Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce

Imagine succulent, flaky Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce melting in your mouth, the sweet burst of blistered tomatoes complementing the delicate fish while a velvety dill sauce ties everything together in perfect harmony. This elegant seafood dish delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of perfectly grilled cod and sweet roasted tomatoes creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will impress even the most discerning palates. You’ll learn how to achieve perfectly cooked cod with a delightful char while creating a sauce that elevates this dish to something truly memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce recipe stands out for many reasons. First, it transforms humble cod into a sophisticated dish without complicated techniques. The contrast between the firm yet tender cod and the juicy, burst tomatoes creates an exciting textural experience with every bite. The creamy dill sauce adds a luxurious element that brings everything together.

What makes this dish special is its balance of flavors – the natural sweetness of cod pairs beautifully with the slight acidity of roasted tomatoes, while the herb-infused cream sauce adds richness without overwhelming the delicate fish. The visual appeal is equally impressive, with the vibrant red tomatoes and green-flecked sauce creating a stunning presentation against the white fish.

Best of all, this impressive dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it accessible for busy weeknights while elegant enough for entertaining. The simple ingredient list features items you likely already have in your pantry, making this grilled cod recipe a reliable go-to option for any occasion.

Ingredients List for the Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce

This recipe features fresh, high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. The combination of delicate cod, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic dill creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pro Tips

Achieving restaurant-quality results with your Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce comes down to a few critical techniques:

First, don’t skip patting the cod fillets dry before grilling. Excess moisture prevents proper searing and can cause the fish to steam rather than grill. A properly dried fillet will develop that desirable light char and grill marks that add flavor dimension.

Second, watch your cooking time carefully. Cod cooks quickly and continues cooking even after being removed from heat. The perfect cod is just cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), appearing opaque and flaking easily with a fork. Overcooking will result in dry, tough fish that ruins the dish’s delicate texture.

Lastly, for the creamiest dill sauce, allow your heavy cream to reduce slightly before adding the butter. This concentration of flavors creates a more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to both the cod and roasted tomatoes. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or stock to adjust the consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Step 2: Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until blistered and slightly charred.

Step 4: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill cod fillets for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through and flaky.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir until warm and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: To serve, plate roasted tomatoes, top with grilled cod, and drizzle with creamy dill sauce. Garnish with extra dill if desired.

Variations

The versatility of Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce makes it perfect for customization. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Mediterranean Style: Enhance the roasted tomato mixture with kalamata olives, capers, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese just before serving. The salty elements complement the sweet tomatoes and delicate cod beautifully.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream-based sauce with a bright herb vinaigrette using olive oil, additional lemon juice, dill, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This lighter alternative maintains the herb flavor while accommodating dairy restrictions.

Different Fish: While this recipe shines with cod, it works exceptionally well with other firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor while working perfectly with the tomatoes and dill sauce. For a more budget-friendly option, try using tilapia or pollock.

Storage and Serving

Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce is best enjoyed fresh from the grill, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, store the components separately – fish, tomatoes, and sauce – and gently reheat them individually. The sauce may separate slightly when reheated; whisk vigorously to recombine.

For elegant serving suggestions, try pairing this grilled cod dish with steamed asparagus and fluffy couscous to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty bread is perfect for capturing any remaining sauce on your plate.

For a more substantial meal, serve alongside roasted baby potatoes tossed with olive oil and herbs. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich, creamy elements of the dish. For wine enthusiasts, a chilled unoaked Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the delicate flavors of this seafood creation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets, but they must be completely thawed and patted very dry before grilling. Excess moisture from frozen fish can prevent proper searing and affect the final texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though you’ll need to simmer it longer to reduce and thicken. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works surprisingly well with the dill and lemon flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for entertaining?
You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the sauce up to a day ahead. Reheat them gently before serving. However, the cod should be grilled just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Is it possible to bake the cod instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake the cod at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until it flakes easily. You won’t get the same char, but the dish will still be delicious.

What herbs can I use instead of dill?
If dill isn’t your preference, fresh tarragon works wonderfully with the creamy sauce and cod. Alternatively, chives or parsley can be substituted for a milder herb flavor that still complements the roasted tomatoes and grilled cod dish.

This Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce balances sophisticated flavor with simple preparation, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of perfectly cooked cod with sweet roasted tomatoes and a velvety herb sauce creates a memorable meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.

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