Easy Ginger Soy Cod Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Ginger Soy Cod recipe brings delicate, flaky fish to life with a flavorful marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and honey. Whether baked or pan-seared, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (5-6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for glaze)
• 1 tbsp water (optional, for glaze)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag; pour marinade over the fish and coat each piece well. Let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: To bake, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated cod on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Step 4: To pan-sear, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cod for 3 to 4 minutes per side, spooning extra marinade over the fish as it cooks.
5. Step 5: (Optional) For glaze, pour leftover marinade into a saucepan and simmer. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into simmering sauce and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.
6. Step 6: Serve cod topped with the thickened glaze if using. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Pair with rice, sweet potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or snapper based on preference or availability.
• For a Whole30-friendly version, omit honey/maple syrup and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Add heat by mixing in sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade before cooking.
• Do not marinate cod for more than 30 minutes to prevent the fish from becoming mushy.
• Use leftover cooked cod in rice bowls or tacos for a quick meal the next day.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Leftover cod works well cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?

Yes, halibut, tilapia, or snapper are great alternatives and will work well with this ginger soy marinade.

How long should I marinate the cod?

Marinate the cod for 15 to 30 minutes. Longer marinating can break down the delicate fish and cause it to become mushy.

Easy Ginger Soy Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 142 reviews

This Easy Ginger Soy Cod recipe features tender cod fillets marinated in a flavorful mixture of low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic. The cod can be cooked either by baking or pan-searing, then optionally topped with a glossy cornstarch glaze. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a delightful, quick, and healthy meal perfect served alongside rice or steamed vegetables.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)

Marinade

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Glaze (optional)

• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Garnish

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

Optional

• Red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh grated ginger until well combined to create the flavorful marinade base.
2. Marinate the Fish: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the cod to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors without overpowering the delicate texture.
3. Cook the Cod—Baking Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated cod fillets on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
4. Cook the Cod—Pan-Searing Option: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, spooning the extra marinade over the fish during cooking to enhance the flavor and keep the cod moist.
5. Prepare the Optional Glaze: Pour any leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering marinade. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
6. Serve: Place the cooked cod on plates, spoon the thickened glaze over the top if using, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve alongside your choice of rice, sweet potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or snapper depending on availability or preference.
• For a Whole30-compliant version, omit honey or maple syrup and replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
• To add some heat, stir in a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade before cooking.
• Do not marinate cod for longer than 30 minutes as it is a delicate fish and can become mushy.
• Leftover cooked cod works wonderfully in rice bowls or tacos the next day for a quick and tasty meal.

Keywords: cod recipe, ginger soy cod, baked fish, healthy dinner, quick cod recipe, Asian fish marinade, sesame cod, easy seafood dinner