Black cod is a beautifully rich, tender fish with a delicate flavour and buttery texture. Despite its name, black cod is not the same as Atlantic cod. It is also known as sablefish and is particularly well suited to bold yet balanced flavours.
One of the most popular ways to prepare it is with a sweet and savoury miso glaze. The combination of white miso, mirin, soy sauce and sugar creates a glossy coating that caramelises under the grill, while the fish stays soft, flaky and full of flavour.
This miso-glazed black cod recipe is simple enough for a special midweek meal but impressive enough to serve when entertaining.
Miso-Glazed Black Cod Recipe
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus marinating time
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 black cod fillets
- 3 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake or dry sherry
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil, optional
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
- Sesame seeds, to serve
- Steamed rice, tenderstem broccoli or pak choi, to serve
Step 1: Make the Miso Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, mirin, sake or sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and sesame oil until smooth.
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If needed, add a small splash of water to loosen it slightly.
Step 2: Marinate the Black Cod
Place the black cod fillets in a shallow dish and spoon over around two-thirds of the miso marinade, ensuring both fillets are evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavour, leave the fish to marinate for several hours or overnight.
Reserve the remaining glaze in the fridge to brush over the fish during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare to Cook
When ready to cook, heat the grill to a medium-high setting. Line a baking tray with baking parchment or foil to make cleaning easier.
Remove the black cod from the marinade and gently wipe away any excess coating. This is important, as too much marinade can burn before the fish has cooked through.
Place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared tray, if the skin is on.
Step 4: Grill Until Caramelised
Brush the tops of the fillets with a little of the reserved miso glaze. Grill for around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Keep a close eye on the glaze, as the sugars in the marinade will caramelise quickly. The black cod is ready when the surface is deep golden and glossy, and the fish is opaque and flakes easily when pressed gently with a fork.
For extra colour, brush with another small amount of glaze during the final few minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the miso-glazed black cod with steamed jasmine rice, pak choi, tenderstem broccoli or stir-fried greens.
Finish with sliced spring onions, sesame seeds and a wedge of lime or lemon. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also make a fresh contrast to the rich, savoury glaze.
Tips for Cooking Black Cod
- Do not skip removing excess marinade. A thin coating is enough to create a glossy finish without burning.
- Use baking parchment or foil. The miso glaze becomes sticky as it caramelises, so lining the tray makes serving and cleaning much easier.
- Avoid overcooking. Black cod has a naturally rich texture, but it is at its best when just cooked through and still moist.
- Prepare in advance. The marinade can be made ahead of time, making this an easy choice for entertaining.
- Use the remaining glaze carefully. Only brush on a small amount at a time, particularly towards the end of cooking.
What to Serve with Miso Black Cod
Miso-glazed black cod is rich enough to be the centrepiece of a simple meal. Keep the sides light and fresh, allowing the flavour of the fish to stand out.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed jasmine or sushi rice
- Sesame greens or tenderstem broccoli
- Pak choi with garlic and ginger
- Cucumber, radish and spring onion salad
- Edamame beans with sea salt
- Pickled ginger or quick-pickled cucumber
With its sweet, savoury glaze and buttery texture, black cod is a standout choice for anyone looking to create restaurant-style seafood at home.