This grilled cod dish is a delicious weeknight meal ready in just 25 minutes! Featuring a homemade blackened seasoning that brings a smoky, savory punch to each bite, grilling this fish makes for an effortless meal that everyone enjoys.
To be honest, cod wasn’t on my menu for years. When I thought of grilling fish, I would go for grilled salmon or shrimp. Cod seemed too mild or, dare I say, uneventful for the grill.
However, after Alex and I developed this pan-fried cod recipe, I figured grilled cod could actually be…thrilling? I opted to coat the cod with our homemade blackened seasoning, and the outcome was amazing. The mild fish burst with incredible smoky, spicy flavors and had a tender, flaky texture. Now, this often finds its way to our dining table during the summer!
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
– Quick weeknight meal: 25 minutes total preparation: including heating time! The cooking duration is just 8 minutes
– Rich, layered flavors from a homemade blackened spice mix
– Nutritious dish that aligns with gluten-free, Mediterranean, and pescatarian diets
Ingredients for Grilled Cod
I appreciate how simple this healthy grilled cod recipe is and how it requires just a few ingredients. You’ll need to prepare a homemade spice mixture, but once you create it, you’ll have it ready for several more servings. Here’s what you’ll require for the recipe:
– Cod fillets: Fresh or frozen are both acceptable. Wild-caught is typically a sustainable option if accessible! Cod offers a mild, clean taste that isn’t fishy at all. In fact, it’s even milder than fish like salmon. Due to its delicate white flesh and subtle flavor, it’s sometimes dubbed “chicken of the sea.”
– Olive oil: A light drizzle to help the seasoning stick and prevent sticking.
– Homemade blackened seasoning or seafood seasoning: This is where the magic unfolds!
Tip: Cod serves as a perfect introductory fish for those who think they don’t enjoy fish! (Another beginner-friendly fish that’s not overly fishy is my favorite grilled ahi tuna.)
The Finest Spice Blend for Grilled Cod
In my view, the ultimate seasoning for cod is blackened seasoning. Blackening refers to a Cajun-style method of cooking fish in a cast iron skillet with a spice mixture. Every chef has their unique concoction for blackened seasoning, thus there is no official definition.
Most recipes feature spices typical of Cajun cuisine. My blackened seasoning includes smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, celery seed, allspice, cloves, and cayenne. You can tweak the amount of cayenne to match your preferred heat level: this blend turns out mild to medium as described and my children love it. For an even hotter variation, consider using my Cajun seasoning instead.
If you lean towards a milder option, give my magic seafood seasoning a try! It’s genuinely the finest blend of flavors: a combination of savory, smoky, and aromatic spices that yield irresistible fish.
How to Grill Cod
You can grill cod directly on the grates: no foil needed! This infuses the cod with a smoky flavor and a crunchy exterior. Here are our tips to grill cod perfectly:
– Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F). Medium-high heat ensures a perfectly cooked piece of cod.
– Bring cod to room temperature: Allow the fillets to rest outside for roughly 15 minutes before grilling. Cold fish directly from the refrigerator may cook unevenly.
– Pat it thoroughly dry and season: Dry fish gets a superior sear.
– Timing: Grill for 4 minutes with the skin side down, then flip and cook 2–4 additional minutes. The best way to check if it’s done is by using an internal thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish and it should read 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This should coincide with the moment the cod begins to flake when pulled with a fork.
How to Avoid Sticking
Many people voice concerns about grilled fish sticking to the grill. Here’s our suggestion: Don’t attempt to turn it too early! When the cod is cooked sufficiently, it will release from the grill grates, making flipping a breeze.
If you turn it before that moment, it may stick and come apart. There’s no need to oil the grill grates. Just lightly oil the fish, and when cooking, wait until the cod is easy to release (around 5 minutes). Then it’s simple to flip!
What Goes Well with Grilled Cod
There are numerous wonderful ways to complement grilled cod to create a healthy meal! Here are some of my favorite suggestions to transform it into a delightful spring or summer dinner:
Storage
Grilled cod is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with