Savory Soy & Sesame Glazed Cod with Charred Bok Choy

VLooking for a bold, flavorful dish that’s low-carb, packed with nutrients, and super easy to make? This Soy & Sesame Glazed Cod with Charred Bok Choy is the perfect combination of flaky, tender fish and smoky, crispy greens. Infused with a savory-sweet Asian-inspired marinade, this meal is ideal for anyone seeking healthy keto dinner recipes easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.

With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits the bill for simple few ingredient meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re on a fish diet, meal prepping for the week, or just hunting for new dinner ideas with fish fillet, this recipe is the answer.

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Why This Is One of the Best Dinner Ideas with Fish Fillet

Cod is a mild, flaky white fish that soaks up flavor beautifully—especially when paired with umami-packed glazes like soy sauce and sesame oil. When baked until perfectly tender and served alongside charred bok choy, this dish hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, smoky, and savory.

Here’s why this meal works so well:

• Nutrient-dense and low in carbs—ideal for keto and clean eating
• Easy to scale—double the recipe for meal prep or family dinners
• Big flavor payoff from just a few pantry staples
• Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights
• Versatile protein—can be made with cod, halibut, or even porgies recipes fish

From weeknight dinners to elegant plated meals, this recipe truly does it all.

Ingredients for Soy & Sesame Glazed Cod

Here’s what you’ll need for the fish and glaze:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) – boneless, skinless
• ¼ cup soy sauce (use low sodium if desired)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey (or keto-friendly substitute)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

For the charred bok choy:

• 4 baby bok choy, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create one of the most flavorful ginger fish recipes you’ll ever make.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Small bowl (for the marinade)
• Brush or spoon for glazing
• Tongs or spatula
• Skillet or grill pan (for charring bok choy)
• Foil or parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

With minimal equipment, you’ll be amazed at how restaurant-worthy this meal looks and tastes.

How to Make the Perfect Marinade for Cod Fillets

A great marinade for cod fillets brings together sweetness, acidity, and umami depth. In this recipe, we mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and honey for a flavor-packed glaze that complements the mild fish perfectly.

Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey.
2. Set aside half of the marinade for glazing.
3. Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour over the remaining marinade.
4. Let sit for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the bok choy.

This quick marinade infuses flavor fast—perfect for last-minute meals or quick-cook fish diet recipes.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Soy Glazed Cod with Charred Bok Choy

Step 1: Prep the Fish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove cod fillets from marinade and place them on the sheet.

Step 2: Glaze and Bake

Brush the fillets with half of the reserved marinade. Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Char the Bok Choy

While the fish bakes, heat oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add bok choy cut side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until nicely charred. Flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the remaining glaze over the cooked cod. Serve alongside the charred bok choy, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately.

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Tips for Char-Grilling Bok Choy Perfectly Every Time

• Dry thoroughly: Moisture causes steaming instead of charring. Pat dry before cooking.
• Use high heat: You want that crispy, browned edge without overcooking the inside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed for a better sear.
• Season simply: A pinch of salt and pepper lets the natural flavor shine.

This quick and easy side balances the richness of the fish with a slightly bitter, smoky contrast.

Health Benefits: Why This Fits Healthy Keto Dinner Recipes Easy to Prep

This soy & sesame glazed cod with charred bok choy fits beautifully into a healthy keto or low-carb lifestyle. It’s:

• High in protein
• Low in carbohydrates
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
• Packed with antioxidants from ginger, garlic, and greens

With only a few whole-food ingredients and no added sugars (if using keto-friendly honey substitute), it’s the perfect fit for a simple few ingredient meals plan.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Looking to round out your meal? Try these keto-friendly sides:

• Cauliflower rice with a splash of lime
• Steamed edamame or snow peas
• Sesame cucumber salad
• Zucchini noodles tossed in sesame oil
• Seaweed salad or miso soup

These ideas keep your meal light, clean, and completely satisfying—great options for super filling meals without heavy carbs.

Make-Ahead Tips and Recipes to Last All Week

Looking to use this as part of your meal prep rotation or include in recipes to last all week? Here’s how:

• Marinate the cod in advance (up to 24 hours refrigerated)
• Prep the glaze and store separately in a jar
• Char the bok choy and store in a sealed container (reheat gently before serving)
• Cook extra portions – the cod keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days

This makes it one of those rare dinner ideas with fish fillet that are as practical as they are delicious.

Simple Few Ingredient Meals: How to Keep It Quick and Easy

If you’re a minimalist in the kitchen, you’ll love how this recipe requires less than 10 ingredients but still packs a punch. Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Use pre-minced garlic and ginger
• Use one pan for both fish and bok choy, if oven-safe
• Skip the garnish for an even simpler version—still delicious
• Swap in pre-washed greens if bok choy isn’t available

You don’t need a long list of groceries to enjoy complex flavors.

Other Fish Diet Recipes to Try If You Love Cod

Enjoying a fish-based meal plan? Here are a few other great ideas:

• Lemon herb grilled salmon
• Garlic butter baked tilapia
• Pan-seared trout with rosemary
• Spicy ginger-glazed halibut
• Mediterranean-style sardines with olives and herbs

These meals offer variety while sticking to a fish diet recipe plan that’s nourishing and full of flavor.

How to Adapt This for Porgies Recipes Fish Lovers

Porgies are slightly firmer and fattier than cod, making them a great substitute in this recipe. Here’s how:

• Follow the same marinade and cooking method
• Adjust cook time based on thickness—porgy may take slightly longer
• Watch for bones—porgies are bony fish, so remove carefully before serving
• Pair with same charred bok choy or grilled green beans for a twist

This is a great example of how to take a cod dish and apply it to porgies recipes fish without missing a beat.

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FAQs About Soy & Sesame Glazed Cod and Ginger Fish Recipes

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes—thaw it fully and pat dry before marinating.

Can I use tamari instead of soy sauce?
Absolutely. Tamari is gluten-free and works perfectly here.

Is this spicy?
Only mildly. Skip the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat.

Can I grill the fish instead of baking?
Yes—just use foil or a fish grill basket to prevent sticking.

What can I substitute for bok choy?
Try napa cabbage, kale, or Swiss chard.

Final Thoughts on This Flavor-Packed Fish and Veggie Combo

This Soy & Sesame Glazed Cod with Charred Bok Choy is a true gem—healthy, fast, and packed with deep, satisfying flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes barely any time or effort to pull off. With bold notes of garlic, ginger, sesame, and soy, this fish dinner brings restaurant-style dining straight to your table.

Perfect for busy weeknights, keto followers, or anyone seeking simple few ingredient meals, this dish is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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