
This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is my ideal answer when I need something healthy but still packed with bold flavor. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes in the oven, making every flaky bite irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want a restaurant-style meal but with minimal fuss.
I fell in love with this dish the first time I made it on a busy weeknight. It instantly became a regular in our rotation thanks to my husband’s request for extra glaze every time.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: cod is mild and tender choose fillets that look firm and moist for best results
- Soy sauce: brings a deep savory base low sodium options help keep it lighter
- Honey: balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness use raw honey for extra aroma
- Rice vinegar: gives brightness and cuts through the richness pick an unflavored variety
- Fresh ginger: grated fresh ginger wakes up the dish with warm spice look for plump smooth roots
- Garlic: minced garlic adds earthy depth aim for fresh juicy cloves
- Sesame oil: imparts a nutty background choose toasted sesame oil for maximum flavor
- Green onions: sliced on top make every bite fresh and colorful
- Sesame seeds: for crunch and toasty flavor toast them briefly for extra aroma
- Fresh cilantro: adds a cool herbal lift select leafy bright green bunches
- Lime wedges: for serving brightens the dish with a squeeze of freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the fish cook evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mix the Glaze:
- In a small mixing bowl whisk together the soy sauce honey rice vinegar grated ginger minced garlic and sesame oil. Whisk until completely smooth and glossy so the honey dissolves.
- Glaze the Cod:
- Lay out the cod fillets on the prepared pan with some space between them. Using a pastry brush or spoon generously coat each fillet with the glaze making sure every surface is covered.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the baking sheet onto the center rack and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch for the cod to become opaque and start to flake easily with a gentle fork twist. The glaze should look slightly caramelized at the edges.
- Finish and Serve:
- Use a spatula to carefully move the cooked cod onto plates. Top with sliced green onions sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing right before you eat.

My favorite part is adding extra ginger for that cozy heat. Serving this at family gatherings always brings back memories of laughter and the scent of sweet soy in the air.
Storage Tips
Let any leftover cod cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold over a salad for a fast lunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If cod is not available try this glaze with halibut tilapia or even chicken breast for a versatile approach. Tamari is a perfect gluten free substitute for the soy sauce. If you do not have honey maple syrup is tasty as well.
Serving Suggestions
This cod pairs perfectly with steamed rice jasmine or brown both work well. I also love it with sautéed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad for a cool contrast. For a fancier dinner add a side of roasted baby potatoes.

A Little Background
Glazes like this are inspired by Japanese and Chinese cooking where sweet soy based sauces are used on grilled or broiled fish. What makes this version special is the quick baking process and the fresh splash of lime at the end. It is a dish that blends tradition with modern simplicity.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Cod is finished cooking when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- → Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, mild white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia are good substitutes for cod in this dish.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this meal gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- → Can the glaze be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk together the glaze ingredients and store them in the fridge up to one day ahead.
- → What should I serve with ginger soy glazed cod?
Great pairings include steamed rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a light salad with citrus dressing.
- → How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and control added salt in other meal components to reduce sodium content.