Gindara Saikyo Yaki
Miso-Marinated Black Cod
A luxurious and deeply flavorful Kyoto specialty featuring black cod marinated in a sweet and savory white miso paste. This technique, popularized globally, results in incredibly tender, flaky fish with a beautiful caramelized exterior.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 fillets (about 6-8 oz / 170-225g each) Black cod (gindara)(Ensure fillets are skin-on for best results.)
- 200 g White miso (Saikyo miso)(Saikyo miso is a sweet, mild white miso from Kyoto. If unavailable, use a good quality sweet white miso.)
- 60 ml Mirin(Sweet Japanese rice wine, essential for sweetness and gloss.)
- 60 ml Sake(Japanese rice wine. Cooking sake is acceptable.)
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your miso and mirin.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Miso Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the white miso, mirin, sake, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should have a thick, paste-like consistency.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Marinate the Fish: Pat the black cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Place the fillets in a non-reactive container or a large zip-top bag. Pour the miso marinade over the fish, ensuring each fillet is completely coated. Gently rub the marinade into the fish. Seal the container or bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days, turning the fish once a day if possible to ensure even marination.
⏱️ 2-3 days - 3
Prepare for Cooking: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the fish from the refrigerator to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Carefully scrape off the excess miso marinade from the surface of the fish using the back of a spoon or a spatula. Be thorough, as excess miso can burn easily. Reserve any scraped-off miso for another use if desired (though it's best to use fresh for this dish).
⏱️ 30 minutes (resting) - 4
Cook the Fish: You can either grill or broil the fish. \n\n**Broiling:** Preheat your broiler to high. Place the fish fillets, skin-side down (if skin-on), on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Position the baking sheet about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the top is deeply caramelized and slightly charred in spots. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).\n\n**Grilling:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking. Place the fish fillets, skin-side down, on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely caramelized. Be careful when flipping to avoid breaking the delicate fish. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 5
Serve: The Gindara Saikyo Yaki is ready when the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and has a beautiful golden-brown, caramelized exterior. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed rice and pickled ginger.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The long marinating time (2-3 days) is crucial for allowing the miso to tenderize and flavor the fish deeply.
- ✓It is essential to wipe off most of the miso before cooking. If left on too thick, it will burn before the fish is cooked through.
- ✓This dish was famously popularized by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and is a signature of high-end Japanese cuisine worldwide.
- ✓Ensure your fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- While black cod is traditional and ideal, other firm, fatty fish like salmon, sablefish, or even thick-cut halibut can be used.
- For a quicker version, marinate for at least 4 hours, though the flavor will be less intense.
- A small amount of grated ginger can be added to the marinade for a subtle kick.