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Nobu Miso Black Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 82 reviews

Experience the exquisite flavors of Nobu’s Miso-Marinated Black Cod, a delicate and buttery fish marinated in a rich mixture of white miso, mirin, and sake, then broiled to perfection. This Japanese-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes, creating a beautifully caramelized crust and flaky interior. Ideal for an elegant yet simple dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and light vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Miso Marinade

  • ¼ cup white miso paste
  • ¼ cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sake (optional, can be substituted with water)

For the Black Cod

  • 4 black cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
  • Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Mix Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together white miso paste, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sake (if using) until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Marinate the Black Cod: Place the black cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the miso marinade over the fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Refrigerate: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors; marinate up to 1 hour for a deeper taste.
  4. Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source to prepare for cooking.
  5. Broil the Fish: Place the marinated black cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Broil for 10-12 minutes until the fish is golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Optional Caramelization: If you prefer a more caramelized finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, carefully watching to prevent burning.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the broiled cod to plates and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the fish for longer than 1 hour to avoid texture degradation.
  • If sake is not available, water can be used as a substitute without compromising the dish significantly.
  • Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent burning due to the sugar content in the marinade.
  • Black cod is also known as sablefish and can sometimes be labeled as such at fish markets.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice and a side of sautéed greens for a balanced meal.