Grilled cod is a delightful and healthy dish that brings out the natural flavors of the fish. This recipe is simple yet elegant, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and a touch of lemon juice enhances the taste of the cod, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually cook with fresh fish, you might need to visit the seafood section of your supermarket to get cod fillets. Ensure they are fresh and of good quality. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended over bottled for the best flavor.
Ingredients For Grilled Cod Recipe
Cod: A mild-flavored white fish that is versatile and easy to cook.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps prevent the fish from sticking to the grill.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the cod.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy finish that brightens the dish.
Technique Tip for Grilling Cod
To ensure your cod fillets don't stick to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the fish on them. Additionally, let the fillets cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to allow a nice crust to form, which will make flipping them easier.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cod - Substitute with haddock: Haddock has a similar mild flavor and flaky texture, making it a great alternative for grilling.
cod - Substitute with tilapia: Tilapia is another mild-flavored fish that grills well and can be used in place of cod.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling fish.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another oil with a high smoke point and a light flavor, perfect for grilling.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and can be used to season the fish evenly.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used in place of black pepper.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and fresh citrus flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add the necessary acidity and a slight tang to the dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Grilled Cod
How to Store/Freeze This Dish
Allow the grilled cod to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
Wrap each cod fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that the fish retains its moisture and flavor.
Place the wrapped fillets in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the grilled cod has been stored.
Store the grilled cod in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the cod fillets in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the fish.
Reheat the grilled cod gently. You can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the fish with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, use a non-stick pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Serve the reheated grilled cod with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revive its flavors. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the fillets with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is warmed through.
Microwave Method: Place the cod fillets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the fish is heating evenly. Continue in 30-second intervals if needed.
Steaming Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring to a simmer. Place the cod fillets in a steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until the fish is heated through.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the cod fillets in the air fryer basket and heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the fish is warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Best Tools for Grilling Cod
Grill: A cooking device that uses direct heat to cook food, perfect for achieving a smoky flavor and grill marks on the cod fillets.
Grill brush: A tool used to clean the grill grates before cooking, ensuring that the fish doesn't stick and cooks evenly.
Tongs: A utensil used to handle the cod fillets on the grill, allowing you to flip them without breaking the delicate fish.
Basting brush: A brush used to apply olive oil evenly on the cod fillets, ensuring they are well-coated and don't dry out during grilling.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure out the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice accurately for seasoning the fish.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to prepare and season the cod fillets before grilling.
Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the lemon for freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Fish spatula: A thin, flexible spatula designed for handling delicate fish fillets, making it easier to remove the cod from the grill without breaking it.
Serving platter: A dish used to present the grilled cod fillets attractively before serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and season the cod fillets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper ahead of time.
Use a grill basket: This prevents the fish from sticking and makes flipping easier.
Preheat the grill: Ensure the grill is hot before placing the cod on it to reduce cooking time.
Lemon juice prep: Squeeze the lemon juice beforehand and keep it ready for drizzling.
Clean as you go: Tidy up while the cod is grilling to save time on post-cooking cleanup.

Grilled Cod Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Cod about 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the cod fillets with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the cod fillets on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the grill and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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