Name: Grilled Cod in Foil
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12 sprigs of fresh thyme; 1 pound cod fillets; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 tablespoons finely diced shallot; 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 lemon (thinly sliced); optional - additional chopped fresh herbs for serving (like parsley, tarragon, or thyme)

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This delicious grilled cod in foil is topped with a lemon butter sauce that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of the cod.

This great recipe is an easy method for cooking the perfect cod. Cod is a type of fish that even people who are nervous about fish will like. I hope your family will enjoy this easy lemon butter cod as much as we do!

If you like grilling fish, try our red snapper and halibut as well.

Grilled cod in foil on a marble backdrop.

Grilled Cod Recipe Features

If you are an avid fish lover or not even a huge fan of fish - this is a fish recipe you've got to try! Cod is an easy fish to like, because of its mild flavor and tender flesh.
Cod isn't an overwhelmingly fishy fish. It's tender, sweet, and has an almost milky flavor. It pairs well with loads of flavors, especially the delicious butter sauce we've used in this recipe.
You can serve the grilled cod with a simple roasted vegetable side dish, use it in fish tacos, or add it to a pasta or rice dish.
If you love cod, try our baked cod and pan seared cod as well!

Grilled Cod Ingredients

Cod - You'll need 1 pound of cod. These can be in 3 to 4 fillets or one large piece. If you're using smaller 4 to 6-ounce fillets, check them after 8 minutes on the grill as they'll cook more quickly than a larger piece.
Herbs - You'll need at least 12 sprigs of fresh thyme. This will be placed under the fish while cooking. You can substitute this for tarragon or parsley if you'd prefer. You may also want a few extra sprigs of fresh herbs to sprinkle on the fish after it comes off the grill.
S & P - You'll use ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper to sprinkle on the fish before cooking it.
Butter Sauce - You'll need 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of finely diced shallots, and 2 cloves of finely minced garlic to make the butter sauce.
Lemon - You'll slice 1 lemon into thin, round slices. These will be placed on top of the fish before grilling.
Aluminum Foil - You'll need to use pieces of heavy aluminum foil to wrap the fish. If the aluminum foil you have tears easily, use two pieces.

A cod fillet, salt and pepper, sliced lemon, diced shallots, grated garlic, and melted butter.

What to Serve with Grilled Cod

Cod is a lighter fish that pairs well with green salads and grilled or roasted vegetables. Try my easy green salad, roasted broccoli, Mediterranean grilled vegetables, or Asian style green beans.

Grilled cod with lemon a plate next to roasted asparagus.

If you try this easy grilled cod recipe, let us know! Connect with us on Instagram, share your photos, or leave us a rating.

Grilled Cod in Foil

This grilled cod in foil recipe is so easy to make and results in the most tender, flaky fish!

4.95 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 8

Cook Time: 10

Additional Time: 2

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Author: Emily Wilson

Ingredients

12 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 pound cod fillets
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter melted
2 tablespoons finely diced shallot
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1 lemon thinly sliced
optional - additional chopped fresh herbs for serving like parsley, tarragon, or thyme

Instructions

Heat a grill to medium-high heat (365 degrees F).
Tear off several large squares of aluminum foil. There should be one for every cod fillet. Set the cod on the foil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Combine the melted butter, diced shallot, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush the mixture across the fillets.
Place several lemon slices across the top of each fillet.
Close the foil packets around the fish, crimping the foil so it creates a closed packet.
Reduce the grill heat to medium. Place the foil packets on the grill (not directly on top of a flame, indirect heat works best) and grill for 8 to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes apart. Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
Remove the packets from the grill and place the cod on plates. Top with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips - If you use 4 to 6-ounce cod fillets, grill them for 8 minutes and then check the temperature. Larger pieces of cod will likely need the full 10 minutes of grill time.

Storage - Leftover cod will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Alternate Cooking Methods -If you don't have an outdoor grill to use for this recipe, you can bake the cod (in the foil packets) in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Check the temperature (fish should be 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer). Continue to bake till cod is fully cooked and flakes apart.