Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Scallion and Ginger

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

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Delicate black cod fillets coated in a savory-sweet miso glaze, pan-seared to caramelized perfection and finished with fresh scallions and ginger. This Japanese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs 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 320 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 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 glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 black cod fillets (6 oz each) and coat each evenly with the miso glaze. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 marinated fillets skin-side down and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish immediately with 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 thinly sliced scallions.
  6. Step 6: Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for a bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Scallion and Ginger 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 with Scallion and Ginger?

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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Scallion and Ginger?

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 with Scallion and Ginger 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 Pan-Seared Miso-Glazed Black Cod with Scallion and Ginger?

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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