Miso-Glazed Cod with Sesame and Scallion Rice

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

Tender cod fillets glazed with a savory miso sauce served atop fluffy sesame-infused scallion rice for a comforting Japanese-inspired meal. This Japanese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs 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 400 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: 20 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups uncooked sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a rice cooker or pot. Cook rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fillet evenly with the miso glaze.
  4. Step 4: Bake cod for 10-12 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: When rice is done, fluff with a fork and stir in 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp black sesame seeds, and 3 thinly sliced scallions.
  6. Step 6: Serve miso-glazed cod atop the sesame scallion rice immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Miso-Glazed Cod with Sesame and Scallion Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Cod with Sesame and Scallion Rice?

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 Cod with Sesame and Scallion 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 Cod with Sesame and Scallion 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 Cod with Sesame and Scallion Rice?

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.