Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until the mixture is well-combined. This marinade is essential for infusing the cod with flavor.
Season the Cod: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the four 6-ounce cod fillets to enhance their natural flavors.
Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick pan, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering, ensuring the fish will sear nicely.
Sear the Cod: Add the seasoned cod fillets to the pan. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a golden-brown color and are cooked through. Use a spatula to flip the fillets gently to avoid breaking them.
Add the Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the cod fillets in the pan. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish periodically to ensure even flavor distribution.
Serve: Transfer the cod fillets to plates and garnish generously with 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions. This adds a beautiful finish to the dish.