Last Friday, Bryan and I went to Disneyland and California Adventure. When we told our parents that we were going to Disneyland, both of our moms said that it is for little kids. NO! NO! NO! So not true!
Bryan grew up with Disneyland. His parents took him there a few times when he was little. For me, Disneyland doesn’t exist in Hong Kong until 2005. But I have always loved Disney movies and characters (I adore Winnie the Pooh!). Being in Disneyland is like in a different world. Everything is nicely decorated. Staffs are friendly. Everyone is joyful. You can forget everything about the real world and enjoy the moment.
Other than taking our favorite Indiana Jones ride and trying the new Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land, we were determined to try some popular food, like lobster roll, corn dog, and cheddar garlic pretzel twist. Turkey leg and churro definitely can’t be missed. It was such a HOT and HUMID day, Dole whip float (picture below) and Boysen apple freeze were extra incredible! Even though we were running around sweating, we had a lots of fun! We enjoyed every minute of it. We hope to go back very soon!
Now onto this super easy black cod recipe!
Black cod is also known as butterfish. Its texture is silky and rich. If you love fish, but are scared to cook them at home. Black cod is your best friend. It is so fatty that is not easy to dry out during cooking.
This miso marinade black cod is sure remarkable! The fish was buttery and moist with the umami miso flavor and a little sweetness. I love the pairing with the slightly vinegary cucumbers. The flavors were perfectly balance. I served them with steamed rice and bak choy. This fish required very little cooking, but the end result was impressive. It looked gorgeous with the nicely browned top and the flavors were clean and different. If you are planning a small dinner party, this black cod will make your guests very happy.
Broiled Miso Black Cod
2 servings
Ingredients:
– 2 (6 – 8-ounce) black cod fillets
Marinade:
– ¼ cup mirin
– ½ cup sake
– ½ cup white miso paste
– ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
Cucumber Relish:
– 1 Persian cucumber (thinly sliced)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
– ¼ teaspoon sugar
– dash red pepper flakers
Directions:
- In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the mirin and sake. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in the miso until dissolved. Add sugar. Return pan to stove and cook over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Place the fish fillets in a medium non-reactive baking dish. Pour the marinade over. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- For the relish, toss the sliced cucumbers with salt. Put them in a colander to drain for 20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Combine with vinegar, sugar and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Back to the fish, lightly blot the marinade from the fillets with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Broil until lightly browned and fish is opaque in the center, about 6 – 8 minutes. Transfer the fillets to serving plates. Serve immediately with cucumber relish and hot steamed rice.
Tips:
- My fish was marinade for only 6 hours. It was good, but I know it would be even better overnight.
- To test whether the fish is cooked or not. Poke a thin skewer into the flesh. If you feel it puncturing through membranes, you need to cook the fish a little longer. If it slides smoothly in and out, the fish is ready.
(Adapted from Emerils.com)
Could it be Disney is a lot more enjoyable without kids?! haha (I did not say that!) It’s sweet how much fun you guys have there!
And this cod – YUM!! I’ve been broil salmon with a similar miso marinade – need to try other types of fish and we love cod! Thanks for the inspiration.
LOL! I am very sure it is! When you are with kids, you are probably too busy making sure your kids are not hot, not thirsty, not tired, and not bored while waiting in lines! That is why probably we still don’t have kids. 😛
Salmon would sound good with this marinade. Gotta try it! But yea, black cod is so buttery and moist. Definitely worth trying.
I didn’t realize it was also called butterfish – love that description! This looks like such a wonderful dish – love the pop of color from the cucumbers, too – so pretty!
Thanks so much Ashley! Black cod really do taste buttery. It is especially good with this miso marinade! I agree that the cucumber green sure make the dish pop more. 🙂
I agree Disneyland is totally an adult thing. Thanks for the recipe, it looks like something I’m going to try… today!
HAHA!!! High five! 😉 Let me know how it goes if you try it. Enjoy a great weekend!
I love simple recipes like this when the main ingredient is the star of the meal!
Thanks a lot Julia! Yes, this is very simple and the fish sure shines! 🙂
I love the color the miso gave to the cod. It looks cooked perfectly.
Thanks Peter! I love the nicely browned color too! And everything happened in the oven by itself. LOVE it!
Miso cod is so good, the best I had was at Nobu restaurant in NYC, and I must say that yours probably os even better, since it looks delicious,
I don’t think I can do better Nobu, but this sure is good! Enjoy! Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Katalina!
This cod looks amazing!
And your cod is so beautiful!
Yum.
Pinning this 🙂
Thanks for sharing Claire! This is a very moist and buttery fish! Everyone will enjoy this.
What a beautiful recipe! I could eat this every night!!
Thanks girl! I could too! It is light but flavorful! So GOOD!
How fun! I agree, Disneyland is not just for kids! I remember I went often (while I was in college) whenever my friends visited from overseas. Love your beautiful recipe as well. Light and healthy! 🙂 I love miso with fish. I usually use it on salmon. Can’t wait to try it on black cod.
I used to go a lot too when I was in college! It was much cheaper back then!
Ohhh…. I never thought of using the miso on salmon. I gotta try that! But yea, you will really love the buttery black cod.
WOW! This dish is stunning! Artfully plated and beautifully photographed. Not to mention, the recipe sounds phenomenal! This is an all-around top-notch dish. Well done my friend. Oh, and your Disney trip looks like a lot of fun too 😉
Pinned, of course.
Thank you girl! 😀 It was very tasty too! I am hoping to make it again next week if I can get some black cod.
I am laughing as I write this comment because I have just sat down with some “miso tea” (miso paste and boiling water) and now I am commenting on this really good looking miso-marinated fish dish.
Nicely plated, great photos. I will be trying this recipe.
Miso tea? Does it taste like miso soup? Never heard of it before! Anyhow, since you like miso, you will really enjoy this buttery black cod. Enjoy! Thanks Mark!
Wow, this looks soo good!! Love the comobo Cod + Miso sauce. I’m thinking about getting back to eating fish. This might be a recipe to start with 🙂
Thanks! I think black cod would be a great fish to start with. Buttery, moist and doesn’t have a strong flavor. You will like this dish.