
Honey and soy sauce create an irresistible glaze that transforms simple cod fillets into a restaurant-worthy dish. This Asian-inspired glazed cod brings together the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic ginger, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the fish perfectly moist inside. The recipe elevates weeknight dining without requiring advanced cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
Last week, I prepared this glazed cod for a family gathering, and even my seafood-hesitant nephew asked for seconds. The combination of familiar flavors made it approachable while still feeling special enough for a celebration.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Guide
- Cod Fillets: Look for thick, firm fillets with a translucent appearance and no strong fishy smell. The flesh should spring back when gently pressed. Wild-caught Pacific cod offers the best flavor and texture, though sustainably farmed options work well too
- Honey: Choose pure, raw honey for its complex flavor notes. Local varieties often add subtle floral undertones that enhance the overall dish
- Soy Sauce: Premium Japanese or Korean soy sauce provides deeper umami notes than standard varieties. Light soy sauce works best to avoid overwhelming the fish
- Fresh Ginger: Select firm, unblemished pieces with smooth skin. Young ginger offers a milder, more aromatic profile perfect for this dish
- Sesame Oil: Pure toasted sesame oil delivers the most authentic flavor. Look for dark amber color and strong aroma
- Rice Vinegar: Unseasoned rice vinegar allows better control over the final flavor profile
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- First: Glaze Preparation
- Position your ingredients within easy reach and combine soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. The mixture should have a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Grate fresh ginger directly into the bowl to capture all the aromatic oils. Whisk thoroughly until honey fully incorporates with other ingredients.
- Second: Fish Preparation
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper glazing. Examine fillets for any remaining bones, removing them with tweezers. Allow fish to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Third: Initial Glazing and Marination
- Brush each fillet generously with the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Place fillets in a glass dish, leaving space between each piece. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours - this timing allows flavors to penetrate without breaking down the delicate fish texture.
- Fourth: Broiler Setup and Cooking
- Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler element to ensure optimal caramelization. Line baking sheet with parchment paper, brushing lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange fillets with thicker portions toward the outer edges of the pan where heat is more intense.
- Fifth: Glazing and Cooking Process
- Begin broiling on low setting, brushing with glaze every 2-3 minutes. This frequent basting builds layers of flavor and creates a lacquered finish. Watch for gentle bubbling around edges of fillets - this indicates proper cooking temperature.

Perfect Timing and Temperature Control
Understanding your broiler's characteristics is crucial for this recipe. Different ovens heat differently, so watch for visual cues. The fish should gently sizzle but not smoke, and the glaze should caramelize gradually. Internal temperature should reach 135°F for medium doneness, ensuring a moist, flaky texture.
Texture Development and Visual Cues
As the cod cooks, you'll notice the flesh becoming increasingly opaque from bottom to top. The surface will develop a gorgeous amber color from the caramelizing honey. Small bubbles forming in the flesh indicate the fish's natural oils are being released - a sign of proper cooking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions
Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If needed, gently warm the glaze before using to restore proper consistency. Leftover cooked fish maintains its quality for up to two days when properly refrigerated.
Seasonal Adaptations and Variations
During summer months, incorporate fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro into the glaze. Winter preparations benefit from adding a touch of warming spices like star anise or cinnamon. Spring calls for light additions like fresh citrus zest, while autumn welcomes deeper flavors from maple syrup substitution.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
If glaze browns too quickly, tent fish with foil to prevent burning while ensuring complete cooking. For thicker fillets, allow additional cooking time at lower temperature. If fish releases excess moisture, increase paper towel patting time before glazing.
My family particularly enjoys the ginger in this recipe. Last month, I started growing fresh ginger at home, and the difference in flavor using just-harvested ginger is remarkable. The aromatic warmth it adds to the glaze has become a signature element of this dish in our household.
This recipe has become my go-to method for preparing cod, transforming an often overlooked fish into a memorable meal. The technique of building flavor through multiple glazing steps creates depth while preserving the cod's natural sweetness. Whether served for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dinner party, this preparation consistently delivers impressive results with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of fish?
- Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, rockfish, sea bass, black cod, lingcod, or haddock.
- → How do I know when the fish is done?
- The fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- → Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- → What can I use instead of honey?
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a similar sweet flavor.
- → What side dishes go well with this?
- Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian slaw for a complete meal.