Once you try grilling cod, you’ll never want to cook it any other way in the summer! Although baked cod tastes amazing and is my go-to for most of the year, cooking it on the grill creates tender white fish that pairs perfectly with Cajun spices. Learn how to grill cod in foil (or directly on the grill, too) the easy way, plus the best ways to season a grilled cod recipe. This post is loaded with tips to get it cooked perfectly every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for grilling cajun cod, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Cod Fillets – While this is a recipe for grilled cod, you can also use this technique for other types of white fish, such as halibut or tilapia.Butter – Unsalted butter adds rich flavor to this recipe, but olive oil can also work.Lemon Juice – Use fresh squeezed juice for best flavor, or bottled lemon juice for convenience. Fresh juice makes sense here, though, because you’ll need fresh lemon slices, anyway.Cajun Seasoning – A mix of paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, oregano, thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can get this seasoning mix pre-made, or make homemade Cajun seasoning.Lemon Slices – Add an additional flavor boost to the fish.
How To Grill Cod In Foil
This section shows how to make cod on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
How To Grill Cod Directly On The Grill?
You can cook cod directly on the grill (without foil) with the right approach: Since this fish is so delicate, we’re making cod grilled over indirect heat to keep it from scorching or drying out.
How Long To Grill Cod?
Grill cod directly over the heated side of the grates (direct heat) for 7-9 minutes, or over indirect heat (on the side with burners off) for 10-12 minutes. Indirect heat lowers the chance of cod scorching or overcooking. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked cod and check the internal temperature — it should reach 140-145 degrees F.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep fish covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.Reheat: Heat fillets gently in a hot skillet or 350 degree F oven until warmed through. You can also reheat on the grill over medium heat.Freeze: Cool cod completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What To Serve With Grilled Cod
Instead of basic sides like rice or potatoes, try these easy healthy side dishes: Try these variations instead of the Cajun seasoning:
Lemon Pepper Seasoning – Make homemade lemon pepper seasoning in place of Cajun spices. Taco Seasoning – Swap Cajun seasoning for homemade taco seasoning and use this cod for fish tacos! Pesto Sauce – Brush fish with basil pesto sauce instead of using butter and spices. This is best cooked in foil packets, so that it doesn’t burn over direct heat. Compound Butter – Instead of plain butter, add you favorite fresh herbs to compound butter and add 1 tablespoon of butter per fillet instead of spices. Lemon Garlic Aioli – Brush fillets with lemon garlic aioli instead of butter. This also helps reduce sticking, so is a great option for cooking cod on the grill grates directly.
More Healthy Grilling Recipes
The grill is one of my favorite fast cooking methods! Try these easy dishes on your grill next time: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
