Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles Recipe — A Restaurant-Quality Dish

 


Introduction

If you’re looking to create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, then this Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles recipe is a must-try. It’s a harmonious blend of savory-sweet umami glaze, tender cod, and crisp bok choy, paired with the earthy soba noodles. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to stand out for its flavor complexity and gorgeous presentation. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare this delicious dish from scratch, including its origin, step-by-step directions, variations, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles


What is Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles?

Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles is a modern fusion recipe that brings together the richness of Japanese miso paste, the tenderness of pan-roasted or broiled cod, and the freshness of stir-fried bok choy with a side of soba noodles. The key element of this dish is the miso glaze, which imparts a delicious balance of sweetness and umami to the fish. Paired with stir-fried vegetables and soba noodles, it creates a well-rounded meal that is both nourishing and satisfying.


The Origin of Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles

The miso-glazed cod is a nod to the famous Nobu-style miso cod that gained global popularity through the renowned restaurant chain Nobu, founded by chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The miso glaze is typically made with white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, creating a rich, umami-packed coating for the cod. This Japanese-inspired dish combines elements of traditional Japanese cooking with modern twists. The addition of bok choy and soba noodles further enhances the flavors and makes this dish both healthy and satisfying.


Ingredients

For the Miso-Glazed Cod:

  • 2–3 cod fillets (about 150–180 g / 5–6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste (shiro miso)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin (or substitute with 1 tbsp rice vinegar + ½ tsp sugar)
  • 1 tbsp sake (optional; dry white wine can be used as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Stir-Fry:

  • 2–3 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for added heat)

For the Soba Noodles:

  • 180 g (6 oz) soba noodles
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 spring onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles

1. Make the Miso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together white miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, and sesame oil until smooth. This glaze will form the flavor base for the cod.

2. Marinate the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in a shallow dish and brush them generously with the prepared miso glaze, reserving about 1–2 tablespoons of the glaze for later use. Cover the fillets and refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion).

3. Cook the Soba Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to package directions (typically 4–5 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss them with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set the noodles aside.

4. Broil or Pan-Roast the Cod

Option A — Broil: Preheat the oven broiler (or grill). Place the marinated cod fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 6–8 minutes or until the top is caramelized and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Option B — Pan-Roast: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Place the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze until cooked through.

5. Stir-Fry the Bok Choy

Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using), stirring for 20 seconds to release the aromas. Add the baby bok choy and julienned carrots (if using), stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until the bok choy is tender-crisp. Finish with a splash of soy sauce.

6. Assemble the Dish

On each plate, lay down a bed of soba noodles. Top with the stir-fried bok choy and the miso-glazed cod fillet. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the fish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.


Variations

  1. Use Black Cod (Sablefish): For a richer, melt-in-your-mouth experience, swap the regular cod for black cod (sablefish), a classic choice for Nobu-style miso cod.
  2. Add Mushrooms: Enhance the umami profile by adding shiitake or oyster mushrooms to the stir-fry, giving it extra depth and flavor.
  3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soba noodles with brown rice or jasmine rice for a gluten-free option. Ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free as well.
  4. Brighten with Pickled Ginger or Lime: Garnish with a slice of pickled ginger or a squeeze of lime to add a refreshing tang to balance the richness of the dish.

FAQs About Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy

1. Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, salmon or halibut would work well with the miso glaze, though cod is the traditional choice for this dish.

2. Can I prepare the miso glaze in advance?

Absolutely! You can store the miso glaze in the fridge for up to 1 week. It will intensify in flavor over time.

3. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for sake?

If you prefer not to use sake, you can substitute it with dry white wine or even white grape juice mixed with a dash of rice vinegar.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the cod with tofu or tempeh. You can also use a plant-based miso paste and opt for vegan soy sauce.

5. How can I make the dish spicier?

Increase the amount of chili flakes in the stir-fry or add a dash of chili oil to the miso glaze for extra heat.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as freezing the cod and noodles may affect their texture. However, you can freeze the miso glaze and stir-fry vegetables separately for later use.


Conclusion: Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy

The Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles is the perfect dish for anyone craving a balanced and flavorful meal with umami-rich flavors and a restaurant-quality touch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe brings together tender cod, crisp vegetables, and earthy soba noodles in one harmonious plate. The miso glaze elevates the cod to a whole new level, and with the versatility of ingredients and variations, this dish can easily become a regular in your cooking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious creation!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles

 Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles Recipe — A Restaurant-Quality Dish


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Miso-Glazed Cod with Stir-Fried Bok Choy & Soba Noodles is a modern fusion recipe that brings together the richness of Japanese miso paste, the tenderness of pan-roasted or broiled cod, and the freshness of stir-fried bok choy with a side of soba noodles. The key element of this dish is the miso glaze, which imparts a delicious balance of sweetness and umami to the fish. Paired with stir-fried vegetables and soba noodles, it creates a well-rounded meal that is both nourishing and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

For the miso-glazed cod:

  • 23 cod fillets (about 150180 g / 56 oz each)

  • 2 tbsp white miso paste (shiro miso)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp mirin (or 1 tbsp rice vinegar + ½ tsp sugar)

  • 1 tbsp sake (optional; substitute dry white wine)

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

  • 23 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise

  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the soba noodles:

  • 180 g (6 oz) soba noodles

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 spring onion, finely sliced (for garnish)

  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Make the Miso Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.

2. Marinate the Cod

  • Pat the cod fillets dry and place them in a shallow dish.

  • Brush generously with the miso glaze (reserve 1–2 tbsp for finishing).

  • Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).

3. Cook the Soba Noodles

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook soba noodles according to package directions (usually 4–5 minutes).

  • Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.

4. Broil or Pan-Roast the Cod

Option A — Broil:

  • Preheat the oven broiler (or grill).

  • Place the cod on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 6–8 minutes, until the top is caramelized and the fish flakes easily.

Option B — Pan-Roast:

  • Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat.

  • Cook cod skin-side down for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook 2–3 more minutes, basting with reserved glaze.

5. Stir-Fry the Bok Choy

  • Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.

  • Add garlic, ginger, and (optional) chili flakes — stir for 20 seconds.

  • Add bok choy and carrot; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

  • Splash in soy sauce to finish.

6. Assemble the Dish

  • Place soba noodles on each plate.

  • Top with stir-fried bok choy and the miso-glazed cod fillet.

  • Drizzle with any remaining glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.

Notes

For a complete Japanese-inspired meal, serve this Miso-Glazed Cod with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra miso glaze. Add a side of pickled ginger or a light miso soup to enhance the umami flavors.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-seared & Stir-fried
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: Low

Keywords: Miso Cod, Stir-Fried Bok Choy, Soba Noodles Recipe, Miso Glazed Fish, Japanese Miso Cod, Soba Noodles with Bok Choy, Umami Cod Recipe

Author

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating