Print

Broiled Miso Cod with Soft Glaze for Cozy Dinners Recipe

4.5 from 140 reviews

Broiled Miso Cod is a delicately balanced dish that features tender cod fillets marinated in a harmonious blend of white miso, mirin, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Broiled to perfection, the cod develops a soft yet caramelized glaze that is both savory and subtly sweet, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a vibrant contrast. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe invites you to savor gentle flavors and simple elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each, patted dry

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For Broiling and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for brushing
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Miso Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together white miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and glossy, balancing savory, sweet, and warm flavors with a gentle hand to preserve the miso’s delicate sweetness.
  2. Marinate the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish and spoon the marinade evenly over each piece, carefully turning to coat all surfaces. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without overpowering the fish’s tenderness. Keep the dish at the back of the refrigerator for consistent temperature.
  3. Prepare for Broiling: Set the oven rack about six inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler on high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and brush it lightly with neutral oil to prevent sticking. Remove cod from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange fillets spaced apart on the baking sheet to encourage gentle caramelization.
  4. Broil the Cod: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler and cook for approximately 7 minutes. Watch carefully as the glaze bubbles and darkens in spots; the fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a light sheen and subtle char on top. Rotate the pan halfway through if your broiler heats unevenly.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to settle. Sprinkle the fillets with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions just before serving to add crunchy texture and fresh, bright contrast. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • White miso paste is essential for a delicate, balanced glaze; avoid dark miso which can overpower the cod.
  • Adjust honey quantity if your honey is particularly strong to prevent excessive sweetness.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes to preserve texture and moisture.
  • For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of yuzu juice to the marinade.
  • For extra richness, brush with melted butter before broiling.
  • Replace half the soy sauce with tamari for a deeper umami flavor.
  • Add a pinch of white pepper to the marinade for a subtle heat.
  • Suitable alternative fish includes sablefish or halibut; adjust broiling time accordingly.

Keywords: miso cod, broiled cod recipe, Japanese fish dish, miso glaze, easy cod dinner, healthy seafood recipe, sesame scallion garnish