How to Make the Perfect Miso Glazed Black Cod with Bok Choy
Japanese · Medium · 30 min · 2 servings
Silky black cod marinated in a sweet miso glaze is broiled until caramelized and lacquered then served alongside tender bok choy for a Japanese-inspired date night dinner that is both refined and deeply comforting. This dish made famous by Nobu restaurant can now be recreated at home with stunning results.
Why this recipe works
This Miso Glazed Black Cod with Bok Choy recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 fillets black cod sablefish about 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 heads baby bok choy halved lengthwise
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Miso Marinade
In a small bowl whisk together white miso paste mirin sake and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved and the marinade is smooth. Pat the black cod fillets dry and coat them completely in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight.
Step 2: Broil the Black Cod
Preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil lightly greased. Wipe excess marinade from the fish and place fillets on the prepared sheet. Broil 6 inches from the heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the surface is deeply caramelized and the fish flakes easily. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 3: Saute the Bok Choy
While the fish broils heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of sesame oil or neutral oil. Place bok choy halves cut-side down and cook without moving for 2 minutes until charred then flip and cook 1 more minute. Season with a splash of soy sauce.
Step 4: Plate and Present
Place the glossy miso-glazed black cod at the center of each plate and arrange bok choy alongside. Garnish with thin-sliced scallions and sesame seeds for visual appeal. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or soba noodles to complete the meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- black cod → salmon fillets which take the miso marinade equally well
- mirin → sweet rice wine vinegar mixed with a small amount of sugar as a substitute
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not marinating the fish long enough which results in a less developed sweet and savory depth of flavor
- Leaving too much marinade on the fish before broiling which causes it to burn before the fish is cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 36g protein, 28g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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