Looking for a light, flavorful, and healthy seafood dinner that’s quick to prepare? This Easy Ginger Soy Cod is a go-to dish that combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a savory-sweet soy sauce infused with fresh ginger and garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Flavorful Marinade – A balance of soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness.
Light & Healthy – Low in fat and rich in lean protein.
Versatile – Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Elegant Yet Simple – A dish that’s both impressive and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Ginger Soy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula
- Basting brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Ginger Soy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry for a slightly thicker glaze. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Cod
Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place cod fillets in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the ginger soy sauce over the cooked cod in the skillet.
Spoon or baste sauce over the fillets for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to coat and slightly reduce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer cod to plates and spoon extra sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Tips for Perfect Cod
Pat Fish Dry – Helps create a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t Overcook – Cod cooks quickly and should be opaque and flake easily.
Use Fresh Ginger – For the brightest flavor.
Add Heat – Stir in a dash of chili flakes or sriracha if you like a spicy kick.
Marinate Briefly – Let cod sit in the sauce for 5–10 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice – To soak up the flavorful sauce.
Stir-Fried Veggies – Bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers make a great match.
Noodles – Serve over soba or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired bowl.
Cucumber Salad – A light and crisp contrast to the savory cod.
Miso Soup – For a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Avoid overcooking to keep the cod tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking. - What’s a good substitute for cod?
Halibut, tilapia, or haddock also work well with this sauce. - Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely—bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, then drizzle sauce over after baking. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Easy Ginger Soy Cod is a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s as simple as it is satisfying. With its tender, flaky texture and savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a weeknight winner that feels gourmet without the fuss. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor and freshness.
Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 270 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 550mg

Easy Ginger Soy Cod
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Looking for a light, flavorful, and healthy seafood dinner that’s quick to prepare? This Easy Ginger Soy Cod is a go-to dish that combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a savory-sweet soy sauce infused with fresh ginger and garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
-
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
-
1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
-
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the Ginger Soy Sauce:
-
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
-
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
-
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Ginger Soy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
Optional: Stir in cornstarch slurry for a slightly thicker glaze. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Cod
Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place cod fillets in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the ginger soy sauce over the cooked cod in the skillet.
Spoon or baste sauce over the fillets for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to coat and slightly reduce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer cod to plates and spoon extra sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
Pat Fish Dry – Helps create a nice sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t Overcook – Cod cooks quickly and should be opaque and flake easily.
Use Fresh Ginger – For the brightest flavor.
Add Heat – Stir in a dash of chili flakes or sriracha if you like a spicy kick.
Marinate Briefly – Let cod sit in the sauce for 5–10 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired