Stir-Fried Garlic Soy Cod with Scallions

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

Tender cod fillets stir-fried with fragrant garlic and scallions in a savory soy sauce glaze, delivering a quick and flavorful seafood dish. This Asian-inspired seafood recipe (gluten free), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs cod fillets, garlic cloves, minced, scallions, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb cod fillets and cut into 2-inch pieces. Season lightly with 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod pieces and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until edges are golden and fish is almost cooked through; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the skillet. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (if using), stirring to combine and letting the sauce bubble for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the cod to the pan, toss gently to coat with sauce, then add 3 sliced scallions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until scallions soften and cod is fully cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Soy Cod with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Soy Cod with Scallions?

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 Stir-Fried Garlic Soy 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Soy 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.

Is Stir-Fried Garlic Soy Cod with Scallions 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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