Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate black cod glazed with a savory miso sauce served atop steamed rice with scallions and sesame seeds. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 50 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 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp white miso paste, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 black cod fillets (6 oz each) and coat them evenly with the miso mixture. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated cod fillets, skin side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Divide 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice between two bowls. Place the miso-glazed cod on top, then garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi?

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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi?

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 Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod Donburi?

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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