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Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a delicious and healthy seafood dish that combines the mild, flaky texture of cod with a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. The cod is pan-seared to perfection and then finished with a rich glaze, making it a quick and easy meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of umami, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cod:

4 (6-ounce) skinless cod fillets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ginger Soy Glaze:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional for thickening)

Optional Garnishes:

Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Lemon or lime wedges

Directions

Prepare the Ginger Soy Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Heat the mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and whisk until the glaze thickens. Set aside.
Prepare the Cod:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the fillets in cornstarch, brushing off any excess.
Cook the Cod:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
Finish the Dish:
In the same skillet, pour the prepared ginger soy glaze over the cod. Spoon the glaze over the fillets as they cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to absorb.
Serve:
Transfer the glazed cod fillets to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and serve with lemon or lime wedges. Pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrients (Per serving, makes 4 servings)

Calories: 214 kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 442mg
Potassium: 251mg

The Cod: A Mild and Flaky Canvas for Bold Flavors

Cod is a popular fish choice due to its mild flavor and flaky, tender texture. It’s an ideal base for flavorful glazes because it doesn’t overpower the dish, allowing the accompanying sauces and seasonings to shine. The cod fillets in this recipe are pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a slight crispness on the outside while keeping the fish tender and moist inside. The light crust also helps the fish hold up well to the ginger soy glaze, allowing the sauce to cling to the fillets without becoming soggy.

Cod is also a healthy choice. It is low in fat and calories while providing a good amount of protein. It’s a versatile fish that can be used in various cuisines, from classic fish and chips to more sophisticated recipes like this one. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent choice for those who may not usually enjoy stronger fish like salmon or mackerel.

The Ginger Soy Glaze: A Flavorful, Sweet and Savory Combination

The star of this dish is the Ginger Soy Glaze, which perfectly balances the savory umami from the soy sauce with the sweet and slightly tangy notes from the honey and rice vinegar. Fresh grated ginger and garlic add depth and warmth to the glaze, while the sesame oil brings a subtle nuttiness that elevates the flavor profile. The rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity, rounding out the flavors and cutting through the richness of the fish.

One of the best things about this glaze is its versatility. It can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey. If you like more heat, you can increase the ginger or even add a dash of chili flakes. The recipe also offers an option to thicken the glaze with cornstarch, which gives it a luscious, glossy texture that clings to the fish beautifully.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

One of the main reasons Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is such a great recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table. Here’s why:

The Cod Cooks Quickly: Cod fillets cook in just a few minutes per side. They’re pan-seared, which gives them a crispy exterior without drying out the delicate fish inside.
The Glaze is Simple: The ginger soy glaze is made by whisking together a few simple ingredients, then heating it in a saucepan. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can easily add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce in just a few minutes.
Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of this dish is that it requires just one pan to cook the cod and another saucepan for the glaze. The simple preparation and minimal equipment make it easy to clean up afterward.

This makes Ginger Soy Glazed Cod the perfect recipe for busy nights when you still want a meal that’s full of flavor and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.

Health Benefits of Ginger Soy Glazed Cod

Not only is Ginger Soy Glazed Cod delicious, but it’s also a nutritious option. Here’s why:

Cod is a Lean Protein: Cod is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy, balanced meal.
Ginger’s Health Benefits: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from nausea to arthritis. The fresh ginger in the glaze not only adds flavor but also provides health benefits.
Sesame Oil and Garlic: Sesame oil is a healthy fat that contains antioxidants, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. These ingredients work together to create a glaze that not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also offers some health benefits.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce in the glaze reduces the overall salt content of the dish, making it a heart-healthy choice. It still provides all the umami flavor without excess sodium.

How to Serve Ginger Soy Glazed Cod

Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:

With Steamed Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic accompaniment that soaks up the flavorful ginger soy glaze. The rice helps balance the richness of the fish and gives you a complete meal.
With Quinoa: For a healthier, protein-packed option, serve the cod with quinoa. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderful texture that complements the delicate cod.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add color and nutrients to the meal. Their natural sweetness and slight char from roasting pair wonderfully with the savory fish and glaze.
With a Fresh Salad: A light salad of mixed greens with a sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cod and its glaze.
With Steamed Bok Choy: For a more Asian-inspired side, steamed bok choy is a great addition. The mild, tender greens and the savory, slightly bitter taste of bok choy complement the cod without overpowering it.

Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion

Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough to whip up after a busy day at work.

The combination of umami, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this dish universally appealing. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you serve it with rice, quinoa, or vegetables, this dish is a satisfying and healthy option that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.

Conclusion: A Quick, Flavorful, and Healthy Seafood Dish

Ginger Soy Glazed Cod is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a delicious and healthy seafood dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. The mild, flaky cod is enhanced by the rich, flavorful glaze, creating a satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. With its simple ingredients, health benefits, and versatility, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends and family.

Try Ginger Soy Glazed Cod today and enjoy a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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