The Overlooked Fish That Tastes Like Sea Bass For Less (Plus It Has More Omega-3)

In the 1990s, Chilean sea bass was all the rage. But as we know, food trends come and go. One minute açaí berries are hot, the next it's anything packed with extra protein. While sea bass never went anywhere, it lost some of the popularity it once enjoyed. Much of that decline can be attributed to sustainability concerns and a high price — two issues that are closely related. But if you like the taste of sea bass and want a less expensive alternative, give sablefish a try.

Sablefish is known as black cod, even though it's not actually cod. Sablefish has a flavor and texture that's similar to Chilean sea bass, with both fish prized for their rich, buttery flesh. It contains more omega-3 fatty acids (about 1,500 to 1,800 milligrams per 100-gram serving) and lower mercury levels, meaning it can be eaten more often. In fact, it has more omega-3s than any other white fish. Its high fat content gives it a melt in your mouth feel that many diners and chefs find appealing. Sablefish is also more sustainably fished. Another great perk is that it tends to cost considerably less than sea bass.

Originally called Patagonian toothfish, Chilean sea bass was rebranded to sound more appealing to international diners. The fish has a mild flavor and is light with large, meaty flakes. It also freezes incredibly well. "It's one of the only fish that thaws out and eats better than a fresh fish," seafood distributor Louis Rizzo told TASTE. It's known for handling high heat well and being difficult to overcook. Unfortunately, serious overfishing depleted populations, which partially led to its high price.

There are plenty of reasons why you should be eating sablefish, but in this economy, price can't be overlooked. Miso-marinated sablefish from Costco costs just over $15 per pound, whereas Kirkland Signature Chilean sea bass is just under $45 per pound. From the Browne Trading Company, a seven to eight pound frozen sea bass fillet costs $515, which is about $64 to $74 per pound; fresh sablefish fillets start as low as $55 per pound. Sablefish is just $23.75 per pound from Pike Place Fish Market, while Chilean sea bass is just under $70. Unlike Chilean sea bass, which is fished in remote areas near the Antarctic, black cod is fished along the Pacific coast from Alaska down through California. That close proximity makes it easier and cheaper to obtain.

While you may not find sablefish at every grocery store, many chains do carry it. If sablefish isn't listed, ask for black cod or butterfish. Stores like Wegmans, H-E-B, Publix, and Whole Foods offer sablefish at select locations. Your local fish market may also carry it or be able to order it in.

The thing that makes sablefish so desirable is the fat content we mentioned earlier. It allows the fish to stand up to high heat without drying out. That makes sablefish ideal for smoking or any other cooking methods that could leave leaner fish on the drier side. If you're interested in trying some yourself, we have a great recipe for pan-seared sablefish with morels and asparagus.