Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter
Flaky cod fillets gently smoked over cherry wood, served with a bright lemon and dill butter to enhance the mild flavor of the fish. This seafood-inspired grilling ready in about 70 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups, soaked cherry wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brush with 2 tbsp olive oil to keep them moist.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 180°F and add 2 cups soaked cherry wood chips for a sweet, mild smoke flavor.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets on the smoker grate and smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: While the cod smokes, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small pan, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 2 tbsp lemon juice, cooking gently for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove the smoked cod from the smoker and drizzle the lemon-dill butter over each fillet before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cherry Wood Smoked Cod Fillets with Lemon-Dill Butter?
Seafood grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
