Name: Grilled Cod with Lemon-Herb Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

Grilled cod with lemon-herb marinade is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. The bright citrus and fresh herbs complement the tender, flaky fish beautifully, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

A grilled piece of fish with a golden brown crust is placed in the center of a white plate. The fish has visible grill marks and a light sprinkling of green herbs on top, with a fresh sprig of rosemary resting diagonally on it. To the side, there is a small pile of green leafy salad with a few bright red cherry tomatoes and thin orange carrot slices visible. A wedge of lemon with a vibrant yellow color is positioned near the fish. Some drops of oil and scattered herbs are on the plate around the fish, all set against a white marbled texture. 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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the cod for up to 30 minutes, but avoid longer to prevent the fish from becoming mushy.
You can substitute fresh thyme and parsley with dried herbs—use about one-third of the amount.
If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler works well to get a similar char and texture.
Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be flaked and added to salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Inside a white square baking dish, there are four pieces of white fish fillets, each topped with a thin, round slice of yellow lemon and sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper. The fish sits in a shallow pool of golden olive oil mixed with herbs, and fresh green herbs like parsley and dill are scattered around and on top of the fish. A spatula with a wooden handle is lifting one piece of fish. Around the dish, there is a white marbled texture surface with torn pieces of bread on a white plate, a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs, and a wooden bowl of lemon wedges. A beige cloth with black stripes is placed at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, this marinade works well with other firm white fishes like halibut, sea bass, or tilapia. Adjust grilling time depending on thickness.

How do I prevent the cod from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is well-oiled and fully heated before placing the fish. Gently oil the fish as well, and avoid moving it too soon to let a crust form for easy flipping.