Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a savory-sweet glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthy: A light, protein-rich meal that’s full of flavor.
- Delicious Glaze: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and honey creates a restaurant-quality glaze.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Soy sauce
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Rice vinegar or lime juice
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Sear the Cod:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil or vegetable oil.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Glaze the Cod:
- Pour the glaze over the fillets in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish to coat evenly.
- If a thicker glaze is desired, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Serve:
- Transfer the glazed cod to plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Miso Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of white miso paste for added depth of flavor.
- Citrus Glaze: Use orange or lemon juice instead of rice vinegar for a citrusy touch.
- Different Fish: Swap cod for salmon, halibut, or tilapia.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of cooked cod may change upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before cooking.
How do I know when the cod is cooked?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad are great options.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, cook the cod and store it separately from the glaze to reheat easily.
Can I bake the cod instead?
Yes, bake the cod in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Add the glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) and simmer until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, sautéed bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli make excellent additions.
Does this work with other proteins?
Absolutely! Try the glaze with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a flavorful, healthy dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive. With its savory glaze and tender fish, it’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!
PrintGinger Soy Glazed Cod Recipe
This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a flavorful, healthy dish with tender, flaky cod fillets coated in a sweet and savory glaze. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light dinner served with rice and steamed veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the marinade and glaze:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the cod
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the cod, ensuring the fillets are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for the glaze.
- Cover and refrigerate the cod for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the cod
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove the cod from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side. Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the glaze
- In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Glaze and serve
- Spoon the thickened glaze over the cooked cod fillets.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, quinoa, or vegetables.
Notes
- Fish substitution: Swap cod with other white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia.
- Marinade time: Avoid marinating the cod for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the fish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.