30-Minute Old Bay Grilled Cod
Tender cod fillets seasoned with Old Bay's signature blend of spices and grilled to perfection in a cast-iron skillet. The fish is complemented by a vibrant green herb sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon juice that adds brightness to the savory, well-seasoned fish. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home with simple techniques and bold flavors that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup parsley, leaves and stems
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- salt, to taste
- 4 8-ounce cod fillets, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- 1
Place parsley leaves and stems, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a small food processor and pulse several times until garlic is minced
- 2
Pulse again to combine everything and gradually add small amounts of water to make the sauce liquid and green
- 3
Pat fish fillets dry on both sides with paper towel
- 4
Season cod fillets with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning on both sides
- 5
Bring well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to medium heat
- 6
Add butter and olive oil to the hot pan
- 7
Place cod fillets in pan and don't move them for 6 minutes
- 8
Turn cod over and grill for another 5-6 minutes
- 9
Remove cod from pan
- 10
Drizzle each cod fillet with sauce and serve with more sauce on the side and additional lemon wedges
Tips
Don't move the cod fillets during the first 6 minutes of cooking to ensure a proper sear and prevent sticking.
Make sure your cast-iron skillet is well-seasoned and properly heated before adding the fish for best results.
Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere and promote better browning.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked cod for up to 3 days. Store herb sauce separately for up to 5 days.
Herb sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Season fish just before cooking for best results.
Serve immediately while hot with lemon wedges and extra herb sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't move the fish during initial cooking to avoid breaking the fillet and ensure proper searing.
Avoid overcooking as cod becomes dry and flaky when cooked too long.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning. Frozen fish may release more moisture during cooking.
What if I don't have a cast-iron skillet?
Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or non-stick pan. Adjust heat as needed to prevent sticking.
How long will the herb sauce keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. The color may darken slightly but flavor remains good.