
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions. As they rise to the top of the boiling water, scoop them out with a spider to a pasta bowl.
Heat the sauce ingredients until the butter is melted. Add the cheese and poor over the gnocchi. Mix well. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Garden Peas with Chopped Onion
Ingredients
1-10 pkg frozen peas, defrosted
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Saute butter and onion in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the peas and heat over low until hot.
Short Ribs
I like to serve this dish with potato gnocchi and garden peas.
8-10 servings
Ingredients
6 lb. English-style beef short ribs
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
All-purpose flour
2 diced carrots
1 medium diced onion
1 small-diced fennel bulb
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon. finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1teaspoon minced anchovies
2 cups dry red wine
26-28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
2 cup lower-salt beef broth
Directions
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons. of the oil over medium heat.
Place 1 cup flour, 2 teas[oons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a large ziplock plastic bag. Add the ribs and shake the bag until the ribs are coated.
Add half of the ribs to the pot (or as many as will fit without overlap), and cook, turning with tongs, until nicely browned on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the ribs to a platter and repeat with the remaining ribs. Pour off all but a thin layer of fat from the pan.
Add the remaining oil, carrots, onions, and fennel to the pan. Season with salt. Cook, stirring up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the thyme, garlic, paprika, coriander, and anchovies, and cook, stirring, until well distributed and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour the red wine into the pot and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is bubbling
Transfer all the ribs (and any juices that have accumulated) back into the pot. Add the tomatoes and beef broth, Arrange the ribs as evenly as possible and no more than two layers deep. You may also transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and cover it with foil.
Place the pan or dish in the oven. Cook, turning the ribs with tongs about every 40 minutes, until they are fork-tender, about3/4 hours. (The meat may fall off most of the bones about midway through cooking; this does not mean that the ribs are fully tender.)
Serve the ribs with the sauce spooned over, sprinkled with chopped parsley.
Make-Ahead Tips
It’s best to braise short ribs a day ahead for a couple of reasons. First, this allows you to chill the sauce so it can be defatted thoroughly. Also, the flavors only get better with time. To reheat, arrange the meat snugly in a baking dish, cover with foil, and put in a 350°F oven. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
2 to 4 servings depending on how large you like your portions.
I prefer to butterfly the chicken rather than cut a pocket. The breasts are much easier to fill if butterflied.
Ingredients
2 {8 oz} boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil,
For the stuffing
1/4 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon olive oil
Breading
½ cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
1 egg beaten
1 cup panko crumbs mixed with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
4 slices of tomato from a large tomato, ¼ inch thick
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
Make the filling. In a small mixing bowl combine the stuffing ingredients. Mix until well combined.
Pat the chicken breast dry. Place the breast on a cutting board. With a boning knife, butterfly the breast. Place it between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet to even the meat out. Repeat with the second breast.
Place half of the filling on one breast. Press down firmly on the filling to help it stick to the breast. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal. Repeat with the second breast.
Dredge the breasts in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally press in the panko crumbs. Place the breast in an oiled baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and top each breast with two tomato slices. Place the dish back in the oven for 5 more minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F.
Gnocchi With Peas
Ingredients
One 17 oz pkg Potato Gnocchi or
Homemade Gnocchi
2 pounds russet potatoes
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
To make homemade gnocchi
In a covered 8-quart Dutch oven cook potatoes in enough boiling water to cover about 20 minutes or just until tender (do not overcook); drain. Peel potatoes.
While potatoes are still hot, push through a ricer into a large bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add about half of the flour; mix well. Stir in enough of the remaining 1/2 cup flour to make a soft, pliable dough. Divide dough in thirds.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough at a time into a 1-inch-thick rope. Cut rope into 1/2-inch pieces. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the top of each piece. Place on a baking sheet; chill while preparing the sauce (up to 2 hours).
Heat the butter and peas.
To cook the gnocchi
In the Dutch oven bring a large amount of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the gnocchi; cook for 10 to 15 seconds or until the gnocchi starts to float to the top. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi as they rise to the top of the boiling water, to the p of the pan with the butter and peas. Add the cheese and mix well. Serve.
2 servings
Ingredients
For the lamb: marinade
4 small loin lamb chops {grass-fed}
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
’Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the ingredients in a plastic zip; lock the bag and add the lamb. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
For the mustard sauce:
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
½ cup chicken or beef stock
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon instant flour {Wondra}
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Heat all the ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat until thickened. Keep warm.
Cooking the lamb
Preheat an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill or an air fryer; Drain the lamb and grill for 6 minutes on one side and 6-7 minutes more on the second side, Place the lamb on a serving dish and spoon the mustard sauce over the lamb.
Honey-Ginger Oven Roasted Carrots
For 2 servings
Ingredients
4 large organics carrots (cut into 2-inch lengths
2 tablespoon oil
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon dried ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. with a cover
Pour the oil into a small baking dish. Add the carrots and drizzle with the honey. Sprinkle the ginger, salt and pepper over the carrots. Mix everything well. Cover the dish.
Bake for 30 minutes until just tender.
Italian Style Rice
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 green onion minced
1 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup long-grain rice
1 cup chicken stock
1 /2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Sauté green onion on a medium saucepan with 1 tablespoon of oil until soft. Add garlic and rice. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook 15 minutes. Add the peas and parsley. Cover the pan and cook 5 minutes more. Stir in the cheese snd serves with the fish.
Italian Style Sea Bass
Ingredients
12 oz Chilean sea bass, cut into 2 portions
1 fresh lemon squeezed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
2 pats butter
Salt, pepper to taste
1 tablespoon each fresh parsley, basil, minced
1/4 cup or more of Italian flavored bread crumbs
Directions
Oil a baking pan large enough to hold the fish.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
Lay the Sea Bass skin side down in the pan.
Whisk the lemon juice with the dill, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and garlic together.
Drizzle over each piece of fish, reserving some for the top.
Top each fillet with Italian bread crumbs and a pat of butter…
Bake in a preheated oven for around 20 minutes.
Baked Tomato Slices
Ingredients
1 large beefsteak tomato
2 ¼ inch thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
Several fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Directions
Cut the tomato in half horizontally. Place them I cut the dude up in a small baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with oil.
Place in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the fish’s baking time.
Italian Style Rice And Peas
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 green onion minced
1 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup long-grain rice
1 cup chicken stock
1 /2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
Sauté green onion on a medium saucepan with 1 tablespoon of oil until soft. Add garlic and rice. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook 15 minutes. Add the peas and parsley. Cover the pan and cook 5 minutes more. Stir in the cheese snd serves with the fish.
