Caramel Cod Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 2 (5 ounce) cod fillets
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, or as needed for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Set aside.

Step 2: Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the cod fillets to the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the cod fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.

Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 45 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 6: Pour the honey-soy mixture over the cod fillets. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken.

Step 7: Remove the cod fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a dinner plate. Spoon the sauce from the skillet over the fish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Cooks Note

If you find it challenging to flip the fish, try using a tablespoon to tilt the pan, allowing the oil mixture to pool on top of the fish. Carefully pour the oil over the cod to help set the flour coating. Then, use a slotted fish turner to flip the fillets.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	456	-
Total Fat	21g	27%
Saturated Fat	6g	29%
Cholesterol	93mg	31%
Sodium	862mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	32g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	18g	-
Protein	35g	70%
Vitamin C	4mg	4%
Calcium	47mg	4%
Iron	2mg	11%
Potassium	449mg	10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Caramel Cod

Caramel Cod is a delightful reinterpretation of the classic Vietnamese caramel chicken, adapted to feature fish as the main ingredient. Its origin can be traced to Southeast Asian culinary traditions, where caramelization is used to develop deep, sweet-savory flavors. While chicken was the original protein, cooks began experimenting with cod due to its mild flavor and firm texture, which absorbs sauces beautifully. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar creates a glossy caramel sauce that perfectly complements the delicate cod fillets.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is most closely associated with Vietnamese home-style cooking, especially in the northern regions where simple, balanced flavors are preferred. Northern Vietnamese cuisine favors subtle sweetness, light seasoning, and the natural taste of the main ingredient. In contrast, southern versions of caramel dishes tend to be sweeter and more robust, often including additional spices and chili. Using cod instead of chicken adds a coastal twist, making it popular in regions with access to fresh seafood.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Caramel Cod differs from other caramel-based dishes in several ways. Unlike caramelized chicken or pork, which have denser textures, cod offers a flaky, tender alternative that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce evenly. Additionally, the dish is less oily than traditional fried preparations because the fish is lightly floured rather than heavily battered. The result is a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes without overwhelming the palate.

Where It Is Usually Served

Caramel Cod is typically served as a main course in both casual family dinners and more refined restaurant settings. In Vietnamese households, it is often paired with steamed jasmine rice or light stir-fried vegetables. In restaurants, it may be presented with garnishes such as toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or a wedge of lime to enhance its visual appeal and provide complementary flavors. Its versatility also makes it suitable for lunch or dinner menus in fusion cuisine establishments worldwide.

Interesting Facts

• The caramelization process in this dish not only adds flavor but also creates an appealing amber glaze that makes the fish visually striking.
• Substituting cod for chicken reflects a growing trend of incorporating seafood into traditionally meat-based recipes for a lighter, healthier option.
• Rice wine vinegar is essential for balancing sweetness, demonstrating the Vietnamese approach to harmonizing flavors in a single dish.
• Though often considered a modern adaptation, caramel fish recipes have roots in Vietnamese home cooking, where sweet-and-savory sauces have been cherished for generations.
• Many chefs recommend gently tilting the pan while cooking to evenly coat the fish with the sauce, which preserves the delicate texture of cod.

FAQ about Caramel Cod Recipe