Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Toasted Sesame

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

A perfectly balanced Japanese dish featuring tender black cod glazed with a sweet-savory miso mixture, finished with a nutty sesame crunch for an authentic umami experience. This japanese-inspired grilling (gluten-free) ready in about 39 minutes pairs black cod, white miso paste, sake for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 25 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 385 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 sake, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp granulated sugar until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Pat 12 oz black cod fillets dry with paper towels, then brush both sides with the miso mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Step 3: Place fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil over the cooked fish, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 39 minutes (25 min prep + 14 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 Toasted Sesame?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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 Toasted Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Toasted Sesame gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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