Mexican-style Grilled Cod

Cooking 101

Grilled cod with just the right amount of spice to tickle your taste buds... Super easy recipe too! If you like fish, this is your new recipe. Cooks in 10 minutes!

Mexican-style Grilled Cod

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds fresh cod fillets (or thawed frozen)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Dash or two cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil spray
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 lemon, juiced ~2 tablespoons

Garnish: Sour cream, chopped cilantro

Equipment needed:

Cutting board
Chef knife
Measuring spoons
2 small bowls, microwave-safe
Citrus juicer
Half sheet pan
Aluminum foil or copper grill pad
Metal spatula

When vacationing in Mexico I always eat a lot of fish! One night I had it prepared with lots of seasoning and spice, which was so flavorful. Only problem was it was pan-fried and higher in fat than what I normally prefer. Decided I would try to replicate it on the grill! Of course, I love fish… especially when the recipe is super easy! Grilling couldn’t be any easier… only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Even a novice cook can prepare this meal, as little culinary expertise is necessary to create this yummy meal. Open your spice drawer and let’s cook!

I always enjoy purchasing fresh fish whenever possible. If I can’t by fresh, then frozen works too. I live in a small town and all fresh fish varieties might not be available, but I can always buy frozen fish. Cod fillets are usually great frozen and take very little time to thaw, especially when vacuum packed. Just place in cold water and wait about 10 – 15 minutes and their ready to use. If fresh fish is purchased as one large fillet, it needs to be sliced into 5 – 6 ounce portions, as shown above. Lay a piece of foil over a half sheet pan coated with vegetable spray. Using the sheet pan will provide you with a solid base to prepare and carry the fish to the grill. Combine all the dry seasonings and spices together in a small bowl and stir well. Arrange fish fillets on top of the foil and liberally sprinkle half of the dry mixture over the fish. Carefully turn the fillets over and repeat with the remaining spices.

Now that the prep is finished, it’s time to grill. Preheat the grill on medium heat for 5 minutes.Slide the foil and fish onto the grill or use a copper grill pad. I found that using a grill pad helps keep the grill clean and still allows the formation of grill marks and a golden-brown color. Cleans up easily too! Using foil or a grill pad also helps keep the fish together and easy to turn over without falling apart. Cook fish for 5 minutes on each side.

While fish is grilling, place butter and lemon juice in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 – 30 seconds or until butter is just melted. After the second side of the fish is golden, remove fish from grill and pour butter/lemon mixture over fillets. The fish will have a wonderful aroma and delicate red tint from the cooked spices.

Your dinner is ready! Don’t they look wonderful? I love to serve the fillets over Spanish rice with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig or two of cilantro... so pretty. Good enough to eat...right?These fillets can also be served over a tossed green or chopped salad for a lighter fare... Enjoy!