Mary Berry Miso Cod

Mary Berry Miso Cod

Iโ€™ll be honest: the first time I made this, I burned the glaze and half the cod stuck to the pan. Not exactly what Mary Berry would call a โ€œquick success.โ€ But once I cracked it? This became my go-to โ€œI want something fancy but Iโ€™m knackeredโ€ dinner.

Miso with cod sounds like it might be fussy, but Maryโ€™s version is ridiculously straightforwardโ€”and when you get the timing right, the glaze caramelises into this sticky, umami-rich crust that tastes like youโ€™ve had a private chef sneak into your kitchen.

Iโ€™ve played around with it quite a bitโ€”let me show you what actually works (and what to watch out for so you donโ€™t repeat my sticky mess).

Why This One Works So Well

The real trick here is the sweet chilli + miso combo. I didnโ€™t think it would work the first timeโ€”sweet chilli can be cloyingโ€”but paired with muscovado sugar and the tang of lemon, it hits all the right notes: savoury, tangy, sticky-sweet.

Most miso cod recipes rely on mirin or sake, but Mary skips all that and still gets flavour that punches well above its weight. And because itโ€™s grilled, not pan-fried or baked, the top crisps beautifully while the cod stays soft and silky underneath.

INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER

  • Brown Miso Paste โ€“ Adds depth and umami. I once tried white miso insteadโ€”it worked, but was much milder and not quite as rich.
  • Sweet Chilli Sauce โ€“ Balances the saltiness of the miso. Donโ€™t skip it. A plain chilli sauce just doesnโ€™t round it out the same way.
  • Lemon Juice โ€“ Cuts through the richness. Iโ€™ve tried lime as a swapโ€”itโ€™s zingier but a bit too sharp for the glaze to stick right.
  • Sesame Oil โ€“ A small amount adds a toasty note that really lifts the whole dish. More than a teaspoon and it overpowers.
  • Light Muscovado Sugar โ€“ Essential for that sticky, caramelised finish. White sugar makes it too crisp and bland.
  • Cod Fillets โ€“ Go fresh if you can. I once used frozen and didnโ€™t pat them dry properlyโ€”cue soggy topping and a sad dinner.
  • Toasted Sesame Seeds โ€“ Adds crunch and nuttiness. Toast them yourself if you want proper flavour.

Ingredient Swaps That Hold Up

  • No cod? Iโ€™ve used skinless haddock and it worked a treat. Salmon was okay, but the fat fights with the miso glaze.
  • Need it dairy-free/gluten-free? This recipe already isโ€”just double-check your miso paste for gluten if needed.
  • Egg-free? No eggs involved here, so you’re good to go.
  • Want it spicy? Add a pinch of gochugaru or a tiny drizzle of sriracha into the glazeโ€”but donโ€™t go overboard or youโ€™ll lose the balance.

MISTAKES Iโ€™VE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)

What Went WrongWhy It HappensHow to Fix It
Glaze burned on topGrill too high or too closeMove rack down a level, and keep an eye from minute 8
Cod stuck to trayNot enough oilGenerously grease the baking tray or line it with foil
Fish was dryOvercookedPull it the moment it turns opaque and flakes easily
Glaze didnโ€™t stickWet filletsPat the fish bone-dry before adding glaze

HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโ€™S MISO COD

  1. Preheat your grill to high. Lightly oil a baking tray (or line it with foil + oil itโ€”trust me, easier cleanup).
  2. Make the glaze: Mix miso paste, sweet chilli sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and muscovado sugar in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Prep the fish: Lay your cod fillets skinless-side up. Pat dry. Season with a touch of salt and pepper.
  4. Glaze generously: Spoon the miso mixture over each fillet, spreading all the way to the edges.
  5. Grill for 10โ€“12 minutes. Watch closely from minute 8โ€”the top should go golden and bubbling, but not burn.
  6. Finish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve straight away with rice, noodles, or stir-fried pak choi.
Mary Berry Miso Cod
Mary Berry Miso Cod

TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN

  • I sometimes pop the fillets under the grill while the rice cooks in a separate potโ€”everythingโ€™s ready in under 15 minutes.
  • My grill runs hot, so I set a timer for 8 minutes and check every 30 seconds after that.
  • If using foil, lift it off the tray straight away or itโ€™ll stick as it cools.
  • For maximum flavour, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan just before serving.

STORAGE + SERVING

  • Fridge: Leftovers keep 2 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheating: Oven (180ยฐC, 10 mins) works best. Microwave will do, but makes it softer.
  • Pair with: Sticky jasmine rice, garlic greens, sesame noodles, or roasted aubergine.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yepโ€”just make sure itโ€™s fully thawed and very well dried with paper towel. Otherwise the glaze wonโ€™t stick properly.

Q: What miso should I use?
A: Brown miso gives the best depth. White miso is milder and works if thatโ€™s all youโ€™ve got, but Iโ€™d skip red misoโ€”it overpowers.

Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
A: You can, but it wonโ€™t caramelise the same way. If you do, use a hot oven (220ยฐC) and finish under the grill for a minute or two.

Q: Is this the same as Nobu-style black cod?
A: Not quiteโ€”Nobuโ€™s uses a long marinade and sake/mirin base. This is more of a shortcut version, and honestly, tastier for a weeknight.

Q: Does the fish taste fishy?
A: Not at all! When cooked right, cod is clean, flaky, and mild. That miso glaze takes centre stage.

Try More Recipes:

Mary Berry Miso Cod

Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

250

kcal

Sticky, savoury miso cod with a caramelised glazeโ€”quick to make, full of flavour, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • Sunflower oil (for greasing)

  • 2 tbsp (1.2 oz) brown miso paste

  • 2 tbsp (1.2 oz) sweet chilli sauce

  • ยฝ lemon or 2 tbsp of lemon juice

  • 1 tsp (0.17 oz) sesame oil

  • 1 tsp (0.14 oz) light muscovado sugar

  • 6 ร— 150g (5 oz) cod fillets, skinned

  • 3 tbsp (0.85 oz) toasted sesame seeds

Directions

  • Preheat your grill to high and grease a baking sheet with sunflower oil.
  • Mix miso paste, sweet chilli sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl.
  • Pat cod fillets dry and place on baking sheet. Season lightly.
  • Spoon glaze over each fillet, spreading to the edges.
  • Grill for 10โ€“12 minutes or until cod is opaque and glaze is golden.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Notes

  • I sometimes pop the fillets under the grill while the rice cooks in a separate potโ€”everythingโ€™s ready in under 15 minutes.
  • My grill runs hot, so I set a timer for 8 minutes and check every 30 seconds after that.
  • If using foil, lift it off the tray straight away or itโ€™ll stick as it cools.
  • For maximum flavour, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan just before serving.
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