Seared Miso-Glazed Cod with Scallion and Sesame

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

Pan-seared cod fillets coated in a savory miso glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for a vibrant Asian-inspired dish. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 18 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 280 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 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, 1 tbsp sake, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and lightly season both sides with 0.5 tsp salt. Brush the miso glaze evenly over the top side of each fillet.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Place the cod fillets glaze side down in the skillet and sear for 3 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and edges become golden.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to plates, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Seared Miso-Glazed Cod with Scallion and 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 Seared Miso-Glazed Cod with Scallion 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 Seared Miso-Glazed Cod with Scallion 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.

What goes well with Seared Miso-Glazed Cod with Scallion and Sesame?

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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