If you’re wondering how to give simple, inexpensive fish bold flavor, many will point you toward a marinade, but when time is of the essence a quick and easy fresh topping provides all the flavor you need. That’s why I love this grilled cod recipe with Mediterranean-style salsa. It bursts with fresh herbs, pistachios, garlic, scallions, and lemon juice, which perks up simple grilled cod in minutes. The herbaceous salsa is also incredibly versatile. I’ll often make a double batch, store it in the fridge, and use it to liven up whatever I have on hand—leftover Skirt Steak, Scrambled Eggs, roasted potatoes, or steamed asparagus, to name just a few ideas! I like to make the salsa in advance so I can quit the kitchen and lounge, drink in hand, by the grill. As soon as the fish comes off the coals, I transfer it to a big platter, spoon on the sauce, and dinner is served.
Ingredients for this Grilled Cod Recipe
You only need three things to grill cod: fish, oil, and salt. But the Mediterranean Herb Salsa lifts the flavor, adding a delicious refreshing quality. You’ll need:
Pistachios: A favorite in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, these green gems add a sweet, earthy flavor and a crunchy texture to the salsa. Parsley serves as the foundation for the salsa, adding bright color and a fresh, herbal flavor. Mint leaves add a refreshing note to the salsa, as well as a fragrant aroma. Scallions add a sharp, pungent flavor to the salsa. Garlic: Adds a spicy note. Lemon juice gives the salsa a hint of acidity and cuts the richness of the olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil provides body to the salsa and helps to carry and intensify the herbs, scallions, and garlic. Choose a high-quality extra virgin variety for the best flavor. READ MORE: How To Taste Olive Oil: A Step-By-Step Guide To Go From The Basics To The Pros TRY IT: Order our selection of favorite Mediterranean-style olive oils at our shop. Kosher salt and ground pepper bring out the flavors of the aromatic ingredients. Cod filets are firm and mild, perfect for grilling and loading with flavor.
How to Grill Cod
I love the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill, but a hot grill pan will do the trick as well! Here are the steps to make this grilled cod recipe:
Heat the grill: If using charcoal, heat in a chimney until smoking hot before pouring the coals into the base of the grill. Alternatively, heat a gas grill to medium-high. Make the Pistachio-Herb Salsa: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, 1/2 cup each chopped parsley and mint, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 finely minced scallions, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir in 1/2 cup-3/4 cup olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Prepare the fish for the grill: Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet or platter. Lightly brush the filets on both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Grill the fish: Place the fish on the hot grill. If you are using fish with skin, place skin-side down and cook until browned and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip with a fish spatula and cook just until opaque throughout, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. Drizzle the fish with salsa: Transfer fish to individual plates or a serving platter and drizzle with the Pistachio-Herb Salsa. If you have mint leaves leftover, scatter fish with a few torn leaves. Serve immediately.
Ways to Mix it Up
As long as you hit all the essential flavor elements, it’s easy to make this recipe fit your tastes. Some ideas:
Tweak the salsa: Experiment with any combination of acidic citrus juice, nuts, and fresh herbs, and good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. When basil is in season, I swap it for mint and use hazelnuts, parsley, and shallots with a dash of orange zest. Use another fish: The fish should be firm-fleshed and able to stand up to grilling, with a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the herb sauce. Good options besides cod include swordfish, skin-on branzino filets, and rainbow trout. If grilling fish is new to you, you may want to try a thicker cut like skin-on halibut or haddock instead—any white fish that is 1/2 inch or so thick.
What to Serve with Grilled Cod
Since the herb salsa is packed with flavor, you’ll want to keep the side dishes simple. Even better, opt for sides that can be made ahead, or kept warm for the few minutes that it takes to grill the fish.This Easy Blanched Asparagus or Boiled Potatoes with Garlic and Fresh Herbs, and don’t forget the drinks! A bright and colorful pitcher of Hibiscus Tea is perfect for porch-sitting weather! Browse All Mediterranean Recipes
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