Name: Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; ½ teaspoon sesame seeds; 2 cod filets (5-6 oz each); 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced diagonally

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If you are craving a dish that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, this Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender, flaky cod filets are beautifully caramelized with a luscious glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and aromatic Asian-inspired ingredients like fresh ginger and sesame oil. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two pieces of white fish fillets lie side by side on a black rectangular slate plate, placed over a light gray cloth napkin. To the left of the slate plate, three small white bowls hold sauces: one with a golden yellow liquid, another with a dark soy-like sauce, and the last one with a reddish-brown liquid. A small beige bowl filled with white sesame seeds is near a bulb of garlic. Three fresh green onions rest diagonally across the gray cloth, and a piece of fresh ginger is placed in the top right corner. The whole setting is on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing the sweet and savory glaze while enhancing the cod’s delicate texture and natural flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami base that anchors the glaze’s flavor.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the fish.
Sesame Oil: Offers a toasty, nutty note essential for an authentic Asian flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the glaze with pungent warmth and depth.
Fresh Ginger, minced: Adds a bright, peppery zing that freshens the dish.
Sesame Seeds: Count on them for a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
Cod Filets (5-6 oz each): Choose fresh, flaky cod for tender, mild-flavored fish that soaks up the glaze.
Green Onions, sliced diagonally: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite.

How to Make Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

Start by whisking together all the glaze ingredients — soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and sesame seeds — in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze is the heart of the dish, combining sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty notes that will elevate your cod to a new level.

Step 2: Marinate the Cod

Place the cod filets in a glass dish and gently pat them dry to ensure the glaze sticks perfectly. Brush about half of your prepared glaze over the cod, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This step allows the flavors to deeply infuse into the fish, making every bite bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Prepare to Broil

Preheat your oven’s broiler to low heat and position the rack in the center. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil — the latter is great if your broiler runs hot to avoid burning the glaze. This setup helps the cod cook evenly while retaining moisture.

Step 4: Broil with Glaze

Place the marinated cod filets on the lined sheet pan and brush generously with the remaining glaze. Broil for 12 to 14 minutes on low, brushing the fish with glaze every 2-3 minutes. This repeated glazing creates that glossy, caramelized finish that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Finish with High Heat

Turn the broiler to high for an additional 4 to 5 minutes to develop a beautifully browned exterior. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, and check the internal temperature, which should reach about 135 to 140°F for perfectly cooked, flaky cod.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the cod filets to a serving plate and sprinkle with the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the full sensory experience of this Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe at its best.

How to Serve Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe

A single piece of cooked fish fillet sits in the center of a white plate, showing a crispy golden-brown top layer with sesame seeds and a glossy, dark brown sauce drizzled over and around it. The fish fillet is thick and flaky, with white layers visible on the side and a small piece lifted showing the soft inside. On top of the fish, there are thin curls of fresh green garnish that add a pop of color. Next to the plate, there are a pair of rustic wooden chopsticks resting on the edge. The plate is placed on a round stone-like tray, all set against a white marbled surface. In the background, a beige cloth and a small bowl with honey and a honey dipper can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make your dish look as incredible as it tastes. In this recipe, sliced green onions add brightness and a mild crunch that complement the rich glaze. You can also scatter a few extra toasted sesame seeds or add delicate sprigs of fresh cilantro or chives for a herbaceous touch that enhances the Asian flavor profile.

Side Dishes

To turn your Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe into a complete meal, pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite steamed grain like brown rice or quinoa to soak up the extra glaze. Lightly sautéed or steamed vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli offer a fresh, crisp contrast and keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the cod atop a bed of mixed greens lightly dressed with a sesame-ginger vinaigrette, or alongside a colorful Asian slaw for a textural contrast. You might even drizzle a little extra glaze over the plate and garnish with thinly sliced red chili or pickled ginger to give it a sophisticated restaurant-quality look that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which may be unlikely because this dish disappears fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cod will keep well for up to 2 days, retaining most of its flavor and moisture when properly covered.

Freezing

While fresh cod is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze uncooked, marinated cod filets in the glaze for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Avoid freezing cooked fish, as the texture tends to suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheating honey-soy glazed cod calls for a gentle touch to maintain its flaky texture without drying it out. Warm the cod in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through, or gently steam it to preserve moisture. Avoid the microwave whenever possible, as it can make the fish tough and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this glaze?

Absolutely! While this Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe shines with cod’s flaky texture, you can try it with other white fish such as halibut, tilapia, or sea bass. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.

Is it necessary to marinate the cod? Can I skip this step?

Marinating is highly recommended because it lets the glaze penetrate the fish, enriching every bite with flavor. Skipping it means the glaze won’t infuse as deeply, but you can still brush the glaze on just before cooking for a quicker version.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually benefits the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Just give it a good stir before use.

What if I don’t have a broiler? Can I cook this another way?

If your oven lacks a broiler, you can bake the cod at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through. While you won’t get the exact caramelized finish that broiling offers, it will still be delicious.

How can I adjust the recipe for more servings?

This recipe is easily scaled up by multiplying the ingredients proportionally. Just be mindful of your broiler or oven space so the fish cooks evenly without crowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Honey-Soy Glazed Cod Recipe is a true celebration of simple, vibrant flavors coming together to create a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy flaky cod with an irresistible Asian-inspired glaze. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for when you want something quick, flavorful, and downright delicious.