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+ servings
Black Cod Sake Kasu
Jon Simon

Black Cod Sake Kasu

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A traditional Japanese dish that transforms black cod into a buttery, caramelized perfection using a two-step curing and marinating process with sake kasu.
Prep Time 48 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 64

Ingredients
 
 

Main
  • 2 lbs black cod fish fillets skin on, pin bones removed, cut into serving pieces
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt or table salt more if needed
  • 6 ounces sake kasu
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
Garnish
  • to taste fresh ginger thinly sliced and blanched, or pickled ginger, for serving

Equipment

  • Shallow dish
  • Plastic wrap
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Outdoor grill
  • Individual serving plates

Method
 

  1. Set the black cod pieces skin side down in a shallow dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt over the fish, ensuring complete coverage. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the salt to firm up the fish's texture.
  2. After 24 hours, rinse the salt off the fish under cold running water. Pat the pieces completely dry with paper towels and return them to a cleaned dish.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the sake kasu and sugar until smooth. Gradually add water while whisking to prevent lumps, creating a pourable marinade.
  4. Pour the kasu mixture evenly over the rinsed cod fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for another 24 hours.
  5. Light the coals in your outdoor grill until they are blazing hot. Remove the black cod from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the fish for about 5 minutes per side until nicely browned and just cooked through. Transfer to individual plates and top with ginger slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 17gFat: 0.1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 0.3mgSugar: 17gCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.01mg

Notes

Don't skip the salt-curing step as it firms the fish's texture. If you can't find sake kasu, try Asian markets or order online. You can substitute other firm white fish like halibut or sea bass if needed.

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