If you are searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and is surprisingly easy to prepare, this Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. The tender, flaky cod pairs beautifully with the smoky, nutty, and slightly spicy romesco sauce, creating a memorable meal that feels both elegant and comfortingly homey. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that you’ll want to make your go-to seafood dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create a rich and layered flavor profile. Each item serves a distinct purpose, from creating the sauce’s creamy texture to enhancing the cod’s natural sweetness and smokiness.
- 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted hazelnuts: Adds a toasty, buttery crunch that forms the base of the romesco sauce’s signature flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, smashed: Infuses a pungent depth to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 1/4 cups drained roasted red peppers (about 8 oz.): Brings a vibrant color and sweet, smoky undertones to the sauce.
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving: Offers fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar: This adds just the right amount of acid to balance the sauce’s richness.
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste: Contributes a concentrated, slightly tangy sweetness that deepens the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat to keep your palate intrigued.
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Provides a smooth, luscious body for the sauce and keeps the cod moist while grilling.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika, divided: The smoky notes enhance both the sauce and the fish for a harmonious flavor.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spice that complements the entire dish.
- 4 (8-oz.) cod fillets: The star of the plate — mild-flavored and flaky, perfect for absorbing the lively sauce.
- Vegetable oil, for grill: Helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning of the fish.
How to Make Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Romesco Sauce
Start by blending the roasted hazelnuts, garlic, roasted red peppers, parsley, sherry vinegar, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until you get a smooth, velvety sauce. This step is where all the flavors come together into a creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy sauce that will make your grilled cod unforgettable.
Step 2: Season the Cod Fillets
Brush both sides of the cod fillets with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and to promote a beautiful sear on the grill. Then, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the cod to shine and prepares it for perfect grilling.
Step 3: Grill the Cod
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure flavorful grill marks without drying out the fish. Grill the cod fillets for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are opaque and easily flake with a fork. The grilling adds a subtle smokiness and tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the romesco sauce.
Step 4: Serve with Romesco Sauce
Place the grilled cod on plates and generously spoon the romesco sauce over each fillet. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness right before serving. This final touch makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also refreshes the palate. For an extra touch, you might consider a light drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil or a few toasted hazelnuts to echo the sauce’s nutty flavor. These simple garnishes turn the dish into a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike.
Side Dishes
Pairing your grilled cod with seasonal vegetables like grilled asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad will complement the rich and smoky romesco sauce beautifully. For something heartier, a side of creamy polenta or quinoa salad adds texture and helps round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cod over a bed of grilled vegetables or even a vibrant saffron rice to make the dish pop with color. For dinner parties, plate the fish family-style with a large bowl of romesco sauce on the side so guests can add as much or as little as they like. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the presentation to something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the cod and romesco sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. This separation helps maintain the texture of the fish and the freshness of the sauce for up to two days. Keeping them apart also makes reheating easier and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the romesco sauce on its own in a sealed container for up to three months. The cod fillets don’t freeze as well once cooked due to their delicate texture, so freezing is not recommended for the grilled fish.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cod in a low oven or microwave, taking care not to overcook. Warm the romesco sauce separately on the stove or in the microwave until just heated through. Once both are warm, plate the fish and spoon the sauce over just before serving to keep the flavors bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make the romesco sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The romesco sauce actually benefits from sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge because it allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for hazelnuts if I have allergies?
Almonds or walnuts can work well as alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. Toast them lightly to maintain the nutty richness that is characteristic of romesco sauce.
Is grilling the only way to cook the cod?
Not at all! If you don’t have access to a grill, pan-searing or broiling the cod are excellent options. Just make sure not to overcook to keep the fish tender and moist.
How spicy is the romesco sauce?
The romesco sauce carries a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, balanced by the smoky paprika and sweetness from the roasted red peppers. You can always adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other firm white fish like halibut, snapper, or sea bass would work well with this sauce and grilling method. Just be mindful of cooking times depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its beautiful combination of smoky, nutty, and fresh flavors makes it a standout dish you’ll be excited to serve any time. Give it a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy seafood!
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Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Cod with Romesco Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets grilled to perfection and topped with a smoky, nutty romesco sauce made from roasted hazelnuts, red peppers, and smoked paprika. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe combines simple grilling techniques with a rich, Spanish-inspired sauce to elevate your seafood meal.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted hazelnuts
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 1/4 cups drained roasted red peppers (about 8 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp smoked paprika, divided
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cod:
- 4 (8-oz.) cod fillets
- Vegetable oil, for grill
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Romesco Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted hazelnuts, smashed garlic clove, drained roasted red peppers, chopped fresh parsley, sherry vinegar, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Cod Fillets: Brush each cod fillet lightly with vegetable oil and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and prevent sticking to the grill.
- Grill the Cod: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the cod fillets on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating that it is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the grilled cod fillets and generously spoon the romesco sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Roasting your own red peppers can enhance the sauce’s flavor, but jarred roasted peppers are a convenient alternative.
- If you don’t have a grill, the cod can also be cooked under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the heat level.
- The romesco sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve the dish with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
