Flavorful Healthy Seafood Dish

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

This simple yet impressive ginger soy cod features tender fish fillets marinated in a balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and fresh ginger. Choose between baking or pan-searing for perfectly flaky results in under 30 minutes.

The optional thickened glaze adds restaurant-quality finish, while garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds provide fresh crunch. Versatile enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:17:13 GMT
A dish of seafood with a sauce and garnish. Pin
A dish of seafood with a sauce and garnish. | zestplate.com

This ginger soy cod has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The flaky white fish absorbs the Asian-inspired marinade beautifully while remaining delicate and tender.

I first created this recipe when trying to incorporate more seafood into our family meals. What started as an experiment has become our most requested fish dish even my seafood-hesitant children eagerly devour.

Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets 5 to 6 ounces each: choose fillets of even thickness for consistent cooking
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: provides savory depth without overwhelming saltiness
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: adds nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: balances the saltiness with gentle sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: brightens the marinade with subtle acidity
  • 1½ teaspoons fresh grated ginger: delivers zippy warmth and aromatic quality
  • 2 cloves garlic minced: provides essential savory base notes
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: creates a glossy restaurant quality finish
  • Green onions and sesame seeds: add fresh crunch and visual appeal
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha: optional for those who enjoy a spicy kick

How To Make Easy Ginger Soy Cod

Prepare the marinade:
Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until fully combined. The mixture should smell wonderfully aromatic as the ingredients meld together. Take a moment to taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Marinate the fish:
Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or container and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well coated on all sides. Allow to rest for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature. This brief marinating time is perfect for cod as its delicate texture would begin breaking down with longer exposure.
Choose your cooking method:
For baking preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the marinated cod to the prepared dish and pour a few spoonfuls of marinade over each piece. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. For pan searing heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cod for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Create the glaze:
While the fish cooks pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. If using cornstarch slurry add it now and whisk continuously as the sauce thickens about 1 to 2 minutes. The finished glaze should coat the back of a spoon with a silky texture.
Finish and serve:
Plate the cooked cod and drizzle with the thickened glaze. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides.

My absolute favorite element of this dish is the fresh ginger. I keep a root wrapped in the freezer and grate it directly into recipes like this one where its bright zingy flavor creates magic with the soy and honey. The aroma always transports me to my favorite Japanese restaurant.

Perfect Pairings

This cod shines when served over fluffy jasmine rice which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a complete meal add steamed broccoli or bok choy alongside. The vibrant green vegetables provide textural contrast and nutritional balance to the tender fish. During summer I love serving this with a cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for a refreshing counterpoint to the savory fish.

Storage and Leftovers

While this cod is best enjoyed fresh it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out. The leftover fish makes excellent fish tacos topped with slaw or can be flaked into fried rice for a completely new meal. For meal prep purposes I recommend making extra marinade and storing it separately to refresh the fish when reheating.

A plate of food with seafood and rice.
A plate of food with seafood and rice. | zestplate.com

Make Ahead Tips

For busy weeknights prepare the marinade up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator. This significantly cuts down on preparation time when youre ready to cook. You can also portion and freeze cod fillets in the marinade for up to one month making this an excellent freezer meal option. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking according to the instructions.

A plate of food with a sauce on it.
A plate of food with a sauce on it. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?

Yes, this marinade works wonderfully with other white fish varieties. Halibut, tilapia, and snapper are excellent substitutes that will maintain the dish's delicate texture and flavor profile.

→ How long should I marinate the cod?

Cod is a delicate fish that only requires 15-30 minutes of marinating time. Marinating too long can break down the fish's texture, so it's best to keep within this timeframe for optimal results.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The standard version contains soy sauce, which typically has wheat. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with tamari or coconut aminos, which provide similar flavor without the gluten.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

After removing the fish from the marinade, simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan. Add a mixture of 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water, then simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

→ What side dishes pair well with ginger soy cod?

This Asian-inspired fish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. For a complete meal, consider a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing.

→ How can I add more heat to this dish?

To increase the spice level, add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade. You can also serve with additional hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat.

Ginger Soy Cod

Delicate cod fillets in a savory-sweet Asian marinade with ginger, garlic and honey, ready in just 30 minutes.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Duration
25 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-Fusion

Output: 4 Servings (4 cod fillets)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 cod fillets (150-170g each)
02 60ml low-sodium soy sauce
03 15ml sesame oil
04 30ml honey or maple syrup
05 15ml rice vinegar
06 7g fresh grated ginger
07 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 5g cornstarch mixed with 15ml water (optional for thickened glaze)
09 Green onions, sliced for garnish
10 Sesame seeds for garnish
11 Red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste (optional)

Directions

Step 01

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

Step 02

Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fish and allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 200°C. Transfer cod to a parchment-lined baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 04

Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cod for 3-4 minutes per side, occasionally spooning extra marinade over the fillets.

Step 05

Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir in cornstarch slurry if using, and simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 06

Plate the cod fillets, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  1. Halibut, tilapia, or snapper can be substituted for cod.
  2. For a Whole30 compliant version, omit the sweetener and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  3. For a spicier dish, incorporate sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade.
  4. Limit marination time to 15-30 minutes as cod is delicate and can break down if marinated too long.
  5. Leftover fish works excellently in rice bowls or tacos the following day.

Required Equipment

  • Baking dish or skillet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for marinade
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan (if making glaze)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains fish
  • May contain sesame

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 24 g