Soy-Honey Glazed Cod
Andrea Potischman
Feb 19, 2025
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste, look no further; this flavorful soy-honey glazed cod is for you. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal in a flash. With its savory-sweet glaze and minimal prep time, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Cod fish, the star of this dish, is an excellent choice for a quick meal. This mild, flaky white fish has a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings. If you can’t find cod or prefer a different option, halibut or tilapia are great alternatives. They share a similar mild taste and delicate texture, making them perfect substitutes for this recipe in case cod is hard to locate.
The Benefits of A Quick Marinade
Marinating allows the fish to absorb a range of flavors from the marinade ingredients. As the fish sits in the marinade, its proteins begin to interact with the seasonings, herbs, and acids in the marinade. This process helps infuse the fish with a deeper, more complex flavor profile that would not be achieved with a brief application of seasoning alone.
To achieve a delicious caramelized flavor, start with a quick sear. First, marinate the cod fillets, allowing them to absorb the flavors. Just before cooking, use a pastry brush to coat them with an extra layer of marinade. The soy sauce adds rich umami depth, while the honey provides a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Once your pan is properly heated, searing the cod allows the sugars in the honey to caramelize, creating a lightly crisped coating that contrasts perfectly with the tender, flaky fish. Cooking this dish is a breeze. Simply heat a pan, sear the cod fillets for a few minutes on each side, and let the glaze do its magic. The result is a perfectly cooked piece of fish with a glossy, slightly crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
In just about 15 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Soy-honey glazed cod is not only quick to make but also packs a punch of flavor, making it an excellent choice for any busy day. Paired with garlic ramen noodles, cabbage salad, or a cucumber and kohlrabi salad for an easy carb-free alternative.
Soy-Honey Glazed Cod
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cod filets (5-6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoon scallions, thinly sliced
Directions:
- In a small mixing bowl, add the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, and whisk well to blend.
- Place the cod filets in a shallow dish. Pat dry with a paper towel. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush two tablespoons of the glaze over the cod fillets. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Reserve the remaining glaze for cooking.
- Remove the cod from the refrigerator and place the filets on a baking sheet and brush with glaze. Place a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, and when hot but not smoking, add the cod and sear the cod for about 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness. Continue to brush the fish with the marinade as it cooks. Using a spatula, gently turn the fish over and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees F.
- Carefully transfer the filets to a serving plate and top with chopped scallions.
