Description
A luxurious and restaurant-worthy dinner featuring black cod fillets marinated in a sweet and savory white miso butter glaze, then seared to create a crispy, caramelized crust.
Ingredients
- Black Cod Fillets (skin-on, 6-8 ounces each)
- White Miso Paste (shiro miso, approx. 1/2 cup)
- Unsalted Butter (high-quality, European-style preferred)
- Sake or Mirin
- Maple Syrup
- Sesame Oil
- Neutral Oil (avocado or grapeseed, for searing)
- Salt and Pepper
- Green Onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
- White Sesame Seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- Lemon Wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together white miso paste, melted butter, sake, maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth to create the marinade.
- Pat black cod fillets very dry with paper towels. Brush the marinade generously over the top side of each fillet only (do not marinate the skin side).
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Remove fish from fridge 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat with a thin layer of neutral oil until it shimmers.
- Lightly sprinkle the skin side of the fish with salt and pepper. Optionally score the skin lightly to prevent curling.
- Place fillets in the pan skin-side down. Press gently to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip fillets carefully. Reduce heat to medium. Add a knob of butter to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the hot butter over the fish repeatedly (basting) for 3-4 minutes.
- Check for doneness: fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Transfer to a serving plate, skin-side up. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Miso burns easily due to sugar content; keep heat at medium and watch closely. If edges darken too fast, cover with a lid for the last minute to steam gently. Ensure fish is patted completely dry before marinating to ensure a crispy crust. Do not marinate the skin side as it needs direct contact with the pan. For extra crispiness, broil for 30 seconds after flipping, but watch closely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: black cod, miso butter, date night dinner, seared fish, healthy seafood, white miso, crispy skin, omega-3, gluten-free option