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This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod recipe is my go to when I want something fast and flavorful but still light and nourishing. With a simple glaze of soy sauce honey ginger and a touch of garlic you get restaurant quality results right at home in under an hour.
I first made this for a last minute dinner with friends and everyone asked for the recipe. Now it is a weeknight regular at my house because even picky eaters love it.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: choose fresh or high quality frozen fillets for the best texture and mild flavor
- Soy sauce: brings a deep savory backbone use low sodium if preferred
- Honey: adds delicate sweetness and helps create that sticky beautiful glaze
- Rice vinegar: brightens everything up with a gentle tang look for unseasoned varieties
- Fresh ginger: grated for punchy zesty heat
- Garlic cloves: minced fine so the flavor mellows as it bakes
- Sesame oil: gives a rich nutty finish opt for toasted sesame oil if possible
- Green onions: thinly sliced for a crisp colorful garnish
- Sesame seeds: sprinkle on top for crunch and nutty dimension
- Fresh cilantro: chopped for fresh herbal lift
- Lime wedges: serve on the side for a final hit of acidity
When picking cod fillets press gently to check freshness and avoid any with an overly fishy smell.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together soy sauce honey rice vinegar grated ginger minced garlic and sesame oil until the honey is dissolved and the glaze is smooth and glossy. Take a taste to be sure the balance is right for you and adjust more honey for sweetness or extra vinegar for tang.
- Prep the Cod:
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels so the glaze will stick. Arrange them evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Glaze the Fish:
- Brush the ginger soy mixture generously over every fillet. Use a spoon to catch any extra glaze pooling on the pan and drizzle it back on. For deeper flavor let them sit to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes if time allows or move right to baking.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the pan into your preheated oven at 400 F. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking which dries the fish.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully transfer each fillet to a plate. Top with sliced green onions a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Add a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing. Serve immediately for the best texture.
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The zingy ginger is my favorite part and I always grate extra to stir into the sauce. My kids love how glossy and sweet the glaze gets in the oven and even offer to help brush it on for family dinners.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture reheat gently in a low temperature oven covered loosely with foil. If you have leftover glaze save it as a dip or drizzle for steamed rice or greens the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find cod try the recipe with haddock pollock or even salmon. You can use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for a different sweetness. For a gluten free swap use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cod is wonderful served over steamed rice jasmine or brown to soak up the glaze. Try it with sautéed bok choy or roasted broccoli on the side to keep things light. For a heartier meal pair it with noodles or add an easy miso soup.
Cultural Context
Ginger soy glazed fish is inspired by classic flavors from Japanese and Chinese cooking. The combination of salty sweet tangy and savory makes it both comforting and bright. Dishes like this have a long tradition of bringing families together for simple yet festive meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the cod marinate in the ginger soy glaze?
For deeper flavor, marinate the cod in the ginger soy glaze for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- → What temperature is ideal for baking cod fillets?
Bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- → Which garnishes add the most flavor?
Fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro add color, texture, and fresh flavors to the finished cod.
- → What sides pair well with ginger soy glazed cod?
Steamed rice or roasted vegetables work beautifully to complement the sweet and savory glaze.
- → How can you tell when the cod is done baking?
Cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.
- → Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.