This grilled cod is flaky and tender, topped with a vibrant homemade romesco sauce. It’s simple to make and brings a fresh taste to your dinner plate!
I love how the romesco’s flavors match the fish perfectly. It’s such a treat! Plus, it’s always nice to impress friends with a dish that looks fancy but is super easy to cook. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cod Fillets: Fresh cod is perfect! If cod isn’t available, try using halibut, tilapia, or even salmon. Each will give a slightly different taste but will still work beautifully.
Olive Oil: This is important for flavor and grilling. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil is a great alternative since it has a high smoke point.
Roasted Red Bell Peppers: For the romesco sauce, you can use jarred roasted peppers or roast your own. If you want something spicier, consider using roasted chipotle peppers.
Almonds: Toasted walnuts or even sunflower seeds can work instead of almonds if you prefer a nut-free option.
Vinegar: Sherry vinegar adds depth to the sauce, but you could also use balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste.
How Do I Grill Cod Without It Sticking?
Grilling fish can be tricky, but with the right tips, it’s easy! Here are steps to prevent sticking:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps sear the fish quickly.
- Use a bit of oil on both the grill grates and the fish. This creates a barrier and improves the non-stick nature.
- Place the fish on the grill and don’t move it until it’s time to flip. This helps develop those beautiful grill marks!
- Use a flexible metal spatula to gently lift the fish off the grill when flipping.
These tips will help you achieve perfectly grilled cod every time!
Easy Perfectly Grilled Cod With Homemade Romesco Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, finely sliced green onion
For the Homemade Romesco Sauce:
- 2 roasted red bell peppers (jarred or freshly roasted)
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus approximately 10-15 minutes for cooking on the grill. In total, you can have a fantastic meal ready in about 25-30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy delicious grilled cod with a unique, homemade romesco sauce without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce:
In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic clove, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and sherry vinegar. Pulse everything together until it’s coarsely blended. While the processor is running, slowly add in the olive oil in a steady stream. This helps the sauce become smooth and emulsified. Season your sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want a little kick. Let it sit while you prepare the cod to let the flavors meld together.
2. Prep the Cod:
Take the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them grill better without sticking. Brush both sides of the cod fillets with olive oil, then season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for flavor.
3. Grill the Cod:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place the cod fillets onto the hot grill. Let them grill for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them. You want to see nice grill marks, and the edges should start to turn opaque. Just before you flip, check that they’re not sticking. Carefully turn the fillets over and grill them for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
4. Serve:
Once the cod is grilled to perfection, transfer the fillets onto serving plates. Generously spoon the homemade romesco sauce over the top of the fish. For a touch of color and extra flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal of perfectly grilled cod with that beautiful romesco sauce!
FAQ for Easy Perfectly Grilled Cod With Homemade Romesco Sauce
Can I Use Other Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is a fantastic choice, you can easily substitute it with halibut, tilapia, or salmon. Each type will bring its own flavor and texture, and you may need to adjust the grilling time slightly based on thickness.
How Do I Store Leftover Romesco Sauce?
Leftover romesco sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well! Just defrost it in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir as the ingredients may separate.
Can I Make the Romesco Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the romesco sauce a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. This also allows the flavors to deepen and develop even more!
What Can I Serve With Grilled Cod and Romesco Sauce?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or over a bed of quinoa or rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy!
