Name: Miso Glazed Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons white miso paste; 2 tablespoons mirin; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Sweet, savory, and elegantly simple—Miso Glazed Cod is one of those dishes that looks gourmet but comes together with surprisingly little effort. The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how quickly it went from pan to plate, yet tasted like something straight out of a fine-dining restaurant. The rich, buttery texture of cod pairs beautifully with the umami-packed miso glaze, creating a balanced dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

I love preparing this recipe when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce miso into everyday cooking if you’re not already familiar with this powerhouse ingredient. Once you try it, I guarantee you’ll want to keep miso paste as a fridge staple.

Why You’ll Love This Miso Glazed Cod

This dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. The cod turns out incredibly tender, flaking at the touch of a fork, while the miso glaze forms a caramelized, slightly sticky coating that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a dinner party, it’s elegant and approachable. Plus, it pairs easily with a variety of sides from simple steamed rice to roasted vegetables.

What Kind of Miso Should I Use?

White miso (shiro miso) is the best choice for this recipe. It’s milder and slightly sweet, complementing the delicate flavor of the cod without overpowering it. If you have red or mixed miso on hand, you can use it, but keep in mind the flavor will be stronger and more robust.

Options for Substitutions

If you can’t find cod, try substituting with another flaky white fish like halibut, black cod (sablefish), or even sea bass. For a plant-based version, thick slices of roasted eggplant or tofu work surprisingly well with the same miso glaze.

No mirin? A splash of rice vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar can mimic the sweet acidity. If you’re low on sesame oil, olive oil is an okay alternative, though the sesame adds a distinct nutty depth.

Ingredients for This Miso Glazed Cod

Cod fillets – This mild, buttery fish is perfect for absorbing the miso glaze and remains tender and flaky when baked or broiled.

White miso paste – Brings a rich umami flavor and slightly sweet undertone that defines the glaze.

Mirin – Adds a gentle sweetness and depth, balancing out the saltiness of the miso.

Soy sauce – Enhances the savory aspect of the glaze and complements the fish.

Brown sugar – Helps to create a caramelized texture while adding a layer of sweetness.

Sesame oil – Introduces a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the glaze.

Fresh ginger – Offers a bright zing and contrast to the rich miso.

Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and savory intensity.

Green onions – Used as a garnish to brighten the final dish.

Toasted sesame seeds – Provide a light crunch and a nutty finish.

Step 1: Make the Miso Marinade

In a bowl, combine white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir until smooth and well blended. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 2: Marinate the Cod

Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Spoon the marinade over the fillets, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Remove excess marinade from the fish to avoid burning, but don’t scrape it completely clean.

Step 4: Bake the Cod

Place the marinated cod on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, broil for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the cod to plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

How Long to Prepare the Miso Glazed Cod

Preparation Time: The marinade itself takes only about 5 to 10 minutes to mix together, and the cod can be prepped for marinating in under 5 minutes. It’s a great recipe to prepare ahead of time because the fish benefits from sitting in the miso mixture.

Cooking Time: Once marinated, the cod only needs 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. If you decide to broil it briefly for extra caramelization, add 1–2 more minutes under the broiler. All in all, you’re looking at a total active cooking time of about 25 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Miso Glazed Cod

Pat the cod dry before marinating to help the glaze adhere better.
Use parchment paper or a well-oiled baking tray to prevent sticking.
Don’t skip the broil at the end—it enhances the glaze with a light char.
Let the fish rest for 2–3 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute.
For an extra glossy finish, brush a bit of reserved marinade on the fish after baking.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Over-marinating: More than 2 hours in the miso marinade can start to cure the fish and change the texture.
Using too much glaze in the oven: Excess glaze can burn quickly due to the sugar content.
Overcooking: Cod cooks fast. Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out the delicate flesh.
Skipping parchment: Miso glaze can stick aggressively to pans—line your tray for easy cleanup.
Not adjusting salt: Some miso and soy sauce combos can be very salty. Taste the marinade before using.

What to Serve With Miso Glazed Cod?

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic pairing that absorbs the rich miso sauce and balances the saltiness with soft texture.

2. Sautéed Bok Choy

Lightly cooked bok choy with garlic and a splash of soy sauce offers a crunchy, bright contrast.

3. Miso Soup

Echo the flavor profile with a warm, comforting bowl of miso soup on the side.

4. Pickled Vegetables

Crisp, vinegary pickled radishes or cucumbers can cut through the richness of the glaze.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the umami glaze and adds a comforting note.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover miso glazed cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered pan with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Freezing: While you can freeze it, the glaze may lose its texture slightly when thawed. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil or freezer paper and place in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tip: Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent the fish from drying out.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the cod?

Ideally, 30 minutes to 2 hours. Avoid marinating longer as the miso may begin to cure the fish.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to ensure proper flavor absorption.

What’s the difference between white miso and red miso?

White miso is milder and slightly sweeter, making it perfect for delicate proteins like cod. Red miso is stronger and more fermented.

Can I cook this in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes, but keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the glaze. Covering the pan can help steam the fish for even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your miso paste is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Miso Glazed Cod is a stunning dish that delivers complex flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cooking with miso or a seasoned fan of Japanese-inspired cuisine, this recipe is a keeper. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. With its sweet-savory glaze and tender texture, this cod dish may just become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood.