Foolproof Miso Marinated Black Cod a la Nobu (2024)

Marinate this fish ahead of time, forget about it, then cook it 2 days later. Broil in less than 15 minutes. Could it be any easier than that?

Nobu’s not-so-secret but incomplete recipe

This dish has been oft written about, and its popularity in the US originates from the acclaimed upscale sushi restaurant chain, Nobu.

The chef published a cookbook by the same name in 2001. I purchased a copy when I cooked in London and dragged it all the way home with me.

What no one talks about is that there is a key item missing from the recipe.

Specifically, the amount of sake to use in the miso marinade is undisclosed.

It curiously just says sake with no corresponding quantity.

Nevertheless, we will improvise with a recipe of our own.

The Foolproof Fish

Black cod is not actually cod at all. It’s “real” name is sablefish and sometimes called butterfish.

However, the cod species decided to adopt it as one of its own as the black sheep of the family. Such is the erroneously named black cod.

Black cod or sablefish is just about the easiest and most forgiving fish in the kitchen.

It has so much fat that it is nearly impossible to overcook.

It will remain moist and silky no matter what you do to it.

The only issue may be finding it. It is a sustainable fish, depending on the fishing method, found off the coast of the Pacific and available year round.

If you can’t find black cod, Nobu recommends using salmon, tuna, or even beef.

Miso Paste

Miso paste comes in many colors including white, yellow, and red.

White is the mildest and sweetest, while red is the saltiest and has the most umami.

Miso marinade is typically made with white miso.

However, this recipe uses red miso paste, since you generally use just have one color miso in your fridge.

If you have white miso, reduce the amount to 1/4 c as written in the recipe card below.

How to Make Miso Marinated Black Cod

Step 1: Make the Miso Marinade & Cool

Bring the sake, mirin, and sugar to boil.

Boil for 20 seconds to cook off the alcohol and dissolve the sugar.

Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the miso paste.

Step 2: Marinate for 2 or 3 days

Here the black cod is cut into smaller fillets about 3-4 inches in length.

This is strongly flavored fish, so it is meant to be eaten in small portions.

If you don’t want to wait 2 or 3 days, marinate for as long as you have time for. The flavormay just not penetrate through the fish as much.

Step 3: Broil fish

Wipe off excess marinade and put onto a lightly oiledbaking pan.

They are placed skin-side down in this recipe, so the flesh gets golden brown.

If preferred, you can place skin-side up to get the skin slightly browned.

Broil on high for 7-10 minutes until the cod is just starting to caramelize, and the edges turn black.

Depending on how large your fillets are cut, you may need to cook longer than 1o minutes.

Step 4: Remove bones

If the pin bones have not been removed prior to cooking, they are easily removed once cooked, since they will jut out from the surface of the fish.

Step 5: Serve

Serve with brown rice if you wish.

They are pictured above with baby lettuce greens and a simple oil and vinegar dressing.

Wine pairing

A white wine would work as it usually does with fish. However, why not try a red wine?

The marinade on this fish is like a strong shield, and the fatfrom the fish can stand up to the tannins in a red wine.

The Huff Post suggests a Cru Beaujolais or Zinfandel with a miso marinated fish in their article: 4 Wine Rules that are Rubbish.

Tips to make it better @home

1. Red or white miso paste can be used. If using white miso paste, reduce the quantity to 1/4c instead of 1/3c.
2. If you don’t want to remove the pin bones after cooking, you can pluck them out before hand with a fish tweezer.
3. If you can’t find black cod, Chef Nobu recommends using salmon, tuna, or even beef.
4. If you don’t have 2-3 days to marinate the fish, marinate for as long as you have time for, even if it is just 15 minutes.
5. For a red wine pairing, try a French Cru Beaujolais.

More Easy Fish Recipes

Easy Baked Ling Cod with 3-Ingredient Miso Glaze

Quickie Miso-Mirin Manila Clams

Legit Hawaiian Poke – No Soy Sauce Necessary

Do you love Chef Nobu and all things seafood? Please spread the Asian ♥ and share!