Zesty Lemon Butter Cod in Grilled Foil

Discover the ultimate stress-free and unbelievably delicious way to prepare fish with our recipe for Grilled Cod in Foil with Lemon Butter Sauce. This method promises perfectly tender, flaky cod every time, infused with a bright, zesty lemon-garlic butter that sings of summer. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience right on your grill. Forget complicated cooking techniques; wrapping your cod in foil packets ensures a mess-free process and consistently moist results, making it an absolute game-changer for seafood lovers. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled vegetables for a light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Cod Recipe

• Effortless Grilling Perfection: The beauty of cooking cod in foil lies in its simplicity. After a quick seasoning and a drizzle of the vibrant lemon butter sauce, your cod fillets are snugly wrapped in foil packets. The grill then takes over, cooking the fish to tender, flaky perfection in just about 10 minutes, sealing in all the flavors and moisture with minimal supervision. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” approach that delivers professional-grade results, making it the best grilled cod recipe for a busy schedule.
• Irresistibly Delicious Lemon Butter Sauce: A truly exceptional fish dish hinges on its sauce, and ours is a star. A simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of fresh lemon juice, rich melted butter, and aromatic minced garlic elevates the mild cod to new heights. This bright and savory sauce penetrates the fish as it cooks, ensuring every bite of your grilled cod is bursting with delightful zest and buttery richness. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms a good meal into an unforgettable one.
• Remarkably Healthy and Diet-Friendly: For those mindful of their health and dietary needs, this grilled cod recipe is a dream come true. It is naturally low in carbohydrates, completely gluten-free, and perfectly suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle. Cod is an excellent source of lean protein and essential nutrients, making this dish a fantastic choice for a nutritious and guilt-free healthy seafood meal.
• Speedy Meal Solution: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in roughly 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, healthy, and delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The quick cooking time on the grill means less time waiting and more time enjoying perfectly cooked fish.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil packets is a revelation for easy cleanup. The foil acts as its own cooking vessel, containing all the delicious juices and seasonings, which means fewer dirty pans and a quicker post-dinner routine. Simply discard the foil, and you’re left with perfectly cooked fish and hardly any mess! This makes grilled cod in foil a true winner.

Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Cod in Foil

• Mastering Fish Doneness: The key to perfectly cooked fish is not overcooking it. Cod is done when it’s opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. To be absolutely certain, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet; once it registers an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit (63° Celsius), your fish is fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed. This ensures a moist and tender texture every time you cook cod in foil.
• Customize Your Flavors: While the lemon butter sauce is divine on its own, cod is a versatile white fish that acts as a blank canvas for various flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Sprinkle on your favorite fresh or dried herbs like dill, thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an aromatic twist. A pinch of paprika, a dash of cayenne for heat, or even some finely chopped chives can add wonderful depth. Feel free to explore different seasoning blends to match your palate and elevate your grilled cod.
• Grill Smart, Eat Well: Maximize your grilling efforts by cooking your side dishes simultaneously with the cod. Hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or corn on the cob can be tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and placed directly on the grill grates or in a foil packet alongside your fish. Quick-cooking options like grilled broccoli, eggplant, or brussels sprouts are excellent companions that will be ready at the same time as your fish, creating a complete and cohesive healthy meal.
• Selecting the Best Cod: Always opt for fresh, firm cod fillets with a mild scent. If using frozen cod, ensure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before patting it dry. Patting the fish thoroughly dry is crucial for achieving good texture and allowing seasonings to adhere properly, leading to the best grilled cod result.
• Sealing the Foil Packets: For the best results, ensure your foil packets are tightly sealed. This creates a steamy environment that cooks the fish evenly and locks in all the flavorful moisture from the lemon butter sauce. Don’t leave any gaps that could allow steam or juices to escape, which is key to tender cod in foil.

Grilled Cod in Foil with Lemon Butter Sauce: The Full Recipe

This simple but incredibly satisfying summer recipe combines perfectly tender, flaky grilled cod with an irresistible lemon-garlic butter sauce, all cooked conveniently in foil for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a healthy, quick, and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion when you’re craving a delicious and easy fish recipe.

Ingredients

Equipment

• 4 sheets of aluminum foil
• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Basting brush
• Grill

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350° and 375° Fahrenheit (175°-190° Celsius). Allow it to heat thoroughly before placing the foil packets to ensure even cooking for your grilled cod.

2. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Lay out four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, one for each cod fillet. Gently pat each cod fillet completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for helping the seasonings adhere and for achieving the best texture. Season both sides of each fillet evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

   

3. Whisk Together the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly incorporated and form a cohesive sauce. This simple lemon butter sauce is the heart of the dish and will infuse your cod with incredible flavor.

   

4. Sauce and Seal the Packets: Generously brush the prepared lemon butter sauce over the top of each seasoned cod fillet. If desired, place a few lemon coins on top of each fillet for extra citrusy flavor and an attractive presentation. Carefully wrap the foil securely around each fillet, creating a tightly sealed packet. Ensure there are no open seams to prevent steam and juices from escaping during grilling, which is essential for tender cod in foil.

   

5. Grill to Perfection: Place the tightly sealed foil packets directly on the preheated grill over indirect heat. Grill the cod for 8 to 10 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and the actual temperature of your grill. The fish is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 145° Fahrenheit (63° Celsius) as measured with a reliable meat thermometer.

   

6. Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the hot foil packets from the grill using tongs. Be cautious of the steam when opening. Unwrap the foil, transfer the perfectly grilled cod fillets to serving plates, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your chosen side dishes and additional lemon-butter sauce if desired.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Adjustments

• Make it Paleo-Friendly: To adapt this recipe for a Paleo diet, simply substitute the regular butter with ghee. Ghee provides a similar rich, buttery flavor without the dairy solids, making it a perfect alternative for your grilled cod.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, a high-quality vegan butter substitute works wonderfully in place of traditional butter. Ensure your chosen vegan butter melts smoothly and has a neutral flavor profile to complement the lemon and garlic in your sauce.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your lemon butter sauce or sprinkle them over the cod before sealing the foil packet for an extra zing.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Beyond parsley, consider fresh dill, chives, or thyme. These herbs pair exceptionally well with cod and lemon. Mix them into the butter sauce or sprinkle generously before grilling for a more aromatic grilled cod.
• Add Veggies to the Packet: For a true one-packet meal, thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can be added directly into the foil packet with the cod before grilling. This infuses the fish with even more flavor and cooks your side simultaneously, making for an even easier summer recipe.

Why Foil Grilling is a Game Changer for Fish

Grilling in foil, often referred to as “en papillote,” is a culinary technique that truly shines when cooking delicate proteins like cod. This method offers several distinct advantages, making it ideal for creating moist and flavorful fish dishes like our grilled cod in foil with lemon butter sauce:

• Locks in Moisture and Flavor: By creating a sealed environment, the foil packet traps all the natural juices of the fish and the aromatic steam from the lemon butter sauce. This results in incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful fish that might otherwise dry out on direct grill grates. It ensures your cod is never dry!
• Even Cooking: The contained steam ensures that the fish cooks gently and evenly from all sides, preventing any parts from becoming overcooked or undercooked. This consistent heat distribution is perfect for achieving that desired flaky texture.
• No Stick, No Mess: Fish can often stick to grill grates, leading to torn fillets and frustrating cleanup. Foil eliminates this problem entirely. The fish cooks without touching the grates, and the foil packet contains all the mess, making cleanup a breeze. It’s an easy fish recipe from start to finish.
• Infusion of Flavors: The foil acts like a miniature oven, allowing the flavors of the lemon, garlic, butter, and any herbs to meld and infuse deeply into the cod, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste profile with every bite.
• Healthy Cooking Method: This method requires minimal added fats and relies on steam cooking, making it an inherently healthy way to prepare fish. It preserves nutrients and avoids charring that can occur with direct grilling, contributing to a healthier summer dinner.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions

This versatile Grilled Cod in Foil with Lemon Butter Sauce pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete and balanced meal. Here are some ideas to inspire your menu for this easy summer recipe:

• Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: As mentioned in our tips, grilling vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob alongside your fish is a fantastic way to utilize your grill and create a harmonious meal. Roasting them in the oven also works wonderfully.
• Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: A bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa provides a neutral base to soak up all the delicious lemon butter sauce and adds a satisfying carbohydrate component to your meal.
• Light Salads: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter sauce. Consider a Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a truly fresh pairing.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible lemon butter sauce go to waste! Serve with some warm, crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the flavorful lemon butter.
• Potato Dishes: Simple boiled potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted potato wedges can be comforting and filling sides that complement the delicate flavor of the grilled cod.
• Couscous or Orzo: For a lighter grain option, lemon herb couscous or a simple orzo pasta salad would complement the cod beautifully, adding a different texture and flavor dimension.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grilled Cod in Foil

• Can I cook this cod in the oven instead of grilling?

  Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or prefer oven cooking, you can bake these foil packets with excellent results. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (63°C). The foil will still lock in all the moisture and flavor.

• What kind of foil should I use for cod in foil?

  Heavy-duty aluminum foil is highly recommended as it’s less likely to tear and provides a more secure seal for the packets, preventing any delicious juices from escaping. If you only have regular foil, use two layers per packet for added strength and security.

• Can I prepare the foil packets ahead of time?

  Yes, you can assemble the foil packets up to a few hours in advance. After seasoning the fish and adding the lemon butter sauce and lemon slices, seal the packets and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This is a great tip for meal prepping or entertaining guests.

• How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the foil?

  A light spray of cooking oil or a thin layer of butter on the inside of the foil (where the fish will rest) before placing the fish can help prevent sticking. While cod generally releases easily from foil when properly cooked, this extra step provides assurance.

• Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

  Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with other firm white fish varieties such as halibut, tilapia, haddock, or even salmon. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of the fish. Thicker fillets may need a minute or two longer on the grill, while thinner ones might cook a bit faster. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The nutritional values provided are general guidelines based on the ingredients listed for one serving. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used, and are not including any optional ingredients.

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 803 kcal
• Protein: 161 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Net Carbs: 3 g
• Vitamin C: 30 mg
• Cholesterol: 402 mg
• Sodium: 532 mg
• Potassium: 3781 mg
• Calcium: 158 mg
• Iron: 4 mg

Note: Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed, weigh the finished recipe, then divide by the desired number of servings.

More Delicious Fish & Seafood Recipes

• Shrimp and Corn Soup
• Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon
• Easy Salmon Patties and Lemon Garlic Sauce
• Grilled Mahi Mahi
• Creamy Fish Chowder

We hope this Grilled Cod in Foil with Lemon Butter Sauce becomes a staple in your summer cooking repertoire! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with an easy technique, can yield truly spectacular results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a grilling novice, this easy fish recipe is designed for success and pure enjoyment.

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For even more delicious and wholesome recipes, explore our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes. Happy grilling and bon appétit!