Addictive Glazed Cod Bowl a.k.a. Tara Kabayaki Don
Looking for a healthy alternative to the classic Unagi Don? This Cod Kabayaki Don is the perfect solution! By using cod, we keep the dish low in fat while packing it with protein. The sweet and savory Kabayaki glaze makes this white fish incredibly satisfying without the extra calories.
Nutrition (Per serving)
Calories: 526 kcal
Protein: 41g
Ingredients (1 Serving)
Cooked Rice: 200g (7 oz) / Raw Rice: 90g (3.2 oz)
Cod Fillets: 200g (7 oz) [2 fillets]
Salt: A pinch
Potato starch (or Flour): 2 tsp
Oil: 1 tsp
Kabayaki Sauce:
Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
Mirin: 2 tbsp
Sugar: 1 tbsp
Topping (Optional):
Sansho pepper: To taste
Cooking Steps
Prep the fish: Sprinkle a pinch of salt on both sides of the cod and let it sit for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to prepare the sauce.
Remove moisture: Use paper towels to pat the cod dry, removing any excess moisture. Lightly dust both sides of the fillets with potato starch or flour.
Sear the cod: Heat the oil in a frying pan. Place the cod skin-side down and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
Steam-cook: Flip the fillets over. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Glaze: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, spooning it over the cod to coat it thoroughly with the glaze.
Serve: Place the cooked rice in a bowl, top it with the glazed cod fillets, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan. Top with a sprinkle of Sansho pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Why this recipe works
Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, making it a favorite for fitness enthusiasts. By pan-searing and then steaming the fish, we achieve a tender texture that mimics the richness of traditional eel (unagi) kabayaki but with much less fat. This is the ultimate “guilt-free” comfort food!