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Japanese Miso Glazed Cod Recipe

A rich and flavourful Japanese Miso Glazed Cod Recipe featuring tender, flaky cod marinated in a savory-sweet miso glaze, then baked or broiled to caramelised perfection—perfect for an elegant yet easy dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Miso Marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced

For the Cod:

  • 4 cod fillets about 5–6 oz each
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for greasing

Optional Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

  • Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Marinate the Cod

  • Coat the fillets evenly with the miso marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 5: Bake the Cod

  • Place the marinated cod on the tray, removing excess marinade. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.

Step 6: Broil for Finish (Optional)

  • Broil for 1–2 minutes to achieve a caramelised, glossy glaze.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from oven, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not over-marinate: Limit to 2 hours to prevent overly salty or mushy texture.
  • Dry fish properly: This helps the glaze stick and caramelise better.
  • Cooking tip: Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in the oven to prevent drying out.
  • Variation ideas:
  • Add chili paste for a spicy version
  • Use honey instead of sugar for a richer glaze
  • Substitute cod with salmon or sea bass