Sablefish are a sleek, black-skinned fish from the cold, deep waters of the North Pacific, harvested on the west coast of Canada by members of the Canadian Sablefish Association (CSA).  Also known as blackcod or butterfish, sablefish is commonly smoked but is becoming increasingly available unsmoked from distributors and producers.  Canadian sablefish is a premium product which chefs prize for its pearly white flesh, large velvety flakes and sweet, rich flavour. 

Nearly all Canadian sablefish is harvested live in traps, ensuring a top quality product as well as virtually eliminating bycatch.  A small portion of the CSA harvest is caught by long-line gear.  Sablefish is harvested offshore where virtually all the catch is bled, cleaned and frozen on board within minutes of being caught to maintain superior quality. 

Unsmoked sablefish is available as "J" cut (head off, collar off), fillets or steaks.  Smoked sablefish is normally hot-smoked and requires additional cooking.  It is available in sides and portions.  Smoked and unsmoked collars are also available.

Canadian sablefish is available year round with approximately 4,000 tonnes harvested annually.  Traditionally, Canadian sablefish have been exported to Japan and Hong Kong but is becoming increasingly available in Canada and the United States.

Sablefish gets its unique taste and texture from the high oil content which makes unsmoked product ideal for fast, high heat - especially grilling, roasting, broiling and pan-searing.  When cooked, the flesh forms large, pure white flakes, making it suitable for Western style and Asian dishes.  Depending on the cure, some chefs soak smoked sablefish in milk before finishing by grilling, baking or steaming, although this is not necessary for lightly smoked product. 

Smoked sablefish trimmings also make excellent dips, mousses and fillings.  The high oil content of Sablefish makes it especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which many experts believe reduce the incidence of heart disease.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories  205
• Fat Calories  145
• Total fat  16 g
• Saturated fats  3 g
• Cholesterol  55 mg
• Protein  14 g
• Iron  1.5 mg
• Vitamin A  430 RE

Based on 3 oz/85 g cooked edible portion

• Omega-3 fatty acids  1.4 g

Based on 3.5 oz/100 g raw portion

Source:  USDA

Sablefish Facts – Alaska Seafood

Sablefish Facts - Seafood InfoCenter