Miso Glazed Black Cod

Miso Glazed Black Cod is an elegant, flavorful dish featuring buttery, flaky black cod marinated in a sweet-savory miso glaze and broiled until beautifully caramelized. Popularized in Japanese cuisine, especially at high-end restaurants, this dish is surprisingly simple to make at home—and absolutely unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black cod, also known as sablefish, is incredibly rich and tender, making it perfect for absorbing bold flavors. The miso marinade is a balance of umami, sweetness, and tang, creating a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully under high heat. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight but sophisticated enough for a dinner party. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with omega-3s for a healthy bonus.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Black cod (sablefish) fillets
• White miso paste
• Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• Sake
• Sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• Optional: sesame seeds, green onions, or pickled ginger for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Let cool.
2. Place black cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the cooled marinade over the fish, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days for deeper flavor.
4. Preheat the broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it.
5. Remove the fish from the marinade and gently wipe off excess. Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
6. Broil or bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and the top is caramelized and golden brown.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice, sautéed greens, or a simple cucumber salad. Garnish if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 24 to 72 hours
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 25 minutes active, plus marinating

Variations

• Sweeter Glaze: Add a touch more sugar or honey for extra caramelization.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of grated ginger or a splash of chili oil to the marinade.
• Lighter Option: Use low-sodium miso and reduce sugar for a healthier version.
• Different Fish: Substitute salmon or halibut if black cod isn’t available.
• Sake-Free: Replace sake with dry white wine or water in a pinch.

storage/reheating

Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook the delicate fish. Marinated, uncooked fish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before cooking.

FAQs

What is black cod?

Black cod, also known as sablefish, is a rich, flaky fish prized for its buttery texture and high omega-3 content.

Can I use red or yellow miso instead of white miso?

White miso is best for its mild sweetness, but red or yellow can be used for a deeper, saltier flavor.

Do I have to marinate for 24 hours?

Yes, marinating is essential to develop the deep umami flavor and signature texture of this dish.

Can I grill instead of broil?

Yes, grill over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, being careful not to burn the glaze.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed bok choy, miso soup, or cucumber salad pair beautifully.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free miso and sake (or check that your mirin is gluten-free).

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the fish up to 3 days in advance and cook just before serving.

What does miso taste like?

Miso is salty, slightly sweet, and packed with umami—a fermented flavor that’s deeply savory.

How do I know when the fish is done?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The glaze will be golden and slightly caramelized.

Can I use frozen black cod?

Yes, just thaw it completely in the fridge before marinating.

Conclusion

Miso Glazed Black Cod is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily master at home. With its silky texture, sweet-savory glaze, and simple prep, it’s sure to become a favorite for special occasions or elegant weeknight dinners. Serve it with your favorite sides and let the rich umami flavor take center stage.

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