Cobia with seaweed and miso butter

Cobia with seaweed and miso butter is an elegant restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The pan-seared cobia develops a crisp golden crust while remaining moist and succulent, complemented by a silky miso butter sauce rich in sweet, savoury and umami flavours.

Served with mineral-rich seaweed, toasted almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, it’s a nourishing meal that’s equally suited to entertaining or a special midweek dinner.

Pan-seared cobia with seaweed, miso butter, almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, photographed by Nelly le Comte
Pan-seared cobia with seaweed and miso butter, showcasing Chef Sam Gowing’s food-as-medicine philosophy using fresh seasonal ingredients. Photography by Nelly le Comte

What is cobia?

According to GoodFish, cobia is equally at home served raw as sashimi, poké or ceviche, or cooked by pan-frying, roasting, steaming or barbecuing. The skin crisps beautifully over high heat, while the robust flesh withstands soups and curries without breaking apart, making it an exceptionally versatile and sustainable seafood choice.

About seaweed

Seaweed has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine for thousands of years and has long been valued in Eastern traditions for its nourishing and restorative properties. Often referred to as sea vegetables, edible varieties include kelp, nori (laver), dulse, sea lettuce and wrack. Learn more here

Rich in minerals and trace elements, seaweed provides iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and manganese, along with dietary fibre and small amounts of protein. Its naturally occurring soluble fibres support gut health, while its mineral profile makes it a valuable addition to a nutrient-dense diet.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This elegant cobia with seaweed and miso butter is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The pan-seared fish develops a crisp golden crust while remaining moist and succulent, complemented by a silky miso butter sauce rich in sweet, savoury and umami flavours. Served with mineral-rich seaweed, toasted almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, it’s a nutritious meal that’s equally suited to entertaining or a special midweek dinner.

Cobia, also known as black kingfish, black salmon, ling, lemonfish, crabeater, prodigal son, codfish and black bonito, is prized for its firm, meaty white flesh. According to GoodFish, it lends itself beautifully to pan-frying, roasting, steaming or barbecuing, while its robust texture also makes it ideal for curries, soups, sashimi, poké bowls and ceviche.

Therapeutic notes

Seaweed has been an important part of Japanese cuisine for thousands of years and has long been valued for its nutritional and restorative qualities. Often referred to as sea vegetables, varieties such as kelp, nori, dulse and sea lettuce are naturally rich in iodine, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and other essential minerals.

Combined with sustainably sourced cobia, this dish provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, minerals and healthy fats. Macadamia oil contributes heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, while white miso delivers beneficial fermented flavours and natural umami. Together, these ingredients create a nourishing meal that supports muscle health, immune function and overall wellbeing.

Chef’s tips

  • Pat the cobia dry before cooking to achieve a crisp, golden skin.
  • Finish the fish in the oven for 6–7 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness, to keep it moist.
  • Warm the miso butter gently over low heat—avoid boiling, as excessive heat dulls the miso’s delicate flavour.
  • Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the sauce is silky and glossy.

This elegant dish celebrates cobia, also known as black kingfish, black salmon, ling, lemonfish, crabeater, prodigal son, codfish and black bonito. Its firm, meaty white flesh is prized for its versatility and ability to remain moist during cooking.

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Cobia with seaweed & miso butter

Recipe by Samantha Gowing

Pan-seared cobia with seaweed and miso butter is an elegant, nutrient-rich seafood recipe featuring sustainable Australian fish, savoury umami flavours and a silky butter sauce that’s perfect for effortless entertaining or a special dinner.

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Pan-seared cobia with seaweed, miso butter, almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, photographed by Nelly le Comte

Ingredients

Units Scale
4 x 100 grams fillets cobia 1 teaspoon macadamia oil Dressing
 3 tablespoons mirin 3 tablespoons white wine 1/3 cup coconut sugar 1/2 cup white miso 1 tablespoon butter, cubed

Instructions

For the fish

  1. Preheat oven to 175 C.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper and place fish fillets skin side up.
  3. Drizzle lightly with macadamia oil.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes tender and moist underneath.

For the dressing

  1. In a heavy based small saucepan, combine mirin, white wine and sugar.
  2. Whisk over a low heat and the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Slowly whisk in miso paste, ensuring it does not boil.
  4. Then add the butter, whisking gently to form a rich and glossy sauce.
  5. Remove from direct heat and keep warm.

Notes

  • Pat the cobia dry before cooking to achieve a crisp, golden skin.
  • Finish the fish in the oven for 6–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, to keep it moist.
  • Warm the miso butter gently over low heat—avoid boiling, as excessive heat dulls the delicate flavour of the miso.
  • Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the sauce is silky and glossy.

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Seaweed, sprouts and buckwheat

Recipe by Samantha Gowing

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Ingredients

Units Scale
1 teaspoon wakame seaweed, soaked, drained, patted dry 1 teaspoon ogo nori seaweed, soaked, drained, patted dry 1/2 cup sunflower sprouts 1/4 red capsicum, seeded, de-ribbed, cut into very fine julienne 1 tablespoon buckwheat kernels, (soaked, cooked or activated) 2 teaspoons macadamia oil Pinch salt Garnish Pickled red ginger Edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Toss well.
  2. Divide the salad and place on one large serving platter or individual serving plates.
  3. Place the crispy skinned fish in the centre of the plate.
  4. Spoon the warm miso butter dressing alongside fish.
  5. Garnish with pickled ginger strips and edible flowers.

https://www.chefsamgowing.com /how-to-make-kelp-noodle-salad-with-seaweed/

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Pan-seared cobia with seaweed, miso butter, almonds, microgreens and edible flowers, photographed by Nelly le Comte

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