Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender black cod marinated in savory miso glaze, served atop perfectly seasoned sushi rice for an elegant nigiri sushi experience. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 165 minutes pairs black cod fillet, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 150 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup sushi rice under cold water three times until water runs clear. Cook rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or pot for 20 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt over low heat until dissolved. Fold into cooked rice and fan to cool to room temperature.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp sugar until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Marinate 8 oz black cod fillet with the miso mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove excess marinade from cod and place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  6. Step 6: Allow cod to cool slightly, then cut into 8 equal bite-sized slices.
  7. Step 7: With wet hands, shape small oblong mounds of sushi rice about 2 tbsp each. Place a slice of miso-glazed cod on top of each rice mound, gently pressing to adhere.
  8. Step 8: Serve nigiri with soy sauce and wasabi, enjoying the rich miso flavor balanced by the seasoned sushi rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (150 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black cod fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Miso-Glazed Black Cod Nigiri with Sushi Rice?

Japanese sushi like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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