Ginger Soy Glazed Cod Dinner

Category: Easy Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Enjoy delicate cod fillets brushed with a savory-sweet glaze of soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and garlic. This Asian-inspired favorite is baked until flaky and tender, then finished with a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. A splash of lime elevates the bright flavor profile, making it perfect for weeknight cooking or serving to guests. Simple preparation and fresh ingredients ensure both taste and health, with options for gluten-free and low-sodium twists. Ready in under half an hour, this dish delivers bold flavor without hassle.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:55:26 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce on it. Pin
A plate of food with a sauce on it. | mellierecipes.com

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.
A piece of fish with a brown sauce on top. Pin
A piece of fish with a brown sauce on top. | mellierecipes.com

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 close up of a piece of fish with ginger and soy sauce. Pin
A close up of a piece of fish with ginger and soy sauce. | mellierecipes.com

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.

Ginger Soy Glazed Cod Dinner

Baked cod fillets with ginger-soy glaze make a healthy, quick, and flavorful option for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
25 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Quick Weeknight Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Asian

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: Dairy-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main

01 4 cod fillets (approximately 170 g each)

→ Glaze

02 60 ml soy sauce
03 30 ml honey
04 30 ml rice vinegar
05 15 ml fresh ginger, grated
06 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 15 ml sesame oil

→ Garnish and Serving

08 2 green onions, thinly sliced
09 15 ml sesame seeds
10 Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
11 Lime wedges

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.

Step 03

Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly brush each fillet with the ginger-soy glaze.

Step 04

Bake the fillets for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C.

Step 05

Transfer cod to serving plates. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Extra Tips

  1. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
  2. Maple syrup may be substituted for honey.
  3. For a gluten-free dish, replace soy sauce with tamari.
  4. Marinating cod in the glaze for 10–15 minutes before baking intensifies flavor.
  5. Cod is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 63°C.

Tools Required

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains fish.
  • Contains soy.
  • Contains sesame.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 300
  • Fat Content: 15 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 15 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams