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flakey miso glazed chilean sea bass broken with a fork

Miso Sea Bass

Miso Sea Bass, and particularly Miso glazed chilean sea bass is one of those iconic dishes you’ll often see on high-end restaurant menus. Buttery, flaky white fish with a rich sweet savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully under heat. This recipe feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to recreate at home. Follow the step by step below and try it!
Course main, Main Course, Main Dish, Seafood, seasoning
Cuisine Japanese
Keyword japanese miso, Miso, Miso fish, Miso glazed chilean sea bass, Miso marinade, Miso sea bass, Nobu
Prep Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 60 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

Sea bass

  • 4 Chilean Sea bass Fillets with skin on

Miso Marinade

  • 1/4 cup white miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons rice Vinegar

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade. Start by mixing the miso paste, sugar, soy sauce and sake or mirin or rice viengar in a bowl. Whisk that together until it looks like a smooth paste.
    miso marinade in a bowl mixed up
  2. Marinate the fish. Take the chilean sea bass and slather it with the miso mixture marinade. Make sure to coat the fillets on both sides and edges, and everywhere.
  3. Now let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
    miso marinade over the chilean sea bass on foil lined sheet
  4. Prepare the baking pan. You can use a baking sheet pan with a rack, or use a regular baking sheet lined with foil. Avoid using parchment paper with the broil.
  5. Cook the fish. Preheat the oven's broiler to the highest setting. Place the sheet pan about 8 inch from the heat source, so basically on the first rack.
    golden brown miso sea bass out of the oven on a baking sheet
  6. Broil the fish until golden brown with the top caramelized, and the fish flakes easily.
  7. Garnish & serve right away with a sprinkle with chilli, sesame seeds, green onions, or a squeeze of citrus for brightness.
    plated miso glazed chilean sea bass
  8. You can use our popular Chili Oil Recipe for another level of flavor. You'll notice more notes of garlic and ginger with that.

Recipe Notes

Miso Sea Bass Recipe Tips

  1. Black Cod and Chilean Sea Bass are both expensive fish, so make sure you get them from a good source.
  2. If you want a more affordable option, make this Miso Salmon.
  3. Use white miso for a mild, sweet flavor. Red miso paste will give a stronger, saltier glaze. If you're only using the red, then increase the sugar to double.
  4. You don't need salt for this recipe, as the miso and soy sauce provide eough.
  5. Avoid over marinating. 30 minutes is enough, and up to 12 hours. More than that,  the miso can overpower the delicate fish.
  6. Broiling gives the best caramelization, but roasting at high heat works too.
  7. Don't over cook the fish! If you're broiling it, as soon as the color turns golden and the fish flakes easily, it's ready.
  8. For a citrusy twist, add a touch of yuzu juice or lime juice before serving.
  9. To make it spicy, add chilli flakes to garnish the fish.

What is Chilean sea bass?

Despite its name, Chilean sea bass isn’t a bass at all. It’s the marketing name for Patagonian tooth fish, prized for its buttery texture and high fat content. You can read all about it in this Chilean Sea Bass Recipe and make sure to try it!!

Can I use another fish instead?

Yes! We have the perfect Miso Cod recipe on our website! Also make sure to try affordable options (and equally DELICIOUS) such as Miso Salmon. Other options include halibut or regular Cod.

Do I need sake or mirin?

This is the classic original recipe made popular by chef Nobu. However we made other substitutes and it works so well! Use rice vinegar and you're good to go!

What does miso sea bass taste like?

It’s rich, buttery, flaky fish balanced by a sweet and savory miso glaze with deep umami.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can keep the fish in the marinade for up to 12 hours, and cook before serving. 

Is miso glazed black cod the same as miso glazed sea bass?

They’re similar in preparation but use different fish. Black cod (sablefish) is also buttery and rich, while Chilean sea bass has a firmer texture and larger flakes. Both pair beautifully with miso marinades.

Can You Make Miso Sea Bass in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Similar to the broiler, it has high heat and very well directed to the fish. We made fish in the air fryer it was a success so many times! Here's our Air Fryer Fish  and Air Fryer Salmon. Place marinated fillets in a foil lined air fryer basket, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. 

White Miso vs Red Miso for Fish

White miso is mild and slightly sweet, making it ideal for delicate fish like sea bass. Red miso is stronger and saltier, better suited for hearty dishes.

Best Sides for Miso Glazed Sea Bass

 

Nutrition Facts
Miso Sea Bass
Amount Per Serving
Calories 60 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0.4mg0%
Sodium 1146mg50%
Potassium 61mg2%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 17IU0%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.