Introduction

The Brown Butter Roasted Alaska Sablefish with Garlic Soy Glaze and Seaweed Salad is a perfect harmony of flavors: the rich, buttery taste of sablefish, the nutty aroma of brown butter, the savory depth of garlic soy glaze, and the refreshing crispness of seaweed salad. Alaska sablefish (also known as black cod), renowned for its silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture and high omega-3 content, is roasted to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining its succulent, moist interior. The brown butter imparts its characteristic nutty notes, elevating the dish. The smooth, umami-rich garlic soy glaze serves as a perfect complement, while the seaweed salad provides a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the palate. This dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, suitable for elegant dinners or cozy family gatherings.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

A. Brown Butter Roasted Alaska Sablefish:

2 pieces of Alaska sablefish (black cod), about 180-200g each, deboned and skin-off (or skin-on, as preferred)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

B. Garlic Soy Glaze:

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)

1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to desired spice level)

C. Seaweed Salad:

50g dried wakame seaweed, rehydrated and cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced

1/4 carrot, julienned

1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

D. Garnish (optional):

Chopped green onions

Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Alaska Sablefish

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Pat the sablefish fillets dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.

In an oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet to transfer to a baking sheet later), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, continue to cook until it turns a golden-brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.

Place the sablefish in the skillet, skin-side down (if skin-on). Pan-sear for about 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.

Flip the fish, then transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Soy Glaze

While the fish is roasting, combine all the garlic soy glaze ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes) in a small bowl.

Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the honey has dissolved.

Step 3: Prepare the Seaweed Salad

Soak the dried wakame seaweed in cold water for about 5-10 minutes until rehydrated and tender. Drain, rinse thoroughly, and squeeze out any excess water. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, combine the rehydrated seaweed, julienned cucumber, and julienned carrot.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for the dressing. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

Pour the dressing over the seaweed salad mixture and toss well to combine.

Sprinkle toasted white sesame seeds over the top.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the sablefish is cooked, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the garlic soy glaze generously over the fish fillets.

Arrange the roasted sablefish on plates alongside the seaweed salad.

Garnish with chopped green onions and extra toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Flavor Profile

The Brown Butter Roasted Alaska Sablefish with Garlic Soy Glaze and Seaweed Salad offers a truly delightful culinary experience. The sablefish itself is tender, incredibly rich, and literally melts in your mouth, infused with the decadent, nutty notes of brown butter. The savory and sweet garlic soy glaze, with its subtle hint of spice from the red pepper flakes and aromatic essence of garlic and ginger, adds a complex layer of flavor, enhancing the richness of the dish. The refreshing seaweed salad, with its mild sweet-and-sour taste and pleasing texture, provides a delightful contrast, balancing the richness and preventing any feeling of heaviness.

This dish is perfectly suited for family dinners, small gatherings, or special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, brown rice noodles, or can be enjoyed on its own. For an enhanced dining experience, consider pairing this dish with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light lager beer to complement the richness of the fish and butter.