Grilled Alaska Pacific Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter
Introduction
Grilling Alaska Pacific cod on the Arteflame grill gives you beautifully flaky fish with a mouthwatering lemon-garlic butter sauce. Using the high heat from the center grill grate, the fish gets a quick sear before finishing to perfection on the flat cooktop. Paired with grilled vegetables, this is a delicious and elegant meal cooked entirely on the grill!
Ingredients
- 4 Alaska Pacific cod fillets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill
- Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
- Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the outer griddle reaches the ideal cooking temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the lemon-garlic butter sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and dill.
Step 3: Sear the cod fillets
- Lightly brush the fillets with butter sauce.
- Place the fillets on the center grill grate for 30 seconds to get a quick sear.
- Flip the fillets and sear on the other side for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Transfer to the flat cooktop
- Move the fillets onto the flat cooktop to continue cooking.
- Brush the remaining butter sauce over the fillets.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Remove the fillets from the grill when the internal temperature is 130°F (carryover cooking will bring it to 145°F).
- Let the fish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra herbs and serve with grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Use fresh Alaska Pacific cod for the best flavor and texture.
- Always preheat the grill properly for an even cook.
- Butter adds richness and enhances the delicate flavor of the cod.
- Adjust cooking times depending on the thickness of the fish.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Cod: Add 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky flavor.
- Herb-Crusted Cod: Coat the fillets with a mix of chopped thyme, rosemary, and basil before grilling.
- Asian-Inspired Cod: Replace the lemon juice with soy sauce and add grated ginger for an umami kick.
- Mediterranean Cod: Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and capers after grilling.
- Honey Mustard Cod: Mix honey and Dijon mustard into the butter sauce for a sweet-savory balance.
Conclusion
Grilling Alaska Pacific cod on the Arteflame grill results in perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful fish every time. The combination of high-heat searing and gentle finishing ensures the best texture while infusing the fish with a rich, buttery taste. Try the different variations and enjoy a new take on this classic dish!
Best Pairings
- Grilled asparagus or zucchini
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- A fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette