How Can You Prevent Grilled Fish From Sticking
Tips For Perfect Grilled Cod
While making fish isnt rocket science, a handful of helpful tips will help you nail it.
- Oil the grill grates. To prevent cod from sticking to the grill grates, brush them with olive oil before laying the fish down.
- Cook the cod over high heat. To get perfect grill marks prevent the fish from drying out, cook the fish over high heat.
- Use a grill basket for easy flipping. If you want to skip the worry of your fish sticking completely, use a grill basket to simplify the cooking process.
- Adjust the cooking time as necessary. If your filets are on the thicker side, adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
- Watch the fish closely. Cod cooks super quick, so stay close by the grill to prevent it from burning.
Tips For How To Grill Cod
You can make grilled cod right on the grill grates: no foil required! It infuses the cod with smoky flavor and a crispy exterior. Here are our tips for how to grill cod:
- The temperature for grilled cod? Medium high heat, or 375 to 450 degrees. Medium high heat makes for a perfectly cooked piece of cod.
- How long to cook grilled cod? 4 minutes skin side down, then 2 to 4 minutes skin side up! The best way to measure whether its done is using an internal thermometer. Stick it in the thickest part of the fish and it should read 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be right when the cod starts to flake when pulled with a fork.
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What To Serve With Grilled Cod
- Pasta. Add to the delicious lemon flavors by pairing this fish with a side of Pasta al Limone.
- Salad. Keep things light and fresh by serving a side of Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
- Vegetables. A side of Roasted Tomatoes, Cheesy Potato Fritters with Zucchini, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic would be scrumptious.
How To Grill Fish In Foil

Grilling fish can be tough since its much more delicate than chicken or steak. It can fall apart as it cooks or gets stuck to the grate. The uneven heat of a grill can also make parts of it tough and dry while other parts are just barely cooked. Grilling fish in foil is the best solution. It keeps the fish intact, locks in moisture and helps the heat distribute evenly. It also allows you to add in herbs and aromatics to perfectly season your grilled fish fillets.
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The grilled cod in the photos is served with easy Cucumber Caesar for a perfect summer dinner. I do realize that grilled fish can be tricky to cook, and Cod is a bit more delicate than halibut, so I encourage you to pay attention to my tips to prevent the fish from sticking when you try this recipe.
The idea of garlic and basil with fish may seem unusual, but please trust me on this. Normally I love fresh basil, but for a marinade I prefer dried herbs, and Ive made this fish marinade many, many times with dried basil with great results.
And be sure not to marinate the fish too long, or the lemon juice will start to cook the fish. Below you will also find suggestions for more types of fish you can use for this garlic-basil marinade.
Heat Your Grill In Advance
Just as you would preheat your oven to get the temperature just right, you also need to preheat your grill before your fish fillets come into contact with that heat. This is for a few reasons, but most importantly, it will help prevent sticking, which is the main concern when it comes to grilling fish.
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What Makes This Recipe So Good
- The grill does all the hard work! Season the cod fillets, wrap them in foil, then set them on the grill. Close your grill lid and return 10 minutes later to perfectly cooked and flaky fish!
- It includes a simple, yet irresistibly delicious lemon butter sauce. Lemon, garlic, and butter is all youll need to give this grilled cod in foil tons of flavor.
- Its super healthy! This easy seafood recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
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Cant Take The Heat Use Seafood Seasoning
Dont want a spicy seasoning blend, we get it! This blackened seasoning has a bit of heat. But keep in mind: our 3 year old gobbled it up! Hes somewhat sensitive to spice, but didnt seem to be in this case. If you prefer a milder option, weve got you covered. Try our seafood seasoning! Its truly the best blend of flavors: a mix of savory, smoky and aromatic spices that makes for irresistible flavor.
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Grilled Cod Recipes We Love
This recipe for Cod Baked in Banana Leaves calls for oven-baked fish, but you can follow the same preparations and then simply exchange the word oven with grill. The intense flavors from the chili peppers, fresh coconut and ginger are perfect for a summer BBQ.
Another option is to turn your grilled cod into a fan favorite that delivers all year long fish tacos. These Grilled Cod Tacos are super easy to make, and the fish marinade is everything you want in a fish taco dish: a little lime juice, jalapeño, a lot of toasted cumin seeds and cilantro.
And few things are better than marinade made from lemon pepper, butter and soy sauce. This Grilled Lemon Pepper Cod is a perfect blend of indulgent flavors and fresh flaky fish, all made possible by the little aluminum foil grill pan you create to help cook your fish.
How To Grill Cod
You can grill cod in foil or place it directly on the grill grates.
- Cod In Foil, The Pros. Its easier because you dont need to worry about the fish sticking to the grill or falling through the grates.
- Cod In Foil, The Cons. If you use foil, you wont have grill marks. You will have a great flavor though!
Ultimately, Im a sucker for a good grill mark. I opted to grill the cod directly on the grates without a packet. Be sure to see Tips for Grilling Cod below if youd like to do the same.
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Pairing Wine With Grilled Cod
Serve with grilled asparagus as featured in our cookbook.
Be sure that any wine used for the garlic butter is one you will drink. We recommend a medium bodied Chardonnay or fruity Albariño to compliment the flavor of the fish. Other options that work well include, Pinot Gris , Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, or even sparkling wine. Shop our favorite wines to pair with this dish at the Vindulge Wine Shop.
Ingredients To Make Grilled Cod

- Cod fillets: You can use fresh or frozen cod for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw the cod completely before grilling. Check for any bones and remove the skin if necessary.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the fish and creates those gorgeous and delicious grill marks we all love.
- Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to your liking. I like my cod to have a bit of a kick, so I tend to use more paprika and garlic powder.
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Easy Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod
This Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod recipe is bright, tangy, buttery seafood perfection.
Using just a few pantry staples and foil, it is simple to create incredible flavor and ultra-moist fish that doesnt stick to the grill.
From start to finish this dish only takes about 15 minutes and a handful of basic ingredients. It will definitely be your new go-to, no-fuss guide for grilling tender and flaky fish every single time!
Storing & Reheating Best Practices
If you have a couple of leftover filets to stow away, heres all you need to know about storing and reheating them back to perfection.
- Storing: To keep the filets on hand for up to 3 days, keep them tightly sealed in an airtight container. This will keep them from making your fridge smell like fish, while also preventing the fish from drying out.
- Reheating: To reheat the cod, wrap it in aluminum foil with a spritz of lemon juice to rehydrate it. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes or until warmed through.
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The Best Grilled Cod Tips
Cajun spice is the perfect blend of spices that give a ton of flavor with just a bit of spice.
- Prepare The Grill: One of the most important things you must do before every grill is to clean it. It prevents your food from sticking and protects foods from cross flavors and contamination. Heat your grill on high for several minutes. Then using a grill brush clean off the grill grate.
- Oil It: Using tongs, take a folded wad of paper towel that has been dipped in oil and grease the grill grates lightly. This will help keep the fish from sticking.
- Save Marinade: Before basting the fish, be sure to reserve some in a separate bowl. You do not want to use marinade that has been in contact with the raw fish. And you want to make sure you have some leftover marinade to brush on with a clean brush at the end. It is quite magical.
Use Aluminum Foil To Protect Your Cod On The Grill
There are a few ways to use foil when grilling your fish, but arguably the best technique from a flavor perspective is to create a pouch by folding the foil around the cod loin and securing the edges so you have an enclosed cooking surface. This foil packet acts like a little flavor bomb, with all the marinade, seasoning and fresh flavors locked up so your fish can really absorb the goodness.
In addition to enhancing and really marrying your fish with the flavor of the marinade, using an aluminum foil packet will also help maintain the consistency and texture of the fish. No using tongs to flip your fish or scrape it off the grill grates, which can lead to premature flaking or even dropping a piece of freshly grilled fish into the flames.
If Youre Feeling Fancy, Banana Leaves Offer the Same Type of Protection
And they also happen to look professional, so you end up with a perfectly cooked, restaurant-worthy presentation. Either way, the foil or banana leaves can help maintain the integrity of your fish fillet and help concentrate the flavors during the cooking process.
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All The Facts About Cod
Cod is beautiful white fish that is a favorite for many reasons, its sturdy, non-fishy mild-flavored fish that is ideal for adding lots of flavors and holds up to grilling, frying, and baking.
- What To Look For When Buying Cod: When buying fresh, look for cod fillets. This is will the largest part of the fish, free from bones and scales. Look for firm flesh that is translucent to light pink in color. It should not have any strong odors or weeping fluids. Buying Frozen is a great option too. Look for fish that has been processed fresh and frozen quickly for the best quality.
- Why Is Cod A Good Beginner Fish? If you are just starting out eating more fish and or cooking it, white fish is one of the best fishes to start with. They are a forgiving fish, with mild flavors that wont overpower the taste buds. Cod is the choice of many recipes because it doesnt fall apart as easily as some other seafood can. This makes it perfect for Fish and Chips and Fish Tacos.
- Good For You: Cod is a nutritious source of lean protein that is full of vitamins and minerals. Super low in trace mercury, its a favorite for every diet.
- Internal Temperature: Cod should be cooked till the internal temperature registers 130 degrees. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
How To Prepare Cod For Grilling
All fish, including cod, must be properly prepared before grilling as per FDA guidelines :
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How To Grill Cod Directly On The Grill
You can cook cod directly on the grill with the right approach:
Popular Substitutions & Additions

- Switch up the seasoning. If you are not a fan of paprika or garlic, then feel free to use any other seasonings that you love. Some other great options include, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, 7-Spice or even just salt and pepper.
- Add some veggies. Grilling is the perfect time to sneak in some extra vegetables. I like to add a few lemon slices, onion wedges, or even some zucchini and squash.
- Make it a meal. Serve the grilled cod with some roasted potatoes and a side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
- Use a different fish. You can grill just about any type of fish using this recipe. Some other great options include, salmon, tilapia, or even shrimp.
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More Grilled Fish Or Seafood
Looking for more grilled fish & seafood recipes outside of this healthy grilled cod? Heres a great place to start:
- Perfect Grilled Salmon or Grilled Tilapia Perfectly tender and flavored with a magic seasoning blend that takes it to new heights.
- Pesto Salmon Basil and salmon are the perfect pair!
- Grilled Fish Tacos Season the tender white fish with fajita seasoning, then top with pico de gallo and creamy sauce.
- Perfect Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Shrimp Skewers Perfectly seasoned and over the top good!
- Cajun Grilled Shrimp or Blackened Shrimp Covered in a homemade spice blend, theyre fast and easy to grill.
- Grilled Tuna Seared on the outside and tender on the inside! Full of savory flavor.
- Grilled Scallops Easy to grill and need minimal seasoning to taste irresistibly tender and savory.
Tips For Making This Recipe
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Cooking Tips – If you are using 4 to 6-ounce cod fillets, grill them for 8 minutes and then check the temperature. Larger pieces of cod will likely need the full 10 minutes of grill time.
Storing Tips – The cooked cod will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Alternate Cooking Methods – If you don’t have an outdoor grill to use for this recipe, you can bake the cod in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Check the temperature . Continue to bake till cod is fully cooked and flakes apart.
If you try this recipe, let us know! , share your photos, or leave us a rating.
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When Is Cod Done
When sourcing good quality fish we recommend cooking cod to an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, or otherwise known as chefs temperature. After removing the fish, carry over cooking will occur and the internal temperature will continue to rise another 5 degrees to 140 degrees F while it rests.
The USDA recommends cooking all fish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit if you are not sure where the fish came from. Always grill meats to internal temperature and not based upon a specific time. Size of the cuts and the temperature of your fire will vary the grilling times.