Description
This Grilled Cod with Homemade Romesco Sauce is a flavorful, healthy dish combining tender, flaky cod fillets grilled to perfection and topped with a rich, smoky Romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, nuts, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe offers vibrant Mediterranean flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Romesco Sauce:
- 1 large red bell pepper, roasted and peeled (or use jarred roasted red peppers)
- 2 medium tomatoes, roasted and peeled (or use canned fire-roasted tomatoes)
- ¼ cup almonds (or other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Romesco Sauce: If using fresh red peppers and tomatoes, roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until charred. Remove skins, seeds, and stems from peppers and peel the tomatoes.
- Blend the Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine roasted peppers, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp water to adjust consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set sauce aside or refrigerate if preparing ahead.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or brush the cod fillets with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Cod: Season the cod fillets evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest if using.
- Grill the Cod: Place the seasoned fillets on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve: Remove the cod from the grill and place on serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of homemade Romesco sauce over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Roasting the red peppers and tomatoes enhances the smoky flavor of the Romesco sauce, but jarred roasted peppers and canned fire-roasted tomatoes are convenient substitutes.
- If you prefer a nuttier sauce, try using hazelnuts or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Adjust water quantity when blending the sauce to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Ensure your grill grates are well oiled to prevent the delicate fish from sticking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and freshness of the cod fillets.
- Leftover Romesco sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a dip or spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
