Ginger Soy Glazed Cod transforms simple white fish into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes. I’ve been making this healthy seafood dish for my family for years, and it never fails to impress with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors.
There’s something magical about the way fresh ginger and soy sauce work together to create this incredible glaze. The first time I made this dish, I was experimenting with Asian flavors in my kitchen, trying to recreate a meal we’d enjoyed at a local restaurant. What I discovered was even better than the original – a simple technique that brings out the natural sweetness of cod while adding layers of umami-rich flavor. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that glossy finish that makes this dish look as good as it tastes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The Asian-inspired glaze transforms mild cod into something truly special—just like in my Asian-Inspired Chicken Rice Bowl, where balanced flavors shine with minimal effort., while keeping the preparation simple enough for busy weeknights.
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have
- Ready in just 15-20 minutes from start to finish
- Incredibly healthy with high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids
- Naturally low in calories and fat but packed with flavor
- Perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining
- Versatile cooking methods – bake, pan-sear, or grill with equally delicious results
This ginger soy glazed cod is more than just a healthy meal – it’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Ingredient Note List
Cod Fillets: I always recommend choosing fresh cod that feels firm to the touch and has a mild, ocean-fresh smell – avoid any fillets that look dull or have a strong fishy odor.
Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce works best here because it provides the perfect salty-sweet balance without overpowering the delicate flavor of the cod.
Honey: The natural sweetness of honey helps create that beautiful caramelized glaze while balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish and helps tenderize the fish slightly.
Fresh Ginger: I always use fresh grated ginger rather than powdered because it provides that bright, zesty bite that makes this recipe so special.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and aromatic warmth that complements the ginger perfectly.
Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon of this nutty oil adds authentic Asian flavor and helps bind all the glaze ingredients together.
Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast when used as garnish.
Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of these adds a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
How to Cook Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2. In a small bowl, I whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
Step 3. I’ve found that placing the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
Step 4. My grandmother always said to be generous with glazes, so I brush each fillet thoroughly, making sure every surface is well coated with that beautiful ginger soy mixture.
Step 5. I usually bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark – the fish is perfect when it flakes easily with a fork and the glaze has caramelized to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6. After removing from the oven, I immediately transfer the fillets to serving plates to prevent overcooking from residual heat.
Step 7. For the finishing touch, I garnish each piece with thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro – this adds color, texture, and fresh flavor.
Step 8. I always serve this ginger soy glazed cod immediately with lime wedges on the side, which adds a bright citrus note that perfectly complements the Asian flavors.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover ginger soy glazed cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the fish has cooled completely before sealing to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
In my experience, this dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because cod can become tough and watery when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within those first few days for the best texture and flavor.
For best results, I like to reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes—similar to how I reheat my Air Fryer Zucchini Fries to keep them crispy., covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also use the microwave for convenience – just heat in 30-second intervals and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place cod fillets on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush glaze generously over each fillet. For deeper flavor, marinate 30–60 minutes beforehand.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer to plates. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and your favorite sides.
Notes
What to Serve With Ginger Soy Glazed Cod
Steamed Jasmine Rice: The nutty, aromatic flavor of jasmine rice pairs beautifully with the Asian-inspired glaze and soaks up any extra sauce perfectly.
Roasted Broccoli: I love serving this alongside roasted broccoli because the slight char and crisp texture provide a wonderful contrast to the tender, flaky fish.
Garlic Bok Choy: This quick-cooking vegetable complements the Asian flavors while adding vibrant color—especially when paired with something light like my Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.and a subtle peppery bite to the meal.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes enhances the honey in the glaze while providing a creamy, comforting side.
Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the glazed fish beautifully.
Coconut Rice: This slightly sweet rice variation echoes the tropical flavors and creates an elegant presentation for special occasions.
FAQs
Each 6-ounce serving contains approximately 180-200 calories, making this an excellent choice for healthy eating – most of those calories come from high-quality protein rather than fat.
Absolutely! This dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins while being naturally low in saturated fat and calories.
Yes, but I recommend thawing them completely and patting dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this helps the glaze adhere better and prevents a watery result.
I often use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar when I’m out of rice vinegar – use slightly less as they can be more acidic than rice vinegar.
