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Honey-Soy Glazed Cod

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

Make restaurant-quality glazed cod right at home. The magic is in the sauce - mix honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. Pat your cod fillets really dry and season them well. Broil until they're almost done, then brush with the glaze and pop back under the broiler. The glaze bubbles up and gets sticky while the fish stays tender and flaky. One more brush of glaze right before serving makes them glossy and beautiful. Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect with rice and steamed vegetables.
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Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:13:46 GMT
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A piece of grilled fish is drizzled with a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pin it
A piece of grilled fish is drizzled with a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. | cookingkeys.com

I stumbled upon this Honey-Soy Glazed Cod recipe one night when I needed dinner in a hurry and now it's become our favorite way to enjoy fish. That sweet-salty glaze with fresh ginger and a touch of sesame transforms ordinary cod into something absolutely magical. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Every time I serve this my family thinks we're having fancy restaurant food at home.

Simple Yet Amazing

You know those recipes that make you look like a kitchen genius? This is definitely one of them. The glaze hits all the right notes sweet salty and just a hint of nutty sesame. When it caramelizes under the broiler oh my goodness the flavor is incredible. I love how the fish stays so tender and juicy inside while getting that beautiful golden crust on top.

Let's Go Shopping

  • Fresh cod: Look for thick pieces that feel firm. Frozen works great too just thaw it completely.
  • Honey: The real stuff adds such beautiful flavor maple syrup works in a pinch.
  • Soy sauce: This brings all that savory goodness to our glaze.
  • Sesame oil: Just a touch gives that amazing nutty flavor.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds brightness lime juice is great too.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger: Don't skip these they make all the difference.
  • Sesame seeds: For that perfect finishing crunch.
  • Green onions: They add such a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Kitchen Time

Start with the magic sauce:
Mix up your soy sauce honey sesame oil rice vinegar and freshly grated garlic and ginger in a bowl. Add sesame seeds if you're using them. This glaze is going to make everything incredible.
Prep your fish:
Pat those fillets really dry with paper towels this helps the glaze stick better. Brush them generously with your glaze. If you've got time let them hang out in the fridge for a bit the flavor gets even better.
Get ready to cook:
Turn your broiler on low line a baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup so much easier.
Let's broil:
Put your fish under the broiler for about 12 minutes brushing with more glaze every few minutes. At the end crank up the heat to get that gorgeous caramelization.
Time to eat:
Sprinkle with those fresh green onions and dive in while it's hot.

My Kitchen Secrets

Here's what I've learned making this dish countless times. Try to get cod pieces that are all about the same thickness they'll cook more evenly. Really pat that fish dry before glazing makes such a difference. If you've got time to marinate even just 30 minutes adds so much flavor. Keep an eye on that broiler especially at the end things can go from perfect to overdone pretty quick.

A beautifully glazed piece of fish topped with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a white plate. Pin it
A beautifully glazed piece of fish topped with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a white plate. | cookingkeys.com

Perfect Pairings

This cod just begs to be served over fluffy rice that soaks up all the extra glaze. Sometimes I'll make some quick stir-fried noodles or serve it with roasted sweet potatoes. For veggies I love sautéed mushrooms or baby bok choy on the side. Whatever you choose make sure there's something to catch every drop of that amazing sauce.

Save It For Later

If you end up with leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for a couple days. Just store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to reheat go low and slow either in a skillet or in the oven at 300°F. I always save a little extra glaze to brush on while reheating keeps everything nice and moist. The microwave works in a pinch but you'll lose some of that lovely texture.

Switch Things Up

Some nights I'll add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the glaze when we want some heat. This recipe works beautifully with other fish too try it with halibut or sea bass. If you need gluten-free just swap the soy sauce for tamari. Want to brighten things up? Add some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. My daughter loves when I add extra ginger gives it such a zingy kick.

Make It Special

That's what I love about this recipe you can really make it your own. Try it alongside a steaming bowl of miso soup or some crispy tempura vegetables for a Japanese-inspired feast. Play around with the seasonings until you find your perfect blend. Sometimes I'll serve it with quick-pickled cucumbers for a fresh contrast. Every time I make this dish I find new ways to love it and I bet you will too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What other fish can I use?
Any firm white fish works well including halibut, sea bass, black cod, lingcod, or haddock. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
→ How do I know when the fish is done?
Fish should reach internal temperature of 135-140°F and flake easily. The glaze should be nicely caramelized.
→ Can I make this without a broiler?
Yes, you can cook the fish in a skillet on the stovetop or on a plank on the grill. Adjust cooking method and time accordingly.
→ Can I substitute the honey?
Brown sugar or maple syrup can replace honey. The glaze will have a slightly different flavor but still be delicious.
→ How long should I marinate the fish?
Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Don't exceed this time as the acid in the marinade can affect the fish texture.

Honey-Soy Glazed Cod

Tender cod fillets glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce infused with ginger and sesame. Ready in under 25 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
23 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 2 Servings (2 fillets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
02 2 tablespoons honey.
03 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
04 1 teaspoon rice vinegar.
05 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
06 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger.
07 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds.
08 2 cod fillets (5-6 ounces each).
09 1 tablespoon sliced green onions.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame seeds in a bowl.

Step 02

Pat cod dry. Brush with 1 tablespoon glaze and marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours in fridge.

Step 03

Place rack near top. Set broiler to low. Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 04

Place fish on pan, brush with glaze. Broil 12-14 minutes on low, brushing with glaze every few minutes.

Step 05

Switch to high broil for 4-5 minutes until browned and internal temp reaches 135-140°F. Garnish with green onions.

Notes

  1. Can use other white fish like halibut or sea bass.
  2. Can substitute lime juice for rice vinegar.
  3. Can double glaze recipe to serve extra on side.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven with broiler.
  • Baking sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Soy.
  • Sesame.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 207
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 26 g