The Best Grilled Cod Recipe with Lemon Garlic Butter
Learn how to grill cod perfectly every time! Basted with a simple lemon butter glaze and herbs, this grilled cod recipe will be your favorite!
Learn how to grill cod perfectly every time! Basted with a simple lemon butter glaze and herbs, this grilled cod recipe will be your favorite!
Here in the Midwest, good fresh fish is both hard to find and a little bit expensive! When we visit the coasts, getting some fresh grilled fish is always a priority for me. By itself or in tacos, I love the flavor of grilled fish! But, when I first tried to grill fresh cod fillets, it really intimidated me. Would it fall apart? Would it stick to the grates, then fall apart? Over time, I learned some techniques to make sure I was getting perfectly grilled fish every time and I’m excited to share them with you!
This recipe keeps it pretty simple to honor the flavor of the fish. Cod is a delicate fish, and there’s no need to smother it with seasonings! To prepare this flaky white fish, I use simple seasonings and grilled over high heat. While the fish cooks, I baste it with a simple garlic herb butter to keep it from drying out!
I’m a huge fan of fish, so I know that fresh cod can be hard to find! I recommend asking your local fish monger to order it for you if they don’t have it in stock. If you don’t have a local fish monger, I have good luck finding fresh fish at stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods. Checking with your local specialty grocer is another good idea!
This was so flavorful and good! It’s my favorite way to marinade fish. I sautéed instead of grilling and it was excellent.
– Arpita
Prefer to make your cod in foil packets? Try my Lemon Baked Cod with Asparagus.
Grilled Cod Recipe Substitutions
Substitute olive oil for the butter.
Use any other fresh herb in place of the green onion. I think fresh rosemary or thyme would nicely complement this flaky fish!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Cod
Grilling cod can be super easy with just a bit of prep! Whether you use a charcoal grill or gas grill, grilling the fish will add some awesome smoky flavor to the fish.
- Make sure your cooking grates are brushed clean! Any leftover residue will stick to your fish.
- Oil your grill grates, the fish, or both!
- Consider leaving the skin on, when possible. It will help keep the filet intact.
- Cook over high heat. This is similar to doing a quick sear in the skillet.
- Consider investing in a grill basket to help keep the fish fillets together and turn them easily. Remember that metal conducts heat, so a wood handle is best for something that will be on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill basket, consider investing in a fish turner to help you flip the fish.
Check out all of the fish recipes on Blackberry Babe!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Cod
I love to serve this grilled cod recipe as the base for a healthy meal! While the grill is fired up, you might as well throw on some Grilled Corn On the Cob in Foil. I also love making these Thyme Garlic Mushrooms, a fresh green salad or these easy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Cod pairs perfectly with a dryer white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris!
Saving Leftover Grilled Cod
If you have leftover cod, save it in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Reheat gently. The leftovers are wonderful used in fish tacos with my Cilantro Slaw recipe!
The Best Grilled Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh cod filets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE BASTING LIQUID
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons fresh green onion chopped
OPTIONAL GARNISH
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh herbs parsley, green onions, rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare to grill over hot heat. Clean and oil grill grates.
- Combine butter, lemon juice, parsley and onions in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously to combine and allow to rest on the counter while you prepare the fish.
- Pat the cod filets dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and black pepper.
- Place cod directly on oiled grates on the hot grill.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with butter and lemon mixture. If flare-ups occur, close the lid on the grill until they die out.
- Remove from grill when the fish begins to flake and reaches and internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant read thermometer. If fully cooked, fish should not stick to the grill and should release easily from the grates.
- Serve with any leftover basting liquid, and garnish with (optional) lemon slices and herbs.
Notes
Nutrition
If you love this grilled cod recipe, I think you’ll also enjoy these other fish recipes and grill recipes!
- Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon
- Pan Seared Sablefish (Black Cod) with White Wine Tomatoes
- Pan Seared Cod with Tarragon Cream Sauce
- Baked Salmon with Cranberry Thyme Crust
- Salmon Meunière
- Lemon Baked Cod with Asparagus
The texture of the grilled cod was just right. Tender and moist, with a slight crispiness on the outside. Simple to make and delicious!
So good! The lemon butter glaze was so delicious too! Definitely going to make this again!
The marinade really went well with the fish! So good! Another keeper. The family loved it too!
Such a simple way to cook cod! Loved the butter glaze – great flavor and perfect with grilled veggies.
My whole family loved this recipe! I did double all ingredients as we are a family of 5, but made no other changes. I will definitely be making this again.
Hi Jai! Thanks for reporting back! So glad it worked well for your family.
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This was so flavorful and good! It’s my favorite way to marinade fish. I sauted the fish instead of grilling and it was excellent.