Miso Black Cod Recipe By Chef Nobu

Miso Black Cod

This Miso-Glazed Black Cod recipe is one of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s most recognizable fish dishes from his Nobu Japanese restaurants. Renowned for its wonderful flavor and buttery texture, this Asian cod recipe exemplifies the best of Japanese cooking. The versatile miso marinade imparts a deep, savory flavor and enhances the fish’s rich, buttery flesh. Broiled or grilled at a high temperature, the fish develops a gorgeous, caramelized crust on the outside while taking on a rich texture that pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of white rice.

Why This Recipe Works

• This is the original Miso Black Cod Recipe created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa for his restaurants.
• Marinating the black cod for four days not only seasons it all the way through but also removes excess moisture from the fish, giving it a buttery texture and rich taste. 
• Broiling the miso-marinated fish inches from the heat source caramelizes the surface of the cod, giving it a wonderful flavor that complements the earthy white miso paste.

Ingredients for Miso Cod

• Black Cod – Black Cod (a.k.a. Sablefish) is a fatty fish with buttery flesh that makes it the perfect choice for this recipe. If black cod is not available, other types of fish fillets with a high fat content and flaky texture, such as Chilean sea bass or salmon, will also work.
• Sake – This Japanese rice wine adds a delicate sweetness and umami to the miso marinade.
• Mirin – Mirin is a sweet rice wine that balances the savory flavors of the miso in the sauce.
• White Miso – This fermented soybean paste provides a rich, earthy flavor that complements the buttery texture of each piece of fish. White miso paste has a delicate flavor that works best with white fish, but other types of miso can be substituted.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar provides a balancing sweetness for the marinade and aids in caramelizing the surface of the fish. Brown sugar or honey could be substituted if you like.

How to Make Nobu’s Miso Marinade

To create Chef Nobu’s famous sake-miso marinade, combine the sake and mirin in a pot and boil the mixture to cook off the alcohol while concentrating the flavors, leaving a sweet and umami-rich base. 

Once reduced, lower the stove to medium heat and add the white miso paste and white sugar to the pot. Continue cooking the mixture while stirring constantly until the marinade is thick and glossy. Transfer the marinade to a container that’s large enough to hold the fish and allow the miso marinade to cool to room temperature.

This versatile miso marinade can be used to season a wide variety of seafood or meat and can be stored in an airtight container for weeks. 

How to Make Miso-Glazed Black Cod

Once the miso mixture has cooled to room temperature, add the black cod fillets and ensure every surface is coated with the marinade. It’s best to let this marinate for four days to allow the wonderful flavors a chance to permeate the fresh fish and cure it.
When you’re ready to cook it, position the oven rack at the topmost level, closest to the heating element, and preheat the broiler. Carefully wipe off any excess marinade from the black cod fillets using paper towels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Cook the fish under the broiler until the miso-glazed fish has a flaky texture and golden brown color (about 10-15 minutes). Broiling the fish in close proximity to the heat source allows the surface to caramelize beautifully, creating a savory crust that contrasts with the moist, tender interior.

How to Serve Nobu’s Miso Cod

Nobu’s Miso Cod is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its rich, savory flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Rice Options: Serve this cod with miso marinade over fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice. The rice’s neutral taste complements the marinated cod’s complex flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Pickled Ginger: Add a side of pickled ginger to your plate for a tangy, sweet contrast with a refreshing kick that will cleanse your palate between bites of the buttery fish.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, asparagus, or snap peas, make excellent side dishes. Their crisp texture and mild flavors pair well with the cod’s savory sweet taste.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the cod before serving. The nutty aroma and slight crunch of the seeds add a layer of flavor and texture to the dish.