Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures your dish cooks evenly and achieves that perfect finish. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup a breeze later on.
Next, rinse the asparagus thoroughly. Trim the tough ends by about 1 inch to ensure they’re tender. Then, cut the remaining asparagus into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. Spread the asparagus on one side of your prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the asparagus with vegetable oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Toss everything well so that each piece is coated. This simple step enhances the flavor and texture.
Now, let’s prepare the cod. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Placing it on the other side of the baking sheet, skin side down, allows it to cook beautifully beside the asparagus.
Next, take 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and microwave it for about 20 seconds until melted. This will form the base of our delicious miso glaze.
Using a ceramic grater, grate the garlic and ginger finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, white miso, sriracha, sugar, grated garlic, and ginger. Stir until smooth; this will become a beautifully rich sauce.
In another bowl, melt the remaining butter in the microwave. Mix the melted butter with panko. This will create a crunchy topping for the cod.
Now, spread spoonfuls of the miso mixture over the cod using the back of a spoon. Ensure the fish is generously coated for maximum flavor.
Next, sprinkle the buttered panko over the cod, pressing gently to adhere it. This will create a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the panko isn’t golden brown and the fish isn’t firm, you might need to extend the baking time slightly. If the topping needs crisping, broil it for a few minutes.
Once baked, take the asparagus and toss it with any remaining miso mixture to enhance its flavor. Serve everything immediately for a delightful meal.