Every now and then, there comes a need to prepare a really special dinner. This definitely fits the bill for extra-special.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is one of the greatest chefs of our time and his signature dish at his signature restaurant is about as good as they come. This is one of those “special occasion” dishes. You need to plan in advance. Get ready to pay a little extra for the fish. And allow time for marinating. But the result is truly magnificent.
How To Make Miso Black Cod
The preparation of this dish is actually not challenging at all. The steps are quite simple.
You just need to give yourself time to allow the black cod to rest in the marinade.
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The Ingredients You Will Need
First and foremost, you need to get your hands on good-quality black cod, or more commonly named: sablefish. Although it is prevalent in the Northern Pacific Ocean, it can be difficult to find at your local fish market in the U.S. and Canada. We order ours from Maine Lobster and we are always impressed with the quality.
Black cod (Sablefish) is not cheap. 4 fillets (with shipping) can you cost you nearly $100 bucks. Again, it’s one of those “special moments” items.
By the way, black cod is actually not part of the cod family that you see so often and is most commonly used for Classic Fish and Chips (check out our recipe!). Read more about its fascinating history here.
Black Cod Marinade Ingredients
- Mirin (Japanese Sweet Cooking Wine)
- Sake (Japanese Wine)
- White Miso Paste (found at Asian food markets or online)
- Granulated Sugar
And that’s it! Not a lot of ingredients, which means after you purchase the black cod, you’re almost done!
EXPERT TIP: After you prepare the marinade on the stove, you’ll need to allow it to completely cool before adding to the fish. We like to cut our fillets into 2 to 3 oz. strips and make they are well soaked in the marinade.
How To Cook Black Cod
There are several methods for cooking this deeply flavorful fish. Here are the most popular common ones:
Seared then Baked: This is our preferred method. Searing locks in the gorgeous blackened glaze and then baking finishes off the cooking with ease.
Broiled: This is how Chef Nobu would prepare it, and most executive chef’s with top-notch broilers. For the home cook, it’s very easy to burn the fish. Remember, miso burns very easily. You can try it, but keep a very close on it!
Grilled: This is a method we have not tried because it is difficult to control the heat. Plus, we have seen that you don’t get that uniform blackened sear on the outside of the fish. But, you will get a hint of smokiness, which is always nice.
EXPERT TIP: We sear our black cod in our large non-stick skillet and then transfer it to a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat. However, you can also sear the fillets in a cast-iron skillet and then transfer them to the oven. This latter method is a little tricky because the fish has a tendency to stick to the pan. Be sure to lightly oil the skillet and very gently use a pair of tongs to slightly move the fillet to help prevent sticking.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I reduce the amount of marinating time? Absolutely. We like to marinate for 3 days, but you could reduce the time to 2 days or even 1 day. We’ve tried this and still get delicious results.
Are there other types of fish that I could substitute for the black cod? Yes. Salmon is a tasty substitute, as is swordfish. You won’t get the melt-in-your-mouth texture that you get with black cod, but you’ll still get wonderful results.
Is there any substitute for the white miso paste? Unfortunately, there isn’t. However, you can find many options at your local Asian food market, and it is really easy (and quick) to order online. We often get ours with same-day delivery.
EXPERT TIP: Although it’s not 100% necessary, we find we get the best results when we bake the fillets on a baking sheet lined with a silicone matt. It helps to keep the fish from sticking, and it also makes for a very easy clean-up.
What To Serve with Miso Black Cod
We absolutely love to serve Miso Black Cod as a spectacular appetizer before an incredible meal. All we garnish the fillets with is a thin radish slice and a sliver or two of chives.
As an entree, a simple side of sautéed spinach and perfectly steamed rice makes for the perfect feast.
If serving to guests, consider giving them the option of using chopsticks or a fork and knife.
Other Amazing Seafood Dishes
We love seafood from almost every cuisine. Here are some other recipes you should check out:
- Mediterranean Red Snapper
- Sautéed Wild Sea Bass
- Blackened Salmon
- Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
- Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Peppercorn-Seared Tuna Steaks with Strawberry Vinaigrette
In the meantime, folks, if you’re looking for a true 5-star dish that you can make at home, this is the one for you. Just take a look at this amazing fish.
Ready to make a dish that could be served in a world-famous restaurant? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Miso Black Cod (Nobu Copycat Recipe)
Video
Equipment
- 1 skillet preferably non-stick, or heat-proof
- 1 Baking sheet preferably with silicone matt
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon salt
- ¼ cup sake plus 2 extra tablespoon for washing off salt
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ cup white miso paste
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 4 8z black cod fillets
Instructions
- If desired, cut the fillets into 1 to 2-inch strips, about 2 to 3 oz. each.
- Sprinkle salt all over the fillets and allow them to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the fillets and remove the salt by adding about 2 tablespoon of sake all over them, using your hands to help get the salt off.
- Meanwhile, place the mirin and sake (¼ cup) in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and then whisk in the white miso paste. Bring to a boil again, and then turn off the heat. Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let sit until it cools completely to room temperature.
- Place the fillets in a dish and pour the cooled marinade over them. Turn the fillets over a couple of times and use a spoon to help fully coat them. Turn them skin side up in the marinade and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Use a paper towel to rub off most of the marinade, however, do not rinse them.
- Heat a skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the fillets, skin-side up, in the hot skillet. Sear them for 3 minutes until browned on the bottom, and then flip them and sear them for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Use a spatula to carefully transfer the fillets to a baking dish, preferably lined with a silicone matt. Place them in the oven until nicely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve at once.
Susan says
Hello,
Do you or anyone know how this fabulous recipe would work with regular cod ?
I would appreciate hearing from experienced experimenters!
Many thanks for sharing!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Susan, it would definitely not be the same, but probably delicious. Black cod is a different kind of fish from our cod. It is sablefish (black cod) and is beloved in Japan. It’s buttery, melt-in-your mouth delicious. It’s more dense than cod, so, I’m not sure how the prolonged marinating time to would hold up. But, it might just be fine! We’ll see if anyone else has tried it! (if it can fit your budget, it’s fun to order some black cod and make it…it’s so good!). Keep us posted!
Heidi Highroad says
I’ve successfully made this with cod. Tonight after marinating all day trying same recipe with salmon. Serving with Asian slaw and saffron basmati. Wish me luck!
Heidi000 says
Came out great! Would post pics if I could, mouthwatering!
Great rendition of Nobus cod recipe.
Kris Longwell says
Fantastic! Thank YOU SO MUCH for letting us know and for the GREAT review! We honestly appreciate that so very much! Stay in touch! Kris & Wesley
Shawn Joseph says
Another great article from you. You are doing really good work, I recommend you to try this Goku Costume.
Möbel Garten says
I appreciate the attention to detail in your instructions and the personal touch you bring to the recipe. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating a delightful experience in the kitchen.
Kris Longwell says
Thanks!
ClearHolidays™ says
I wanted to reach out and extend my deepest appreciation for your outstanding Miso Black Cod recipe. Your detailed instructions and expert tips made the preparation a delight, resulting in a truly magnificent dish that left everyone at the table in awe.
James Bond Outfit's Collection says
Your recipe is looking so intersting i was thinking to it try it.
Cyfra says
had a problem with getting original Japanese sake in Poland but I managed and I can confirm that it is delicious !
Kris Longwell says
Woo hoo! That is fantastic! We are thrilled you were able to find the sake and had success with the miso cod! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the great review! That means the world to us! Sending lots of love from Texas to you in Poland!
Flappy Bird says
Best article of the day I read, I appreciate you sharing this information. I will visit your website often.
Peggy in SC says
Soooooo good!!! This recipe is definitely a keeper ❤️
Kris Longwell says
We are so so happy you made the miso black cod!!!
studyessay says
This looks delicious, not sure if I have the skill to make it the same way. I love Asian food, but haven’t tried making it myself . You have a wonderful blog!I have already saved a dozen recipes for myself)
Kris Longwell says
Thank you so so much! That means the world to us! And we have no doubt you could make this! Please stay in touch!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Judi says
Happy Happy Happy 30th Anniversary!!!! I’m celebrating the big 30 anniversary myself in October……love you both and so enjoy the amazing “joy” you bring me when I watch the food blog…..wishing you both another 90 together!!!! hugs to you both for the laughs and joy you bring to each of us!!!! And I too, have had this at Nobu….I am going to try this!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Judi! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You are so so sweet! That means the world to us! Happy Anniversary in October! 30 is a big one, but we are sure your marriage is just as fun and loving as anyone! Thanks again and thank you so so much for the wonderful message. It fills our hearts with joy! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Cobia says
You guys are so much fun!!! Next time I see black cod here in Colorado or Wyoming, I’ll pick it up and try it. Yeah …. you know …. no chance in hell of that. I did see some Sockeye salmon the other day in the fresh foods section.
Black cod …. I’ve only seen in Australia. I have lived a sheltered life, I know.
Congratulations on your 30th anniversary! Or birthday …. glad to hear you guys figuring it out.
Kris Longwell says
LOL!! Yes, black cod can be difficult to find locally. We often order it online. Sockeye salmon would still be very tasty with this recipe. And THANK YOU SO MUCH for the kind words. We appreciate that so so much!! All the best, Kris & Wesley