We all have that one dish that sneaks its way into weekly dinner rotation without fail. For me, this grilled cod is it. It’s light, clean, and tastes like summer kissed it right on the cheek. No fuss, no drama. Just a few fresh ingredients, a hot grill, and boom—restaurant-level dinner at home. The best grilled fish recipes don’t rely on fancy tricks. They lean into what fish already does well: taste great with a little heat and a bit of citrus. Grilled cod fish recipes like this one are my go-to when I want something that feels special but takes less time than scrolling through takeout options. We’re talking buttery flakes, a hint of char, and a zing of lemon that cuts through like a good punchline. If you’ve ever stared at the seafood counter wondering, “Now what?”—this is your answer. Simple, flavorful grilled cod recipes like this one check all the boxes. Plus, it works great whether you’re feeding just yourself, or the in-laws who “just happened to be in the area.” Let’s grill.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs
4) How to Make Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs
5) Tips for Making Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs
6) Making Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs
8) Try these seafood recipes next!
9) Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This grilled fish recipe is quick and doesn’t need special tools.
Lemon slices double as a flavor booster and a no-stick trick.
Fresh cod cooks fast and stays flaky if you don’t overdo it.
You can swap cod for other white fish like haddock or halibut.

2) Easy Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Let’s be honest. Some nights, we just want to eat something that doesn’t involve 17 ingredients or a sink full of dishes. That’s when I reach for this grilled cod with lemon and herbs. The prep is done before your playlist finishes its first song, and clean-up? Practically nonexistent.

This is one of those grilled fish recipes that reminds me why I love cooking. The cod holds its shape but flakes apart like it’s showing off. Add a squeeze of lemon and a touch of thyme, and you’ve got something that tastes way fancier than it is. I’ve served it to picky eaters, seafood skeptics, and even my neighbor who thinks grilling is only for steak. They all went back for seconds.

It’s fast. It’s fresh. It’s foolproof. And hey, if you’re feeling wild, throw some asparagus or zucchini on the grill, too. Then you’ve got dinner and a side without even turning on the stove.

3) Ingredients for Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Cod Fillets: I usually grab about four fillets, each around six ounces. Fresh is great, but frozen works fine if you thaw it completely and pat it dry. That last part’s key. Don’t skip it or you’ll end up steaming, not grilling.

Olive Oil: Two tablespoons is all you need. A quick brush gives the fish a nice, light coat and keeps things from sticking. Plus, it helps the herbs cling.

Lemon: One lemon, thinly sliced, does double duty. It goes under the fish to keep it from sticking and adds bright citrus flavor without being overpowering.

Fresh Thyme: A couple teaspoons of leaves add a subtle earthiness. Dried thyme works if that’s what you’ve got, but fresh is definitely better if it’s available.

Salt and Pepper: Don’t be shy. Season both sides. The cod is mild and needs a little help to shine.

Lemon Wedges for Serving: I like to toss a few wedges on each plate. They look nice and give everyone the option to bump up the tang.

4) How to Make Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Step 1: Heat your grill to medium-high. You want it hot enough that a flick of water sizzles right away. That’s how you know it’s ready.

Step 2: Pat the cod dry. I know, I keep saying it, but it’s important. A dry surface helps it sear instead of steam.

Step 3: Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil. Then season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Keep it simple. The fish does most of the work here.

Step 4: Lay lemon slices on the grill and set the fillets right on top. Yep, directly on the lemon. It keeps the fish from sticking and makes your house smell like a beachside restaurant.

Step 5: Grill the cod uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes per side. It should be opaque and flake easily. If you’re poking it a lot, it’s probably not ready yet.

Step 6: Slide it off the grill, plate it up, and serve with lemon wedges. That’s it. You’re officially someone who can grill fish without panic.

5) Tips for Making Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Don’t rush the grill. Let it heat up fully. A lukewarm grill leads to sad, soggy fish. And no one wants that. Wait for the sizzle test. That’s your green light.

Use the lemons. They’re not just for flavor. They keep the fillets from turning into fishy glue on your grill grates. Plus, they caramelize and smell amazing.

Watch the time. Cod cooks fast. Like, really fast. If you walk away to check your phone, you might miss it. Set a timer if you need to. I do.

6) Making Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs Ahead of Time

Want to save time? You can prep the cod ahead by seasoning it and storing it in the fridge. Just don’t grill it until you’re ready to eat. Cod’s not the kind of fish that improves with a reheat.

You can also slice the lemon and pull the thyme leaves ahead of time. I do this in the morning so dinner is basically a toss-and-grill situation when evening rolls around.

If you’re entertaining, prep everything on a tray and keep it chilled. When guests arrive, you just walk outside, flip a few fillets, and pretend like you’re the grill master. Works every time.

7) Storing Leftover Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Leftovers? They’ll keep for about two days in the fridge if you store them in an airtight container. I usually flake them over a salad or tuck them into a tortilla with some slaw for an easy lunch.

Just don’t microwave it. Please. It makes the cod rubbery and the house smelly. A gentle reheat in a pan works better, or just eat it cold.

And if your fish smells weird after a day or two, toss it. Cod should smell like the sea, not a bait shop.

8) Try these seafood recipes next!

9) Grilled Cod with Lemon and Herbs