Crispy Ginger Soy Cod With Yuzu Sesame Drizzle

Looking for a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up at home? This Crispy Ginger Soy Cod with Yuzu Sesame Drizzle is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The cod fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection, then finished in the oven with a luscious ginger-soy glaze. A bright and zesty yuzu sesame drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch, elevating this dish to something truly special. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cod Fillets (4 fillets, 150g / 5oz each): We’re using cod for its mild, flaky flavor and firm texture, which holds up beautifully to searing and baking. Look for fillets that are about 1 inch thick. Keeping the skin on is crucial for achieving that crispy texture!
• Halal-Certified Soy Sauce (3 Tbsp / 45ml): Soy sauce forms the base of our flavorful glaze, providing umami and saltiness. Using halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to control the salt content.
• Honey (2 Tbsp / 30ml): A touch of honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a subtle sweetness. Raw honey is preferred for its natural enzymes and flavor, but any good quality honey will work.
• Rice Vinegar (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Rice vinegar provides a delicate acidity that brightens the glaze and cuts through the richness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar, but use slightly less.
• Sesame Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the ginger and soy sauce beautifully. Toasted sesame oil is recommended for a more intense flavor.
• Freshly Grated Ginger (2 tsp / 10g): Fresh ginger is key to this recipe! It provides a warm, spicy, and aromatic element. Avoid using ground ginger, as it lacks the same vibrancy.
• Minced Garlic (1 tsp / 5g): Garlic adds another layer of savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• Chili Flakes (½ tsp / 2g, optional): For a touch of heat, add chili flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Olive Oil (2 tsp / 10ml for searing + 1 tsp / 5ml for drizzle): Olive oil is used for searing the cod and creating the yuzu sesame drizzle. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Yuzu Juice (1 tsp / 5ml, or lemon juice): Yuzu juice adds a unique citrusy aroma and flavor. If yuzu is unavailable, lemon juice makes a good substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 Tbsp / 10g, plus extra for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro (1 Tbsp / 15g, chopped): Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous flavor.
• Scallions (1 Tbsp / 15g, sliced): Scallions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the cod fillets and enhance the overall flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Cod: You can substitute cod with other firm white fish like halibut, sea bass, or even thick-cut tilapia.
• Yuzu Juice: Lemon or lime juice can be used as a substitute for yuzu juice.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Begin by patting the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a truly crispy skin. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of the flavor!
2. Make the Ginger Soy Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and the honey is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – a little more honey for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat.
3. Marinate the Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a shallow dish. Pour half of the ginger soy glaze over the cod, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Turn the fillets once to ensure even coverage. Let the cod marinate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish, resulting in a more flavorful final dish.
4. Sear the Cod: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven heats, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 2 minutes, or until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes crispy. Flip the fillets and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. About halfway through baking, baste the cod with the remaining ginger soy glaze. This adds extra flavor and keeps the fish moist.
6. Prepare the Yuzu Sesame Drizzle: While the cod is baking, prepare the yuzu-sesame drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the yuzu juice (or lemon juice), 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is emulsified and slightly thickened.
7. Rest and Garnish: Once the cod is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the cod fillets to a warm plate and let them rest for 2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish. Drizzle each fillet generously with the yuzu-sesame sauce.
8. Final Touches: Scatter the remaining toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced scallions over the cod fillets. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

Why Crispy Skin Matters: The Science of Searing

Achieving truly crispy skin on fish isn’t just about heat; it’s about the Maillard reaction. This chemical reaction occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars when heated, creating complex flavors and a beautiful browned surface. Patting the fish dry is essential because water inhibits this reaction. The hot oil then rapidly evaporates any remaining moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Using an oven-proof skillet allows you to seamlessly transition from searing to baking, ensuring the fish cooks through without sacrificing that coveted crispy texture.

The Magic of Yuzu: A Citrus Revelation

Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit prized for its unique aromatic profile. It’s a complex blend of lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin orange, with a floral and slightly tart flavor. While yuzu juice can be harder to find, it truly elevates this dish. If you can’t find yuzu, lemon juice is a good substitute, but consider adding a tiny pinch of grapefruit zest to mimic some of yuzu’s complexity.

Selecting the Best Cod for this Recipe

For this recipe, look for thick-cut cod fillets with the skin on. Alaskan cod or Pacific cod are excellent choices. The skin is key to achieving that crispy texture, so ensure it’s intact. Fresh cod is always best, but frozen cod can also be used – just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry before marinating.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Crispy Ginger Soy Cod with Yuzu Sesame Drizzle pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful glaze. A simple side of stir-fried bok choy or roasted asparagus also complements the dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider adding a small side salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of fish? While cod is ideal, you can substitute with other firm white fish like halibut or sea bass.
• Is the chili flake optional? Yes, it is! Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Can I make the yuzu sesame drizzle ahead of time? Yes, you can. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This Crispy Ginger Soy Cod with Yuzu Sesame Drizzle is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy skin, savory glaze, and bright yuzu drizzle create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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• Author: Lila Crawford
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality Crispy Ginger Soy Cod with a vibrant Yuzu Sesame Drizzle. Pan-seared cod is finished in the oven with a flavorful glaze, creating a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 fillets cod (150g / 5oz each), skin on
• 3 Tbsp (45ml) halal-certified soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) honey
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) sesame oil
• 2 tsp (10g) freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp (5g) minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp (2g) chili flakes (optional)
• 3 tsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5ml) yuzu juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 Tbsp (10g) toasted sesame seeds, plus extra for garnish
• 1 Tbsp (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 Tbsp (15g) sliced scallions
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat cod dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Make Ginger Soy Glaze: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes.
3. Marinate Cod: Coat cod fillets with half of the glaze and let marinate for 10 minutes.
4. Sear Cod: Sear cod skin-side down in hot oil for 2 minutes per side.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, basting with remaining glaze.
6. Prepare Yuzu Sesame Drizzle: Whisk together yuzu juice, olive oil, sesame seeds, and salt.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let cod rest, then drizzle with yuzu sesame sauce.
8. Final Touches: Garnish with sesame seeds, cilantro, and scallions.

Notes

Patting the cod dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Using an oven-proof skillet allows for seamless searing and baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Fry, Bake
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg