Thank you for being here! If you’re in the mood for a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is shockingly simple to pull off, this Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is going to become your new go-to. It’s flaky, buttery cod glazed in a rich, savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. It’s healthy, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
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What Is Ginger Soy Glazed Cod?
Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a pan-seared or oven-roasted cod fillet coated in a glossy, umami-packed glaze made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. The result is a beautiful caramelized finish and a balance of salty, sweet, and zesty that complements the delicate texture of the fish perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🐟 Ready in under 25 minutes
- 🌱 Healthy and high-protein
- 🍽️ Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality flavor
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup
- 🧡 Family-friendly and dinner-party worthy
What Does It Taste Like?
This cod is savory, slightly sweet, and infused with the warming heat of fresh ginger and garlic. The glaze caramelizes lightly in the pan or oven, giving the fish a golden, lacquered surface and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. It’s flavorful without being fishy, and the sauce makes it downright addictive.
Health Benefits
Cod is a lean white fish that’s low in calories but high in protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3s. This recipe is:
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free if you use tamari
- ✅ Lower in saturated fat
- ✅ High in lean protein
- ✅ Packed with flavor without added cream or butter
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillet (or baking sheet if roasting)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Basting brush (optional)
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Paper towels (for patting fish dry)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for vegan option
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or lower sodium
- Fish: Swap cod with halibut, haddock, or sea bass
- Boost the umami: Add a splash of mirin or hoisin sauce
- Add crunch: Top with crispy shallots or crushed peanuts
How to Make Ginger Soy Glazed Cod – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
Step 3: Cook the Cod
Option 1 – Pan Sear:
- Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear cod for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour glaze into the pan and let it bubble and reduce for 1–2 minutes, spooning over the cod.
Option 2 – Oven Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cod in a baking dish and pour glaze on top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, basting halfway through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to Serve with Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Stir-fried bok choy or snap peas
- Garlic sesame noodles
- Cucumber salad or pickled veggies
- Miso soup for a full Asian-inspired meal
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the cod – It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Use fresh ginger – It gives the best punch of flavor.
- Marinate briefly if you have time – Even 10 minutes adds depth.
- Watch your pan heat – Medium is ideal to avoid burning the glaze.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the glaze
- Not ideal for freezing, as the glaze texture may change
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy-free, gluten-free optional
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default! Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like a little heat.
Can I meal prep this?
It’s best fresh, but the glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I bake it instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Baking is a hands-off option and still yields a beautifully glazed fish.
Conclusion: A Quick & Flavorful Fish Dish You’ll Want Weekly
This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod recipe is a total flavor bomb in under 30 minutes. It brings together the salty-sweet magic of Asian flavors with the clean, delicate taste of cod—and it all comes together in one pan or tray. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish delivers every time.
Looking for more easy fish recipes? Try these next:
- Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls
- Crispy Baked Miso Tofu
- Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a review and tag @easyrecipesteps on Pinterest or Instagram — I’m cheering you on from my kitchen!
Nutritional Info (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
Let’s glaze it up!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Pan-Sear Method: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear cod for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Pour glaze into pan and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes, spooning over the cod.
- Oven-Bake Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cod in a baking dish, pour glaze on top, and bake for 12–15 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Sprinkle cooked cod with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides.