Home / Dinner / Hawaiian Misoyaki Butterfish

Hawaiian Misoyaki Butterfish

Hawaiian misoyaki butterfish recipe: silky black cod marinated in sweet miso and broiled until caramelized, a Japanese-Hawaiian restaurant favorite at home.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet

Misoyaki butterfish was popularized in Hawaii by Japanese chefs who married the islands’ love of rich butterfish with the classic Kyoto-style miso marinade. The sweet, savory glaze caramelizes under the broiler into a lacquered crust that is legendary.

What makes it great is the transformation: a few days in a miso, mirin, and sugar marinade turns firm white fish into something almost buttery, with a burnished, candied exterior. It is elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a special weeknight.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk the miso, mirin, sugar, sake, and ginger into a smooth marinade.
  2. Pat the fillets dry and coat them evenly with the marinade. Place in a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days.
  3. Preheat the broiler with a rack about 6 inches from the heat. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  4. Wipe most of the marinade off the fish and place the fillets on the sheet.
  5. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, until the tops are caramelized and the fish flakes easily. Do not let the sugar burn.
  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions and serve with steamed rice.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Do not rush the marinade, the longer it sits, the silkier the fish. Watch the broiler closely; the sugary glaze can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →