Delicious Asian Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a flavorful and tender fish dish with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze that makes every bite irresistible. The cod is pan-seared or baked until flaky, then coated in a glossy glaze made with soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. I love how quick it is to prepare and how beautifully it pairs with rice and vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something restaurant-worthy in under 30 minutes. The glaze is packed with umami from the soy sauce, balanced by the zing of fresh ginger and the sweetness of honey. Cod is the perfect choice for this dish—it’s mild, flaky, and soaks up all that delicious flavor. Plus, it’s healthy, fast, and super easy to clean up.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
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Soy sauce
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Fresh ginger (grated)
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Garlic (minced)
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Honey or maple syrup
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Rice vinegar or lime juice
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Sesame oil (optional, for depth)
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Olive oil or neutral oil (for searing)
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Cornstarch slurry (optional, for thickening)
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Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Optional: red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat
Directions
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I pat the cod fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil.
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I heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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I sear the cod for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (depending on thickness), then remove from the pan.
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In the same pan, I pour in the glaze mixture and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. If I want a thicker glaze, I stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
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I return the cod to the pan and spoon the glaze over the fillets to coat them well.
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I garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.
Variations
Sometimes I swap cod for other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or even salmon. For a different twist, I add a bit of orange juice or zest to the glaze. If I want a more intense flavor, I include a dash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce in the mixture. I’ve also made it with a side of steamed bok choy or sautéed snow peas for a full meal.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the cod gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra glaze if I have it. I avoid microwaving too long to prevent the fish from drying out.
FAQs
Can I bake the cod instead of pan-searing?
Yes, I bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, then pour the glaze over after or broil briefly to caramelize.
What’s the best type of soy sauce to use?
I use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the glaze from getting too salty. Tamari or coconut aminos work as gluten-free options.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s naturally mild, but I can add heat with red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a chopped chili pepper if I like it spicy.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps it sear properly and not steam in the pan.
What sides go well with this?
I love serving it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles, plus steamed broccoli, stir-fried greens, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Conclusion
Delicious Asian Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is one of my go-to recipes when I want a flavorful and impressive fish dinner without much effort. The glaze is bold and addictive, and the fish turns out tender and flaky every time. Whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special meal, this dish never fails to deliver big flavor with simple ingredients.
PrintDelicious Asian Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
Delicious Asian Ginger Soy Glazed Cod features tender cod fillets pan-seared or baked to perfection, then glazed in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. A fast, flavorful dish ideal for a healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Baked
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2–3 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (for searing)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or Sriracha, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil (if using).
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear cod for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Pour glaze mixture into the same pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. For a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy.
- Return cod to the pan and spoon glaze over fillets to coat well.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Swap cod with halibut, tilapia, or salmon for variation.
- Add orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- For more heat, add Sriracha, chili flakes, or chopped chili pepper.
- Bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of pan-searing if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with glaze
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
