Simple Ginger Soy Marinated Cod Fish Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce cod fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for added heat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for pan-frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until they are well-blended, and set aside.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the fillets in a shallow dish, and pour the ginger-soy marinade over them. Ensure that the fillets are well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, and let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- After marinating, remove the cod fillets from the refrigerator, and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This allows for more even cooking.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the cod fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.
- Carefully place the fillets in the hot skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook the fillets in batches if necessary.
- While the fish is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan, and bring it to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- To serve, place the cooked cod fillets on individual plates, and drizzle each fillet with the thickened ginger-soy sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Enjoy your savory cod fillets!
Nutrition
Prepare to indulge in the most delectable ginger soy cod fish recipe you’ve ever encountered! This exquisite dish offers a harmony of flavors, merging the tender, flaky nature of cod with the enticing warmth of ginger and the savory depth of soy sauce. Not only is this recipe irresistibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it the perfect solution for a speedy weeknight meal or a delightful highlight at your weekend dinner party. Brimming with healthful omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, this cod fish recipe is a nourishing and appetizing feast that will have you and your loved ones coming back for more! Let’s dig in and learn how to make it.
Notes & Tips
- For optimal flavor, make sure to use fresh ginger and garlic, as they have a more potent taste compared to their powdered counterparts.
- To prevent the fish from sticking to the pan, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the fillets. Also, avoid moving the fish around while cooking, as this can cause it to break apart.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, and add this slurry to the boiling marinade. Stir constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your ginger soy cod fish experience by transforming it into a wholesome, satisfying meal. Imagine savoring the delicate flavors of the fish alongside a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or protein-packed quinoa. Enhance the dish even further by adding an array of colorful, roasted or steamed vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes, crisp asparagus, tender broccoli, or succulent bok choy. Each mouthful will be an enticing blend of tastes and textures that leave you craving more.
Substitutions
Sometimes, the perfect ingredients may not be available or you might want to switch things up. If you’re unable to find cod fillets or simply prefer a different fish, consider substituting with other white fish like halibut, haddock, tilapia, rock cod, or even the fancy sablefish. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
For a plant-based twist, opt for firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan in place of the fish, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. These protein-rich alternatives will absorb the luscious ginger-soy flavors, creating an irresistible, meat-free vegan-friendly dish.
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free or want a different taste profile, swap the soy sauce with tamari. This alternative provides a similar umami depth with a touch of distinction, perfect for those seeking variety or catering to dietary restrictions.
If you are low on time, skip the extra sauce steps, that can get messy and trip you up if you are multi-tasking.
No fresh ginger or garlic? Look for pre-peeled garlic or frozen & pureed garlic and ginger options from brands like Dorot which are huge time savers for lazy home chef.
Make it Kid-Friendly
If you’re preparing this for the whole family, including young children, you might want to consider a few adjustments to make the dish more kid-friendly. To reduce spiciness, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes from the marinade. You can also offer a milder vegetable side, such as steamed carrots or green beans, to create a more balanced plate for your little ones.
Spice Level Adjustments
For those who enjoy a spicy kick in their meals, feel free to increase the heat in this recipe. Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade, or incorporate a finely chopped fresh chili, such as a jalapeño or a ghost pepper if you want to really punish yourself. You can also serve the dish with a side of your favorite hot sauce, allowing each person to customize their spice level to their liking.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, store the the cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish on a microwave-safe plate, add a few drops of water around it so it doesn’t dry out, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that reheating fish may cause it to become slightly drier, so try to consume leftovers within a day or two for the best texture.
Common Questions
Yes, you can marinate the fish ahead of time, for up to 8 hours. However, it’s best to cook the fish and prepare the sauce just before serving to ensure optimal taste and texture.
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
The fish is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough.
