Step 1: Make the Marinade

The key to this dish is the marinade, so let’s start with that.

• In a bowl, combine the white miso paste, brown sugar, sake, mirin, and soy sauce. Whisk it all together until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is smooth.
• Next, add in the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. This will give the fish a bit of richness when it cooks.

Tip: Taste the marinade before you add the fish. If it’s a bit too salty, you can always adjust the sweetness by adding a little more brown sugar. The marinade should be balanced, with a rich umami flavor from the miso and a slight sweetness.

Step 2: Marinate the Fish

• Once your marinade is ready, place your black cod fillets into a shallow dish. Spoon the marinade generously over the fish, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. I know, I know—it’s a long wait, but trust me, the fish will soak up all that flavor and the result is totally worth it.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, marinate for a minimum of 4 hours, but the longer the fish sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will become.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a convection oven, use that for extra crispy results!

Step 4: Sear the Fish

• Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your marinated black cod fillets, skin-side down.
• Sear the fish for about 2-3 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Tip: Don’t touch the fish while it’s searing! Let it do its thing and develop that crispy skin. It’ll be perfect when you flip it.

Step 5: Bake the Fish

• After the fish has a nice, crispy skin, carefully flip each fillet over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
• Bake the fish for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. The fish should be tender and easily flake when you test it with a fork.

Tip: Check the fish at the 10-minute mark to make sure it’s cooked to your liking. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist and tender.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Once your black cod fillets are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two.
• Serve the fish with a squeeze of lemon for a bit of brightness and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.