Grilled Cod
Updated Aug 15, 2026
Grilled cod in 15 minutes! Fresh or frozen cod fillets are great on the grill with a bit of oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Grilled cod is one of those recipes I didn’t think I’d make often. It’s such a delicate, flaky fish that I used to worry it would fall apart on the grill. But once I figured out how to grill it without losing half of it through the grates, I was hooked. Now I make this grilled cod recipe all summer long, seasoning it with garlic, paprika, and whatever else I’m in the mood for.
It only takes about five minutes on the grill, and it’s so good with rice pilaf, grilled potatoes, tucked into fish tacos, or just on its own.”
Recipe Testing Notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe before sharing it with you! These notes give you a peek into the process of developing this Grilled Cod recipe.
This recipe had been on our video list for a while because we’d run into issues with the cod sticking to a grill pan during previous shoots. I retested it on an outdoor grill and had no issues with sticking at all. So I thought it would be important to mention that the key is to make sure the grill grates are fully preheated and well oiled before adding the fish, while also coating the cod with oil like I mention in the instructions. With those steps, and using a fillet that’s not too thin (smaller than 1/2-inch), the cod released easily and stayed intact.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
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Grilled Cod Ingredients
- Cod fillets: You can use fresh or frozen cod for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw the cod completely before grilling. To help ensure the cod doesn’t stick to the grates, I also like to use fillets that are at least 1/2-inch in thickness.
- Oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil, which is better for the high grill heat. This will help the seasoning stick to the fish and creates those gorgeous grill marks we all love.
- Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Grilled Cod
These step-by-step photos walk you through how to make Grilled Cod. For the full ingredient list and detailed instructions, head to the recipe card below, or skip straight to the Grilled Cod Recipe below.
1. Season the Cod
2. Rub the Oil
3. Grill the Fillets
4. Carefully Flip on Grill
Full Grilled Cod Recipe
Grilled Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 4- ounce cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the cod dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder, then rub it with the olive oil. Leave at room temperature while preheating the grill.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Coat grill grates with olive oil.
- Place cod onto the preheated grill. Grill for 4 minutes, then use a spatula to carefully lift the cod off the grill. If it feels sticky, allow it 1-2 more minutes until it releases easily. Flip the cod and cook until the cod starts to flake and reaches internal temperature of 130°F, about 2-4 more minutes. Use a spatula to carefully remove the cod off the grill.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Wipe the grill grate multiple times with oil. I use a paper towel dipped in oil with tongs to wipe the grill grates usually. And when it comes to fish, I add a couple of extra coats because it helps to build a barrier between the grill and the flaky fish so that it doesn’t stick or fall apart.
- Use a fish basket. If you are worried about the cod sticking to the grill or falling apart, then I would recommend using a fish basket. It’s an easy way to cook delicate fish like cod on the grill without any issues.
- Do not overcrowd the grill. This will lead to uneven cooking and make it harder to flip the cod without tearing it.
- Only flip the cod once. Flipping the fish multiple times will make it fall apart. So, be patient and only flip it once halfway through cooking.
Serving Ideas
- Grilled Veggies: Grilled Tomatoes, Grilled Potatoes, Grilled Eggplant
- Rice: Tomato Rice Pilaf, Lemon Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice
Troubleshooting
Cod is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. I like to use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature of the fish.
The key to keeping cod from sticking to the grill is to make sure that the grates are well oiled, and the cod is dry. I also like to use a fish basket sometimes to make flipping and removing the fish from the grill easier.
Comments
This sounds wonderful and cod is one of the only types of fish my guy will eat. What type of paprika do you use? I have smoked and sweet types.
Good question! I use sweet paprika for this recipe. Hope you enjoy!!
Need to learn the nutrition of this meal please
Hi Patti, the nutrition facts can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
Yummy
Glad you liked it!
This is the best fish I’ve ever had, certainly the best I’ve ever made! I used a fish basket, I think that helped prevent sticking. I did everything according to the recipe- simple and so delicious!
So glad you liked it!
Excellent.
Thanks so much, Linda!
What temp should it be cooked at? All I see is “preheated grill”
Hi Dave, you can find the full recipe instructions in the recipe card right above the comments section. You’ll want to preheat your gas grill or grill pan on medium-high heat. Hope that helps!
Making this tonight with grilled veggies too. (Read other place to cut lemon in half and grill it few minutes as well for the cod)
Your recipe Sounds delish! TY
Hi Sandi! I hope you like the grilled cod. Grilling the lemon is a great idea!
The cod was delicious! My husband said SAVE THAT RECIPE! We used a grill ‘cage’ and stayed whole, looked like your pics!!
Thank you!!
Yay! I am so glad you and your husband liked it!
Made this today and its so delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Thank you so much! I am always happy to share!