Easy Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod
This Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod recipe is bright, tangy, buttery seafood perfection.
Using just a few pantry staples and foil, it is simple to create incredible flavor and ultra-moist fish that doesnt stick to the grill.
Start to finish this dish only takes about 15 minutes and a handful of basic ingredients. It will definitely be your new go-to, no-fuss guide for grilling tender and flaky fishevery single time!
Properly Prep Your Cod
You need to extract as much moisture/water from the fillets as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. By eliminating excess moisture, youll ensure a more even cook on the grill. Next, you can let your cod sit in any marinade or seasoning of your choice. And to ensure those flavors are really absorbed into the fish and enhanced during the grilling process, let your cod marinade for at least 30 minutes.
How To Bake Cod And What Temperature Is Best
First, what temperature should cod be cooked at? For baked cod, I typically set my oven to 400 degrees F. How long? Depending on the thickness of your cod fillet, it could take about 10 to 15 minutes in the oven.
In this cod recipe, I use about 1 ½ pounds of cod fillet, and it helps to use a large oven-safe baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. Here is how to make it:
- First, start by lightly coating the cod fillets in some well-seasoned flour. To do this, prepare a dredging station.
- In one shallow bowl prepare the lemon sauce by mixing together 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
- In another shallow bowl, mix together cup all-purpose flour with 1 tsp ground coriander, ¾ tsp sweet Spanish paprika, ¾ tsp ground cumin, and ¾ tsp kosher salt.
- Dip the fish in the lemon sauce, then coat it well with the flour mixture. Keep the lemon sauce for later use.
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Dont Overcook Your Cod
Make a mental note of how long to cook your fish before you even begin. A portion of cod loin should take about 5-10 minutes to cook, but keep an eye on it since every portion is slightly different. The steam generated inside the foil speeds up the cooking time, and youre looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork once its ready.
How To Cook Cod: The Ultimate Guide
In This Article
Fish like cod is an excellent source of lean protein that isn’t high in saturated fat, per the American Heart Association .
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The AHA recommends eating two servings of fish per week. But many people report that they don’t eat more fish because they don’t know how to prepare it, according to Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health.
Here’s how to cook cod in a variety of different ways so you can include the tasty fish in your diet more often.
Types of Cod
The kind of cod you buy will affect the flavor of your final dish. Here are three common types to know about.
Pacific cod: This is a lean, mild fish found in the North Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea to Southern California , per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Pacific cod has a more savory flavor and firm texture and can be cooked by pan-frying, deep-frying, grilling, sautéing, baking and roasting.
Alaskan cod: This type is found in the North Atlantic. It tastes a bit sweet and is firm and flaky, per Pittman Seafood. Alaskan cod is versatile and can be cooked by roasting, sautéing, poaching, steaming and deep-frying.
Ling cod: This type is found exclusively on the west coast of North America, especially near the coast of British Columbia, per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Ling cod is slightly sweet and mild, and you can prepare it the same ways as other types of cod.
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Use A Flavorful Sauce Or Even Breading
When cooking cod from frozen, you wont want to skimp on the flavor. Try seasoning your frozen cod with our Herbs de Provence-based seasoning salt. Or, consider making a lemon and butter emulsion to drizzle over the top by including the two ingredients in the baking pan with the cod.
You can even bread frozen cod filletsyes, really! Simply brush oil onto the cod, and then sprinkle on seasoned breadcrumbs. Alternatively, par-cook your cod fillets for about five minutes , then crust them with your breadcrumb or preferred breading mixture and finish cooking.
Ways To Use Grilled Cod
Enjoy this grilled cod on its own as a healthy main, or try it in one of the below spins. The cilantro yogurt sauce would be yummy with any of these too!
- Grilled Cod Tacos. Flake the grilled cod in big pieces, and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco ingredients . Top with the cilantro yogurt sauce.
- Grilled Cod Sandwich. Add each grilled cod fillet to a bun, and spread a layer of the yogurt sauce on the inside of the top bun. Add lettuce, tomato, or grilled onions as desired.
- Grilled Cod Cakes. Flake the grilled cod, and use it in place of salmon in this Salmon Patty Recipe.
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Why Is My Cod Chewy
Fish that seems tough when you bite into it is probably overcooked. As it moves from done to overdone, the flesh continues to firm then shrinks, pushing out moisture, which evaporates and leaves the fish dry and chewy. It seems that cooking fish beautifully rests on science as well as the art of restraint.
How Do You Cook Frozen Cod So Its Not Rubbery
Temperature is the key to making sure your frozen cod doesnt turn out rubbery or chewy. No matter how you cook it, be sure that your cod reaches an internal temperature of 145F as measured by a food thermometer. At this temperature, its flesh will be opaque white and flake easily when pressed with a fork. Overcooking cod will make it tough and dry since more moisture evaporates from the fish as its internal temperature rises.
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Can I Cook Eggs On A George Foreman Grill
Fry an egg: A George Foreman grill can easily be used as a griddle. Preheat, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and cook your eggs like normal. Use the drip tray to prop up the front end of the grill so that the plates arent slanted. That way the eggs wont slide off while cooking.
Readers Ask: How Long Do U Grill Cod Fillet
How long to grill cod fillets?
- Place cod onto oiled grates and grill until fish is browned and flakes easily, about 3 minutes per side baste with butter mixture frequently while grilling. Allow cod to rest off the heat for about 5 minutes before serving.
The general rule of thumb for grilling cod is 4-5 minutes per side, per inch of flesh. If your cod is cut into thicker steaks, you will likely need about 5-6 minutes per side. If it is cut into thin fillets like the fish I have photographed here, you will want to aim for around 4 minutes per side directly over high heat.
Contents
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All The Facts About Cod
Cod is beautiful white fish that is a favorite for many reasons, its sturdy, non-fishy mild-flavored fish that is ideal for adding lots of flavors and holds up to grilling, frying, and baking.
- What To Look For When Buying Cod: When buying fresh, look for cod fillets. This is will the largest part of the fish, free from bones and scales. Look for firm flesh that is translucent to light pink in color. It should not have any strong odors or weeping fluids. Buying Frozen is a great option too. Look for fish that has been processed fresh and frozen quickly for the best quality.
- Why Is Cod A Good Beginner Fish? If you are just starting out eating more fish and or cooking it, white fish is one of the best fishes to start with. They are a forgiving fish, with mild flavors that wont overpower the taste buds. Cod is the choice of many recipes because it doesnt fall apart as easily as some other seafood can. This makes it perfect for Fish and Chips and Fish Tacos.
- Good For You: Cod is a nutritious source of lean protein that is full of vitamins and minerals. Super low in trace mercury, its a favorite for every diet.
- Internal Temperature: Cod should be cooked till the internal temperature registers 130 degrees. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Pairing Wine With Grilled Cod
Serve with grilled asparagus as featured in our cookbook.
Be sure that any wine used for the garlic butter is one you will drink. We recommend a medium bodied Chardonnay or fruity Albariño to compliment the flavor of the fish. Other options that work well include, Pinot Gris , Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or even sparkling wine. Shop our favorite wines to pair with this dish at the Vindulge Wine Shop.
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What Is The Best Fish To Cook On The Grill
The Best Types of Fish for Grilling
How To Bake Cod
To bake cod fillets in an oven, first you need a baking tray. I like using a glass baking tray.
You can also line a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and place the fish on top of it before baking.
The perfect temperature for baking cod fish is 400°F or 205°C.
How long to bake cod? The answer is 10 12 minutes and depends on the thickness of the cod.
DO NOT overcook the fish fillets or they will turn dry and rubbery.
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How Do You Prepare The Grill For Grilling Cod
The single most important step to perfect grilled cod is a well-prepared grill. Your grates should be clean of debris to ensure the fish does not stick. Brush the grates well before you get started.
I prefer to grill over charcoal. Kingsford Charcoal is my go-to brand because of the high quality of the briquettes. They burn hot, but also have the longest burn time that I’ve found.
You need a hot, direct fire to grill cod. I recommend filling a full chimney of Kingsford Charcoal to provide the correct heat. Once smoldering, spread evenly in a single layer across the bottom of the grill.
Place the cleaned grate over the fire. Allow it to rest undisturbed for a few minutes to heat up, then quickly oil. Hot, well-oiled grates will ensure your fish does not stick.
For extra assurance, you can always choose to purchase a wire grill basket designed to hold the fish off the grates.
How do you season grilled cod?
Cod is a light, flaky fish that takes on the flavor of whatever seasoning you choose.
My preference is to keep it light and simple, with butter, lemon juice, spices, and herbs.
I also love to mix it up with Asian and Mediterranean flavors!
How Do You Know Grilled Cod Is Ready
When ready, the cod should easily release from the grate. You should not have to peel or scrape it up.
You can also test for done-ness by performing a flake test. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish at an angle and pull upwards. If the fish is beginning to flake, it’s nearly done. If it resists your pull, it needs more time. If it flakes very easily or falls apart, it’s overcooked.
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What To Serve With This Cod Recipe
To complete this fish dinner, I always like to add a big salad and a simple side. I have some ideas that will go perfectly with this cod. To add more Greek flavors, try out our Greek salad. Or give this Lebanese fattoush salad a try. If you’re looking for some beans in your salad, try our Mediterranean bean salad or chickpea salad.
For starchy sides, give these a try: mustard potato salad, Greek-style oven fries, or lemon rice.
And to keep with a Greek theme, why not add a dip like Miletzanosalata or Tzatziki with some pita chips to serve!
How To Cook Cod From Frozen 3 Basic Recipes
Its 100 percent safe to cook cod straight from the freezer, so long as you cook it at adequately high temperatures that keep it from the danger zone. This is the temperature range of 40°F to 140°F, where bacteria grow most rapidly.
So, slow cooking frozen cod is out, but nearly every other cooking method is fair game. Just make sure to cook your cod thoroughly.
Ready to get started? Here are some quick tutorials for how to cook cod from frozen based on your cooking method: oven, air fryer, and Instant Pot.
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Do You Spray Oil On George Foreman Grill
Do Spray It With a Light Olive Oil
Though it is a non-stick grill, it works even better if you use oil to further reduce the stickiness. You want to use a healthy oil and not butter or a fattening oil. After all, this grill is reducing the fat in your meats, so it doesnt make sense to add more fat back in.
Ways To Prevent Sticking To The Grill
Some people complain about grilled fish sticking to the grill. Heres our advice: Dont try to turn it too soon! When the cod is cooked just enough, it releases from the grill grates, making it easy to flip. But if you touch it before that time, it can stick and break apart. You dont need to oil the grill grates. Just lightly oil the fish, and when cooking wait until the cod is easy to release . Then its easy to flip!
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The Best Seasoning For Codblackened Seasoning
The very best seasoning for cod? Blackened seasoning. What is it? Blackening is a Cajun style way of cooking fish in a cast iron skillet with a seasoning blend. Every chef uses their own mix for blackened seasoning, so theres no official definition. Most recipes have spices familiar to Cajun cuisine: paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, and of course, cayenne for the heat! The heat level in this seasoning blend is medium hot. Here are the ingredients youll need:
- Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- Onion powder
- Cayenne
- Salt and black pepper
Make up a big batch, and youll have enough for lots of grilled cod. Go How to Make Blackened Seasoning. Love spicy food? Weve got an even spicier seasoning you can try. Use our Cajun Seasoning instead.
How Long Does It Take To Grill Fish Fillets
Per inch of fish, the general rule is to allow 8-10 minutes of grill time. So, if your fish is two inches in thickness, grill each side for about six to eight minutes. But its always a good idea to check the instructions on your recipe.
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Tips To Keep Cod From Sticking To The Pan
The most intimidating part of cooking fish on the stove is the flip! Here are a few tips to keep your cod from breaking up in the pan.
- Get the Pan HOT. A hot skillet is essential for making sure your fish doesnt stick.
- Dry and Season the Fish. Make sure to thoroughly dry and season your cod fillets before you begin the recipe.
- Dont Move the Fish. Once youve placed your fish in the skillet, avoid the temptation to move it around. Let it cook undisturbed until its time to flip it over.
- Relax. Even if the cod does break into pieces, it will still taste fantastic!
Clean You Grates Well Once The Grill Is Preheated
Once the grill is preheated, its time to clean the grates. Contrary to popular belief, you should clean the grates when theyre hot, not after theyve cooled. Use a stainless-steel brush to remove all debris and bits of food from your last grilling adventure to ensure your cod doesnt stick to the grills surface.
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