Sesame Soy Glazed Black Cod with Grilled Bok Choy Recipe

This Sesame Soy Glazed Black Cod with Grilled Bok Choy recipe brings together buttery black cod, a rich umami-packed sesame soy glaze, and smoky grilled bok choy for an elegant yet easy barbecue meal. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this recipe highlights simple Asian-inspired ingredients that transform fresh seafood into a restaurant-quality dinner perfect for weeknights, outdoor grilling, or special occasions.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the delicate balance of Japanese and East Asian flavors, this recipe celebrates one of the world’s most luxurious fish—black cod. Known for its rich, buttery texture and mild flavor, black cod pairs beautifully with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sake. Rather than baking or pan-searing, Maddie and Kiki showcase how grilling enhances the fish with subtle smoky notes while maintaining its incredibly tender interior.

The grilled bok choy completes the dish by adding freshness, light char, and crisp texture that perfectly complements the silky cod. This recipe reflects the signature style of Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, where classic global flavors meet the irresistible taste of live-fire cooking. It’s approachable enough for beginner grillers while delivering sophisticated flavors worthy of an upscale seafood restaurant.

Ingredients

For the cod

4 (6 ounce) portions of Black Cod fillets, skin on
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp white sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh garlic
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp sake
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp peanut oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the bok choy

8 baby bok choy, cut in half lengthwise
1 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp fresh garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Mix soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, white sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, garlic and ginger in a saucepan.
Place over low heat bring to a simmer.
Mix the cornstarch with the sake until smooth.
Whisk cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
Continue to cook for a further 2 – 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat allow it to cool.
Rinse fish and pat dry with a clean towel.
Place the fish on a tray.
Oil lightly with peanut oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place cleaned bok choy in a bowl and toss gently with peanut oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Oil the grill liberally.
Place fish flesh side down over direct heat.
Cook for 4 minutes or until nice char marks are achieved.
Flip and paint with sesame glaze.
Allow to continue to cook for a further 4-5 minutes, with the lid closed.
Remove from grill.
Paint again with sauce.
Let the fish rest for 3-4 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook Bok Choy for 1.5 minutes over direct heat.
Flip and cook a further 1.5 minutes or until tender crisp.
Remove and serve with the cod fish.

Serving Suggestions

This Sesame Soy Glazed Black Cod with Grilled Bok Choy makes an elegant dinner for family meals, date nights, or outdoor entertaining. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or fluffy sushi rice to soak up every drop of the savory glaze. It also pairs beautifully with grilled asparagus, roasted mushrooms, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal that balances richness with freshness.

For a summer barbecue spread, complement the dish with grilled pineapple, chilled edamame, or light Asian-inspired slaws. Sparkling water with citrus, iced green tea, or a refreshing ginger lemonade enhances the delicate flavors of the fish while keeping the meal bright and refreshing.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Soy Glazed Black Cod with Grilled Bok Choy recipe is a delicious celebration of fresh seafood, bold Asian-inspired flavors, and the unmistakable character of barbecue cooking. The rich, buttery black cod absorbs the sweet and savory sesame soy glaze beautifully, while the grilled bok choy adds freshness, texture, and a hint of smokiness that rounds out every bite.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!