Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions

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

Delicate black cod fillets steamed gently and finished with a fragrant ginger-soy glaze topped with fresh scallions. This japanese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) black cod fillets, fresh ginger, grated, low sodium soy sauce 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 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 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil until sugar dissolves to create the ginger-soy glaze.
  2. Step 2: Lightly brush 4 pieces of 6 oz black cod fillets with 1 tsp vegetable oil and place them in a heatproof dish suitable for steaming.
  3. Step 3: Pour half of the ginger-soy glaze evenly over the cod fillets.
  4. Step 4: Set up a steamer by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a wok or large pot with a steaming rack. Place the dish with cod inside the steamer, cover, and steam over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the cod from the steamer and drizzle the remaining ginger-soy glaze over the fillets. Sprinkle 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions?

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 Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions?

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 Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions 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 Steamed Ginger-Soy Glazed Black Cod with Scallions?

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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