Name: How To Make Miso Black Cod (Nobu Copycat Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 Pieces Black Cod (can sub for salmon or seabass if desired); 100 g Miso Paste (white or mixed miso is recommended); 3 Tbsp Sugar; 2 Tbsp Cooking Sake; 2 Tbsp Mirin; 2 tsp Soy Sauce; 1 tsp Orange Zest (Optional)

How To Make Miso Black Cod (Nobu Copycat Recipe)

Easy Fish Main Meal Prep Friendly Miso Restaurant Copycat Recipe Seafood Under 30 Minutes Weeknight Dinner Idea

Miso black cod, also known as Gindara no misozuke in Japanese cuisine, is a delightful dish that perfectly blends the deep, earthy flavors of miso paste with the delicate, buttery texture of black cod. Let's explore what makes this dish so special.

At its core, miso black cod showcases the beauty of simple ingredients working together harmoniously. Black cod, with its silky, rich flesh that practically melts in your mouth, takes center stage in this dish. Despite its name, this fish is not a true cod but a species called sablefish, renowned for its high omega-3 content, which not only enhances its luxurious taste but also provides numerous health benefits.

The marination process is where the magic truly happens. Black cod fillets are bathed in a marinade made from miso paste—a staple in Japanese cuisine—alongside a blend of ingredients like sake, mirin, and sugar. The umami-rich miso, the sweetness of mirin and sugar, and the aromatic sake work together to elevate the flavors in this black cod dish even further!

The beauty of miso black cod extends beyond its flavors to its preparation. The marinated fish is typically grilled, resulting in a caramelized exterior that complements the tender, flaky interior perfectly. The end result is a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious dish, with the miso glaze creating a slightly charred, crispy outer layer that gives way to the succulent fish beneath.

Miso black cod serves as a testament to the transformative power of quality ingredients treated with care. Whether enjoyed at a bustling Japanese eatery or prepared at home with love, this dish embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine and leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Overview

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 25 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Total servings: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

2 Pieces Black Cod (can sub for salmon or seabass if desired)
100 g Miso Paste (white or mixed miso is recommended)
3 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Cooking Sake
2 Tbsp Mirin
2 tsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Orange Zest (Optional)

Expert's Tip

Yamato All Natural Japanese Raw Miso Paste 400g

The Yamato All Natural Japanese Raw Miso Paste, with its balance of sweetness and robustness, will be perfect for miso marinated dishes at home, like our miso black cod!

Instructions

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1) Gathering the Ingredients

Gather the ingredients together.

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2) Preparing the Black Cod

Place the cod on a tray and sprinkle a little salt on the top side. Sprinkle a bit of salt on the bottom side as well. Let them sit for 10 minutes.

adding all of the miso marinade ingredients into a bowl

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3) Making the Miso Mixture

Place miso, white sugar, sake, mirin, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

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4) Marinating the Black Cod in the Miso Sauce

Spread the miso mixture over the surface of the cod. Use your fingers or a brush to spread it evenly, covering both sides of the cod. Once fully coated, gently cover the cod with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight or for 2 days in the fridge.

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5) Removing Excess Marinade Off Of the Fish

After 2 days, remove the cod from the fridge. Wipe off any excess miso mixture on the cod with a paper towel. It's now ready to be cooked.

Note: We are removing excess marinade from the fish to prevent it from burning. Your miso black cod will still be bursting with flavor, so do not skip this step!

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6) Baking the Fish

Place the cod with the skin side facing down on the parchment paper. Bake it in the oven at 355°F for 12 minutes (time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the cod). Flip it and bake at 380°F for about 10 minutes. If the edges of the fillet are nicely browned and clear juices are coming out, it's a sign that the fish is cooked through.

7) Making A Miso Sauce (Optional)

After marinating the black cod, boil the remaining miso mixture and pour it over the cod for extra flavor.

8) Garnishing the Miso Black Cod & Serving

Have you got a bowl of rice all ready to go too? Enjoy your finished Miso Black Cod! I highly recommend sprinkling orange zest on top for a wonderful combination of miso and citrus flavor!

About the author

Mana Sobral

Mana is a mother of two who is currently based in Toronto, Canada. While she has called Toronto her home for the past 7 years, she is originally from Wakayama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and gained practical experience working as a dietician in Japan. She is absolutely obsessed with sharing her love for Japanese cuisine. She loves the seasonality of vegetables in Japan and the creativity of plating dishes. She loves writing Japanese recipes and sharing them with people around the world. She prefers to keep her writing style simple and fun, so that everyone, including people who are not particularly keen on reading, can enjoy her articles. In her free time, she loves baking desserts and Japanese breads. She also enjoys participating in Muay Thai classes.

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