Grilled Cod with Lemon-Herb Marinade Recipe

Introduction

Grilled cod with a lemon-herb marinade is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend barbecue. The bright citrus and fresh herbs elevate the mild, flaky fish, making it a healthy and delicious option for seafood lovers.

A thick, square piece of grilled white fish with a golden-brown crust sits at the center of a white plate, showing a moist and flaky texture. On top of the fish lies a single sprig of fresh rosemary, adding a deep green color and fresh look. To the right side, there is a small pile of fresh green arugula leaves mixed with bright red cherry tomatoes and thin slices of orange carrot, offering a lively contrast in color. On the left side of the fish, a slice of yellow lemon leans against it, adding a bright pop of color. Droplets of olive oil with small bits of chopped herbs are scattered around the plate, shining under the light. The whole dish is presented on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cod fillets
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Brush the marinade evenly over both sides of the cod fillets and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grates or pan surface to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Grill the cod fillets for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked cod to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade.
  • If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried parsley and thyme can be used, but reduce the quantity to half.
  • Serve the grilled cod over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover grilled cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave for about 30 seconds, taking care not to overcook and dry out the fish.

How to Serve

Four thick white fish fillets are arranged inside a deep oval white dish with gray handles, each fillet topped with a thin lemon slice. The fish is covered in a layer of herbs and a light brown sauce that pools at the bottom of the dish. Next to the dish on a white marbled surface, a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs sits near a pink and white striped cloth. In the bottom left corner, a round white bowl holds multiple lemon slices stacked on top of each other. The overall setting is bright with a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cod can be used. Thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure better flavor absorption and even cooking.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

You can cook the marinated cod in a non-stick skillet over medium heat or bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Print

Grilled Cod with Lemon-Herb Marinade Recipe

This Grilled Cod with Lemon-Herb Marinade recipe features tender and flaky cod fillets perfectly infused with a bright, zesty marinade made from olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Ideal for a light and flavorful meal, the cod is quickly marinated and grilled to perfection, served with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the citrus aroma. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 1 lb cod fillets

Marinade

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Cod: Brush the marinade evenly over both sides of the cod fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the fillets to rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the surface of the pan to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Cod: Place the cod fillets on the grill and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side. Grill until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Serve: Remove the grilled cod from the heat and transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired, then serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Ensure the grill or grill pan is well oiled to prevent the delicate fish from sticking.
  • Do not over-marinate the fish; 10-15 minutes is sufficient to impart flavor without breaking down the texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: grilled cod, lemon herb marinade, healthy seafood, quick dinner, fish recipe, light meal

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