Grilled Cod Roasted Tomatoes Dill

This crowd-pleasing grilled cod recipe brings out the best in fresh seafood and summer tomatoes Pairing buttery fish with roasted cherry tomatoes and a creamy dill sauce means each bite is bright vibrant and full of texture With a cook time of just thirty minutes it is fast enough for busy nights but impressive enough for a casual dinner party I love how the tangy dill sauce livens up the cod without overwhelming its delicate flavor

I first whipped this up on a Friday night craving something easy but elegant My friends could not believe how fast the whole meal came together yet it tasted like we d planned for hours

Ingredients

• Fresh cod fillets: choose firm white fish with a mild smell They should look moist but not slimy
• Cherry tomatoes: opt for ripe ones with vivid color Feel free to mix red and yellow for more visual pop
• Olive oil: extra virgin gives the best flavor and melts nicely on both fish and tomatoes
• Garlic cloves: look for tight heads with no soft spots and use fresh for stronger flavor
• Salt and black pepper: go for flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to really enhance ingredients
• Heavy cream: a cold full fat cream will give the sauce its rich texture
• Butter: choose real unsalted butter for pure flavor no spreads or imitations
• Fresh dill: select feathery sprigs that look bright green avoid any that are yellowing
• Lemon juice: always use fresh squeezed for the brightest citrus flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare and Season the Cod:

Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels to help them brown Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over all pieces and gently rub in

Prep and Roast the Tomatoes:

Combine cherry tomatoes with remaining olive oil minced garlic a pinch of salt and black pepper Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer Roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees until the tomatoes are softened and just starting to burst This should take around fifteen to twenty minutes and creates caramelized edges

Grill the Cod Fillets:

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat Place the seasoned fillets onto the hot grill and cook around four to five minutes per side Use a thin spatula to flip gently when the bottom looks opaque and has good grill marks Remove as soon as the cod flakes easily

Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce:

Combine heavy cream butter and fresh squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan Heat gently stirring until the butter melts and the cream thickens a bit which takes three to five minutes Remove from heat and add chopped fresh dill Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste

Assemble and Serve:

Arrange the roasted tomatoes on each plate Top with a piece of grilled cod Then generously spoon over the creamy dill sauce Garnish with more fresh dill if you like

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One of my favorite parts is using fresh dill from my garden The aroma always fills my kitchen and reminds me of cooking with my grandmother who grew dill in her window boxes If you are serving guests do not skip that extra sprinkle of dill at the end It lifts the whole dish

Storage Tips

Leftover cod will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to two days For best results reheat the cod gently on low heat to avoid overcooking Store the creamy dill sauce separately and warm it slowly

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cod try any firm white fish like haddock halibut or even tilapia For a lighter sauce swap in Greek yogurt for the heavy cream Just add after heating the butter and lemon and do not boil To keep it dairy free substitute your favorite plant based butter and coconut cream

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines with a simple side of steamed asparagus roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad For a dinner party I sometimes add roasted baby carrots and crusty bread Make sure to serve extra lemon wedges at the table

Cultural and Historical Context

Cod has been a staple in European and New England kitchens for centuries prized for its versatility and mild flavor Roasting tomatoes is an old Italian trick that brings out sweetness and depth Dill sauce echoes classic Scandinavian pairings with fish adding a creamy touch that ties the whole recipe together

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Common Questions

→ Can I use another fish instead of cod?

Yes, you can substitute halibut, haddock, or tilapia. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.

→ How do I get perfectly blistered roasted tomatoes?

Roast the tomatoes on a high heat (425°F) until the skins split and edges char slightly for optimum flavor.

→ Is it possible to make the dill sauce in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce ahead and gently reheat before serving to maintain smoothness and flavor.

→ Can I grill the cod without a grill pan?

You can grill cod on an outdoor grill or cook in a regular skillet. Ensure oiling the surface to prevent sticking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Light salads, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables complement the flavors and keep the meal balanced.

→ How do I keep cod fillets from breaking apart?

Pat cod dry, oil it generously, and avoid flipping more than once. Use a thin spatula for gentle handling.