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If you’re craving a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, the Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe is just what you need. This delightful meal balances the tender, flaky texture of perfectly grilled cod with the vibrant burst of roasted cherry tomatoes, all brought together by a luscious, herb-infused dill sauce. It’s fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet vital for creating the layers of flavor that make this dish so memorable. Each component plays a unique role, from the burst of juicy acidity in the tomatoes to the cool herbaceous kick in the sauce.
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed cod fillets for the most delicate, flaky texture.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these roast beautifully to add a caramelized pop of flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to coat the tomatoes, helping them roast to perfection while adding richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill (or 2 tbsp dried dill): Dill brings a bright, slightly citrusy note that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a tangy base for the dill sauce.
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lifts the entire dish with fresh acidity and balances richness.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory warmth to the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the fish and the tomatoes, enhancing their natural flavors.
How to Make Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, around 375°F, or set your oven to broil. This ensures the cod cooks quickly and develops a light, appetizing char while locking in moisture. Having the right temperature from the beginning makes a huge difference in texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Roasted Tomatoes
Toss the cherry tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and makes their juices beautifully concentrated. The blistered skin adds a rustic touch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Season and Grill the Cod
Season your cod fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The grilling locks in moisture and imparts that slightly smoky flavor that pairs impeccably with the roasted tomatoes.
Step 4: Roast the Tomatoes
Place the baking sheet with the tomatoes in the oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until their skins blister and the fruits soften, releasing juicy sweetness. This step is key for developing the depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Mix the Creamy Dill Sauce
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended and creamy. This sauce is a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, smoky fish and sweet tomatoes, adding that signature herbaceous zing that brings the whole dish together.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the grilled cod on plates, top generously with the roasted tomatoes, and drizzle the creamy dill sauce over everything. The interplay of warm, tender fish, tangy, juicy tomatoes, and cooling dill sauce will make your taste buds sing.
How to Serve Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor with a few fresh dill sprigs or a light sprinkle of lemon zest. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before serving adds a subtle crunch and brings out the natural flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, wholesome sides like garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fluffy couscous salad with fresh herbs. These sides complement the delicate fish without overwhelming it, keeping the meal balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cod over a bed of whipped cauliflower puree or alongside grilled asparagus for an elegant twist. You can also turn this into a vibrant salad by flaking the cod over mixed greens and drizzling the dill sauce as a dressing. It’s a versatile recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled cod and roasted tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the creamy dill sauce fresh, store it separately in a small jar or container. This way, the sauce maintains its texture and vibrant flavor when serving again.
Freezing
While the grilled cod is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover cooked fish and roasted tomatoes for up to one month. Place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. However, keep the dill sauce fresh by not freezing it, as sour cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the fish gently in a low-heat oven or on the stovetop to prevent drying it out. Rewarm the roasted tomatoes in the oven until just heated through, then add fresh dill sauce only after reheating to preserve its creamy texture and bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is wonderful for its mild flavor and flaky texture, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to grill the cod, or can I bake it instead?
You can definitely bake the cod if grilling isn’t an option. Bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily. The grilling adds a lovely smoky note, but baked cod paired with roasted tomatoes and dill sauce is still delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t have fresh dill? Can I use dried dill?
Yes, dried dill works well in this recipe. Use half the amount of dried dill compared to fresh, which is why the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons if you’re using dried. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it will still taste wonderful.
Can I make the creamy dill sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dill sauce a few hours or even a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container to let the flavors meld together even more. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Are there any gluten-free considerations with this recipe?
This entire dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check any additional sides or garnishes to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a simple, fresh meal that feels both special and effortless to make. This Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe embodies that perfectly. The combination of textures and flavors is a true crowd-pleaser, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next dinner. Give it a try—I promise it will brighten your mealtime and might just become your new go-to recipe.
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Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes & Creamy Dill Sauce recipe offers a delightful combination of tender, flaky cod fillets grilled to perfection and paired with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. Topped with a refreshing, tangy dill sauce made from sour cream and fresh herbs, this dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a healthy and elegant weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Creamy Dill Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh dill (or 2 tbsp dried dill)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F) or set your oven to broil. This ensures an optimal cooking environment for both the cod and tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: In a bowl, gently toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for roasting.
- Season Cod Fillets: Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor before grilling.
- Grill Cod: Place the cod fillets on the grill skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Roast Tomatoes: While grilling the cod, place the baking sheet with tomatoes under the broiler or in the oven for 10-12 minutes, roasting until the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- Make Creamy Dill Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well blended to create a zesty sauce.
- Serve: Plate the grilled cod fillets, spoon the roasted tomatoes on top or to the side, and drizzle generously with the creamy dill sauce. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Fresh dill provides a brighter flavor, but dried dill can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to create nice grill marks on the cod.
- To keep the cod moist, avoid overcooking; fish should flake easily but still be tender.
- Additional lemon wedges can be served on the side for extra brightness.
- This recipe works well with any firm white fish if cod is not available.
