Black Cod with Mushrooms and Sansho Pepper
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This elegant black cod with mushrooms and sansho pepper is a standout choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated, high-protein meal. The dish centres around the buttery, delicate texture of black cod, which is pan-seared until the skin is perfectly crisp. It is served in a fragrant, umami-rich broth infused with mirin and soy, providing a wonderful depth of flavour that beautifully complements the earthy notes of the shimeji and enoki mushrooms.
Ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe brings a touch of Japanese-inspired finesse to your kitchen. The addition of sansho pepper provides a unique, citrusy tingle that cuts through the richness of the fish. Serve this dish in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful broth, making it a healthy and impressive option for a midweek treat or a contemporary weekend dinner party.
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Ingredients for Black Cod with Mushrooms and Sansho Pepper
240ml water
90ml reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1/8 teaspoons ground sansho pepper (sometimes labeled "sansyo"), plus additional for sprinkling, or 1 teaspoon whole Sichuan peppercorns
1 shallot, sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
200g fresh enoki mushrooms, cut into 3-inch lengths and spongy base discarded
140g fresh shimeji mushrooms (sometimes called beech mushrooms), spongy base discarded
6 (170g) pieces black cod fillet with skin
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
thinly sliced spring onion greens
How to make Black Cod with Mushrooms and Sansho Pepper
Bring water, soy sauce, mirin, sansho pepper, shallot, and one third of garlic to a boil in a 1- to 2-quart heavy saucepan, then simmer 5 minutes. Let broth stand off heat 10 minutes.
Cook remaining garlic in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring, until just golden. Add all mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes.
Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve into mushroom mixture, discarding solids, and simmer 1 minute.
Pat fish dry and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then sauté fish, skin side down, turning once, until golden brown, just starting to flake, and just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Transfer fish to shallow bowls. Reheat broth and divide among bowls, then sprinkle very lightly with more sansho pepper (if using).
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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