Black and Orange.

No, it’s not Halloween. And, while I am from Philadelphia, this isn’t about the Flyers. Or Monarch butterflies. It’s not even a clownfish (sorry, Nemo)… but you are getting warm; it is about fish. It’s actually a simple black cod, which really isn’t black at all, with a saffron beurre blanc, which is very, very orange. I added sweet potato slices to make it even more orange.

The dish is elegant, and not at all difficult to prepare. Searing the fish is super easy. And, once you have made a beurre blanc, you know that there is nothing to it. Okay, maybe a little timing… but, if you prepare most of it in advance, the final flourish of butter takes just a few moments. I developed this recipe to pair with a Provence wine from Chêne Bleu — their Aliot, a fantastic white blend. Read more about the wine on the Provence WineZine.

~ David

13 Comments

  1. Barb

    May 3, 2025 at 7:26 am

    This sauce would likely be delicious on almost any fish. I doubt I’ll find black cod, but Icelandic cod and Alaska cod are readily available, as well as halibut and sea bass. Occasionally, I see monk fish available and I agree with Towny that it would be fabulous with the citrus saffron sauce. The Chêne Bleu sounds perfect to accompany the dish.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 3, 2025 at 8:50 am

      Thanks, Barb —my Oy are absolutely right. The sauce would be delicious with most any fish and all you named are perfect. I’ll keep looking for reasonable prices for monkfish! The Chêne Bleu was exquisite!

      Reply
  2. Jane Sanders

    May 3, 2025 at 7:40 am

    David – Where did you buy the black cod, here in Tucson? It’s a delicious fish………..
    And I love your cutlery –

    Jane

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 3, 2025 at 8:53 am

      I thought you might like the cutlery, Jane (don’t tell anyone it’s a fruit set!). The fish is from the farmers market (from White Cane Salmon) but they won’t be back till early fall when they get a new batch from Alaska. I’ll try to remember to tell you when they are back.

      Reply
  3. Gerlinde de Broekert

    May 3, 2025 at 8:26 am

    What a beautiful dish, I hope to make it soon. Thanks David.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 3, 2025 at 8:54 am

      Thanks, Gerlinde — it’s quite special and I hope you enjoy it.

      Reply
  4. Becker

    May 3, 2025 at 9:37 am

    Beautiful especially the cutlery which I also have which is a fish set.

    Reply
  5. angiesrecipes

    May 3, 2025 at 10:34 am

    wow That saffron sauce is the pure gold, bet it would be excellent for some scallops, David, and black cod is a huge favourite too.
    p.s Got your granola recipe update just today!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 3, 2025 at 2:54 pm

      Well, I’m glad you are getting things eventually! Yes, the saffron beurre Blanc would be wonderful with scallops!

      Reply
  6. Mad Dog

    May 3, 2025 at 11:00 am

    That looks beautiful and I’m sure delicious with black cod. You may find monkfish (rapé) slightly cheaper in the large Spanish markets – it is one of Spain’s favourite fish, but like octopus, the prices have gone up considerably in the last 15 years. Closing time, especially Saturdays and the day before a holiday can be good for a bargain. The heads are quite cheap and make excellent stock and they often sell the tails at a lower price than the main body.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      May 3, 2025 at 2:56 pm

      That’s a great hint, Mad Dog — thanks! I haven’t yet seen it in the markets but will look again.

      Reply
  7. Eha Carr

    May 3, 2025 at 2:59 pm

    Hello from a jubilant Australia where we have followed Canada for another term of go-ahead peaceful government! Tired but thrilled!!! Love the look of your fish dish, especially the use of saffron and rosemary which I so like to use . . , and, yes, I like the plating and cutlery also . . .

    Reply

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