Baked Honey-Soy Glazed Cod is a dish that brings together a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Cod, with its mild and flaky texture, absorbs the marinade beautifully, resulting in a succulent and flavorful meal. This recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create a gourmet experience at home.
I first came across a version of this recipe during a family trip to the Pacific Northwest. We were visiting Seattle, a city known for its fresh seafood and vibrant culinary scene. One evening, we dined at a quaint waterfront restaurant where the chef served us a memorable dish of soy-glazed fish. The combination of soy sauce and honey was a revelation, and it inspired me to recreate the dish at home. Over time, I have tweaked the recipe to suit our family’s preferences, adding elements like sesame oil and fresh ginger for an extra depth of flavor.
One of the joys of this recipe is its versatility. For instance, you can experiment with different types of fish such as salmon or halibut if cod is not readily available. Additionally, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the glaze for a hint of heat, or incorporate a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors further. This adaptability makes it a fantastic recipe to have in your repertoire, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet dinner with loved ones.
Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to try something new, Baked Honey-Soy Glazed Cod is a dish that delivers on both taste and simplicity. Its harmonious blend of ingredients creates a dish that is both nourishing and delicious, sure to become a favorite in your household.
Preparing Baked Honey-Soy Glazed Cod
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cod filets (5-6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon diagonally sliced green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Place the cod filets in a glass dish and dry them with a paper towel.
- Brush each filet with 1 tablespoon of the glaze. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, reserving the remaining glaze for later.
- Move the oven rack to the second-highest position and preheat the broiler to low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cod filets on the prepared baking sheet and brush with additional glaze.
- Broil on low for 12-14 minutes, brushing with glaze every 2-3 minutes until all the glaze is used up. You can also brush the filets while they are in the oven.
- Switch the broiler to high and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes until the exterior is browned and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
- Transfer the cod filets to a serving plate and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!
FAQs:
Can I use frozen cod filets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod filets. Make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before using them in the recipe to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Both will provide a similar tangy flavor to the glaze.
How can I tell if the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Additionally, the exterior should be nicely browned after broiling.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Is there an alternative to broiling the cod?
If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the cod at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Brush with the glaze multiple times during baking.
Can I use this glaze on other types of fish?
Absolutely! This honey-soy glaze works well with other types of fish such as salmon, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
Baked Honey-Soy Glazed Cod
Ingredients
- 2 cod filets 5-6 oz each
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
- ½ tsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp green onions sliced diagonally
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds to make the glaze.
- Place the cod filets in a glass dish and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Brush each filet with 1 tablespoon of the glaze. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Keep the remaining glaze for cooking.
- Adjust the oven rack to the second rung from the top and preheat the broiler to low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Put the cod filets on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with more glaze.
- Broil on low for 12-14 minutes, brushing with glaze every 2-3 minutes until all the glaze is used up. You can brush the filets while they're in the pan too.
- Switch the broiler to high and broil for another 4-5 minutes until the outside is browned and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
- Transfer the cod filets to a serving plate and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!
