Honey-Soy Glazed Cod: A Flavorful Favorite for Seafood Lovers

When it comes to easy, flavorful, and healthy dinners, Honey-Soy Glazed Cod is a top-tier choice. This dish takes the delicate, flaky texture of cod and elevates it with a savory-sweet glaze that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. The result? A beautifully glazed, restaurant-quality fish dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes.

Cod is loved around the world for its mild flavor, making it the perfect canvas for bold glazes like honey-soy. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, saltiness, and umami richness, delivering a mouthwatering bite that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or noodles.

Why Everyone Loves Honey-Soy Glazed Cod

🐟 Flaky and Tender – Cod becomes buttery soft and flaky when cooked right.

🍯 Sweet and Savory – The honey-soy glaze caramelizes beautifully over the fish.

⏱️ Fast and Easy – Ready in 20-25 minutes, start to finish.

🍽️ Healthy & Light – Packed with protein and omega-3s, yet light on calories.

🌿 Versatile Pairings – Serve with rice, stir-fried veggies, noodles, or even a fresh salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each)
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening glaze)
Garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

How to Make Honey-Soy Glazed Cod (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Optional: Add cornstarch + water slurry if you want a thicker glaze.

2. Cook the Glaze

Pour the sauce into a small pan over medium heat.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until it slightly thickens.
Set aside.

3. Sear the Cod

Pat cod fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
Cook cod for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden and cooked through.
Add glaze to the pan in the last minute to coat the fish.

4. Serve and Garnish

Spoon extra glaze over fish.
Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried greens, or noodles.

Pro Tips for the Best Glazed Cod

🔥 Don’t overcook – Cod cooks quickly. It’s done when it’s opaque and flakes easily.

🥄 Thicker glaze? – Simmer glaze longer or add cornstarch slurry.

🌶️ Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

🍋 Add citrus – A squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving adds brightness.

🥢 Use other fish – Works great with halibut, tilapia, or salmon.

Pairing Ideas

🍚 Jasmine or brown rice – To soak up all that delicious glaze.
🥦 Steamed broccoli or bok choy – Light, healthy, and complements the flavors.
🍜 Rice noodles – Toss in sesame oil and green onions.
🥒 Asian cucumber salad – Crisp, refreshing, and balances the rich glaze.

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced flavor – The glaze isn’t too sweet or salty—just perfectly balanced.
Quick to make – Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you want something fancy, fast.
Minimal ingredients – Pantry staples come together for a restaurant-worthy dish.
Light and satisfying – Leaves you feeling full and energized, not weighed down.

Final Thoughts

Honey-Soy Glazed Cod is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, elegant, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving guests, this dish never fails to impress. The combination of flaky fish and sticky glaze, with that little sesame crunch, is pure comfort and class on a plate.

Once you try it, you’ll see why everyone loves this classic glaze on cod—it’s simple, bold, and totally addictive.

Enjoy every sticky, savory, flaky bite!