Miso-Glazed Cod Fillets with Sweet Mirin
This delicious Miso-Glazed Cod recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Asia! With a savory-sweet coating of white miso and mirin, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also rich in protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the cod to shine through, complemented perfectly by the caramelized glaze. Serve this succulent cod alongside steamed rice and seasonal vegetables for an elegant meal that impresses without the fuss.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cod fish fillets
4 (skinless, 6 ounces each)
mirin
1/4 cup (none)
white miso
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
olive oil
as needed (for coating the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the mirin, white miso, and sugar. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool completely.
2
Preheat your broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the skinless cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Use a brush to generously apply the cooled miso glaze over the top of each fillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
4
Broil the cod in the preheated oven until the tops are beautifully browned and the fish is opaque in the center, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the fillets; if they brown too quickly before cooking through, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
5
Once cooked, remove the cod from the oven. Serve immediately, garnished with finely chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miso-Glazed Cod?
It is a Japanese-style seafood dish where cod fillets are coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from fermented soybean paste (miso) and rice wine (mirin).
What type of miso is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses white miso, which is milder, sweeter, and less salty than darker varieties, making it perfect for seafood.
What is mirin and what does it do?
Mirin is a Japanese rice wine with a low alcohol content and high sugar content. It adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful luster to the glaze.
Can I substitute the cod with another fish?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other firm white fish like halibut or sea bass, or even try it with salmon.
How long does the cod take to cook?
Under a broiler, the cod typically takes between 6 to 8 minutes to become opaque and beautifully browned.
What can I use if I don't have mirin?
A good substitute for mirin is dry sherry or a sweet marsala wine. Alternatively, you can use rice vinegar with a pinch of extra sugar.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, cod is a lean source of high-quality protein, and this recipe uses minimal fats other than a light coating of olive oil.
Why do I need to cool the glaze before applying it?
Cooling the glaze allows it to thicken slightly, ensuring it sticks better to the fish fillets rather than running off.
What should I serve with Miso-Glazed Cod?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, bok choy, or seasonal roasted vegetables.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish is done when the flesh becomes opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork.
What if the glaze starts to burn before the fish is cooked?
If the glaze browns too quickly, loosely cover the fillets with aluminum foil and continue broiling until the fish is done.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry with a paper towel before applying the glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Miso and mirin can sometimes contain gluten depending on the brand. Check the labels of your specific ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What are some recommended garnishes for this dish?
Finely chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice add great flavor and texture.
Can I make the miso glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Do I need to leave the skin on the cod?
This specific recipe calls for skinless cod fillets to ensure the glaze coats the fish effectively and for easier eating.
Can I use red miso instead of white miso?
You can, but red miso is much saltier and more pungent. If using red miso, you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
Olive oil is used to lightly coat the baking sheet to prevent the delicate fish fillets from sticking during the high-heat broiling process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed for 4 cod fillets, making it a perfect meal for four people.
Can I grill the cod instead of broiling it?
Yes, you can grill the cod over medium-high heat. Use a grill basket or a piece of foil to prevent the fish from falling through the grates.
What is white miso made of?
White miso, or Shiro Miso, is made from fermented soybeans and a high percentage of rice.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, but keep in mind the sugar helps with the caramelization process that creates the signature 'glazed' look and taste.
What size should the cod fillets be?
This recipe suggests using 6-ounce fillets, which are a standard serving size for a main course.
Can I pan-fry the cod with this glaze?
It is possible, but the high sugar content in the glaze may cause it to burn in a hot pan. Broiling is the preferred method for this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, since the cooking time is under 10 minutes and the prep is minimal, it is an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use this glaze on vegetables?
Yes, this miso glaze works wonderfully on roasted eggplant, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
Why is the broiler rack positioned 6 inches away?
This distance ensures the glaze caramelizes without burning immediately while providing enough heat to cook the fish through.
Does this recipe require any special kitchen tools?
You will just need a small saucepan, a whisk, a baking sheet, and a pastry brush to apply the glaze.
What does 'opaque' mean in cooking fish?
Opaque means the fish has turned from translucent and clear to a solid, matte white color, indicating it is cooked through.