Miso Glazed Black Cod

Miso Glazed Black Cod is a luxurious and elegant dish that highlights the rich, buttery texture of black cod with a sweet and savory glaze inspired by traditional Japanese flavors. The key to this recipe is the marinade, which combines white miso paste, sake, mirin, and sugar to create a perfectly balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. This glaze imparts a deep umami flavor that complements the delicate fish, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both indulgent and light.

This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple piece of fish into a restaurant-quality entrée that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The marinade also tenderizes the fish while infusing it with complex flavors, making each bite flavorful and tender. Miso glazed black cod pairs perfectly with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a taste of Japanese cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unforgettable flavor

The combination of miso, sake, and mirin creates a uniquely sweet and savory glaze that enhances the fish.

Simple ingredients

Uses pantry staples and minimal preparation for maximum flavor.

Tender, buttery texture

Black cod’s natural richness is perfectly complemented by the marinade.

Elegant yet easy

A restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for home cooking.

Versatile serving options

Pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a well-rounded meal.

this …

Ingredients

• Sake
• Mirin
• White miso paste
• Granulated sugar
• Black cod or sablefish fillets
• Kosher salt
• Cooking spray or vegetable/canola oil

Variations

Use different fish

Try the glaze on halibut, salmon, or other firm white fish if black cod is unavailable.

Add ginger

Include fresh grated ginger in the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.

Honey substitute

Swap granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Broil or grill

Cook under the broiler or on a grill for a smoky char instead of pan-searing.

Garnish ideas

Serve with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk together sake, mirin, white miso paste, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 2

Pat the black cod fillets dry and lightly season both sides with kosher salt.

Step 3

Place the fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours, but no longer than overnight.

Step 4

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.

Step 5

Remove the fillets from the marinade, wiping off excess glaze to prevent burning.

Step 6

Cook the fillets skin-side down first for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.

Step 7

Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.

Step 8

Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t over-marinate to avoid overpowering the delicate fish texture.
• Pat fillets dry before cooking to achieve a crisp skin.
• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking.
• Wipe off excess marinade to avoid burning sugar during cooking.
• Let the fish rest a few minutes after cooking for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve miso glazed black cod hot alongside steamed jasmine rice or sushi rice, with sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or roasted asparagus. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables make excellent refreshing accompaniments. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions for added flavor and texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked black cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh; freezing cooked black cod is not recommended as it can affect the texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave, covered loosely, to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

1. What is black cod?

Black cod, also called sablefish, is a fatty, buttery fish prized for its rich flavor and tender texture.

2. Can I use another type of miso?

White miso is preferred for its mild, sweet flavor, but yellow miso can be used with a slightly stronger taste.

3. How long should I marinate the fish?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours for the best balance of flavor and texture.

4. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

5. Is mirin necessary?

Mirin adds sweetness and depth; if unavailable, use a mix of sake and sugar as a substitute.

6. How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Wipe excess marinade off before cooking and cook over medium heat.

7. Can I grill the fish?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor; use a grill basket to prevent sticking.

8. What sides pair well with miso glazed black cod?

Rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables, and light salads complement the dish well.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure your miso paste and mirin are gluten-free to make the dish gluten-free.

10. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, the marinade can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Miso Glazed Black Cod is an exquisite dish that brings the refined flavors of Japanese cuisine right into your home kitchen. With its luscious glaze, tender texture, and simple preparation, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special weeknight dinner. The balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes makes this recipe a timeless favorite that will keep you coming back for more.

Print