Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Sesame Spinach Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent black cod fillets glazed with a sweet-savory miso sauce, served alongside a refreshing sesame spinach salad for a balanced Japanese-inspired plate. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each black cod fillets, white miso paste, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar until smooth to create the miso glaze.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 black cod fillets in a shallow dish and brush both sides with the miso glaze. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place the marinated cod fillets on the sheet, skin side down, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily and glaze is caramelized.
  4. Step 4: While the cod bakes, prepare the salad by tossing 6 cups fresh baby spinach with 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Garnish the salad with 2 thinly sliced scallions and serve alongside the miso-glazed black cod for a harmonious balance of rich and fresh flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Sesame Spinach Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 with Sesame Spinach Salad?

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 6 oz each black cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Sesame Spinach Salad?

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 with Sesame Spinach Salad 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 with Sesame Spinach Salad?

Japanese seafood 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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