Miso-Marinated Grilled Cod Recipe

Introduction

Miso-marinated cod is a Japanese-inspired dish that’s both elegant and full of flavor. The savory and slightly sweet miso marinade deeply infuses the cod, creating a tender, flaky fish with a delicious umami richness. Grilling the cod on the Arteflame brings out the natural sweetness of the fish while adding a subtle smoky note. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Fresh green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Miso Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the white miso paste, sake, mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Marinate the Cod

Place the cod fillets in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the miso marinade over the cod, ensuring each fillet is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. Be careful not to marinate for too long, as the miso can overpower the delicate flavor of the cod.

3. Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your Arteflame grill by placing vegetable oil-soaked paper napkins in the grill, stacking firewood over them, and lighting the grill. Allow it to heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is ready for grilling.

4. Grill the Cod

Remove the cod from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the cod fillets on the flat cooktop of the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The miso marinade will caramelize slightly, giving the cod a beautiful golden-brown color.

5. Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the cod from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the miso-marinated cod with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. Pair with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips

• Marinating Time: Keep the marinating time short (30 minutes to 2 hours) to avoid the miso flavor becoming too intense.
• Grilling Fish: Handle the cod gently when grilling to prevent it from breaking apart.
• Miso Paste: White miso (Shiro miso) is milder and sweeter than other types, making it ideal for this recipe.

Conclusion

This miso-marinated grilled cod is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The miso marinade not only enhances the natural taste of the cod but also adds a rich depth that makes this dish truly special. Simple to prepare and quick to cook, this recipe is a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Miso Cod: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
2. Ginger-Soy Miso Cod: Increase the ginger to 2 teaspoons and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce for a more pronounced ginger-soy flavor.
3. Honey-Miso Cod: Replace the brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweeter marinade with a glossy finish.
4. Citrus-Miso Cod: Add the juice of half an orange or lemon to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
5. Herb-Miso Cod: Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro or basil for an herbaceous note.

Pairings

• Wine: A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the delicate flavors of the cod.
• Side Dish: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Dessert: A light dessert like green tea ice cream or mochi complements the umami-rich cod.