Grilled North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill Butter
Delicate North Atlantic cod fillets grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon-dill butter that brightens the mild fish flavor. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs about 6 oz each cod fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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, about 6 oz each cod fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Pat dry 4 cod fillets and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove the cod from the grill and immediately top each fillet with a generous dollop of the lemon-dill butter. Let the butter melt over the warm fish before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Grilled North Atlantic Cod 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 about 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled North Atlantic Cod 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 Grilled North Atlantic Cod 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 Grilled North Atlantic Cod with Lemon-Dill Butter?
Seafood seafood 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.