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+ servings

Sesame Crusted Cod with Ginger Noodles

A pan-seared cod fillet with a nutty sesame crust, served over fragrant ginger noodles for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course, Quick Meals, Seafood
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

For the Cod and Sesame Crust
  • 1/4 cup sake (or dry sherry)
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 4 tablespoons white miso paste
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 fillets (6 oz each) black cod (sablefish)
  • 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for searing
For the Ginger Noodles
  • 8 ounces soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons green onions sliced, for garnish

Method
 

Marinate the Cod
  1. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sake, mirin, miso paste, and sugar. Bring to a boil and let it bubble for 30 to 45 seconds until it turns a caramel color. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Rub the miso mixture all over the fish, coating each fillet evenly. Place the fillets in a glass or ceramic dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 2 days for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Sesame Crust and Cook the Fish
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Lightly wipe off excess miso from the fillets (do not rinse). Press each fillet into the sesame seeds to coat one side.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets sesame-side down in the hot pan and cook until the sesame seeds are golden and the fish is browned, about 3 minutes.
  3. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Ginger Noodles
  1. While the fish bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the soba noodles according to package directions until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the drained noodles and toss well to coat. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12g

Notes

For a milder flavor, use light sesame seeds instead of white. You can substitute black cod with halibut or sea bass if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish. The miso marinade can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. To prevent soggy noodles, toss them with the dressing just before serving. If soba noodles are unavailable, use udon or ramen noodles for a similar texture. For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished dish.

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