Short Description
Delicate cod fillets are pan-seared and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory ginger soy glaze, then served over warm jasmine rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an elegant, easy-to-make dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless elegance: A flavorful dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Balanced taste profile: The ginger-soy glaze delivers a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors.
Healthy choice: Cod is a lean, flaky fish, while the sauce is light and naturally flavored.
Customizable garnish: Top with fresh green onions or sesame seeds—or both—for visual appeal and texture.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving

directions

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
Heat the olive oil (or sesame oil) in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil shimmers, place the cod fillets in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side, until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Reduce the heat to low and pour the ginger soy mixture over the cod. Spoon the sauce over the fillets as it simmers for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to thicken and glaze the fish.
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the cod immediately over a bed of warm rice, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Active prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha into the glaze.
Citrus twist: Replace rice vinegar with an equal amount of lime or freshly squeezed orange juice.
Protein swap: Use salmon, halibut, or shrimp instead of cod—adjust searing time accordingly.
Herb garnish: Consider fresh cilantro or basil in place of or alongside green onions.
Thick or thin sauce: Omit cornstarch for a lighter sauce, or use up to 2 teaspoons cornstarch for a more viscous glaze.

storage/reheating

To store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning extra reserved sauce or splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave to preserve texture.
Do not freeze: The delicate fish loses quality when frozen and thawed.

FAQs

What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is ideal due to its mild flavor and firm, flaky texture, but similar white fish like halibut, haddock, or pollock can be used.

Can I use bottled minced garlic and ginger?

Yes—though freshly grated ginger and minced garlic offer brighter, more vibrant flavors.

Is the cornstarch necessary?

No. Omit it for a thinner sauce, and let it simmer slightly longer to reduce naturally.

Can I make the glaze sweeter or tangier?

Yes. Increase honey to deepen sweetness or replace rice vinegar with lime juice for extra tang.

How do I avoid overcooking the fish?

Watch for flaking at the thickest part and remove from heat as soon as it’s opaque and separates with a fork.

Can this dish be prepared ahead?

You can whisk the sauce mixture in advance, but cook and serve the fish immediately for best results.

What sides pair well with the cod?

Options include jasmine or brown rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a crisp salad.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I make a vegan version?

Replace cod with firm white fish alternatives or tofu; sub honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a larger pan and cook cod in batches to maintain proper searing and glaze coverage.

Conclusion

This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod offers delicate, flaky fish coated in a bright, flavorful glaze—ready from stovetop to table in just 15 minutes. With its balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Enjoy the simplicity and sophistication of this effortless seafood dish!