Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and Sesame

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

Rich, tender black cod glazed with a savory-sweet miso sauce, served with a sprinkle of toasted sesame. This japanese-inspired asian (gluten-free) ready in about 25 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 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth. Slice 1.2 lbs black cod into 1-inch thick pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place cod pieces skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip and spoon 2 tbsp miso glaze over the top.
  3. Step 3: Cook for 3-4 minutes more, basting occasionally with remaining glaze, until cod is opaque and flakes easily. Sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and Sesame?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and 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 Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and Sesame 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.

Is Pan-Seared Black Cod with Miso and 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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