Grilled Cod with Moroccan-Spiced Tomato Relish: A Flavorful, Easy, and Quick Summer Dish
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Recipe Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 253
Description:
This Grilled Cod with Moroccan-Spiced Tomato Relish is the perfect choice for a quick, flavorful summer dinner. With vibrant spices and fresh, juicy tomatoes, it’s an easy dish you can whip up in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy after-work evenings or casual summer nights. The mild, flaky cod fish pairs perfectly with the bold Moroccan spices, creating a satisfying and healthy meal. While cod is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute it with other firm fish such as walleye, sea bass, or halibut. Serve it over a bed of rice, alongside a crisp green salad, for a complete and balanced meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cod fish fillets | 4 fillets |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 1 cup |
| Orange juice | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 253 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 73.7 mg |
| Sodium | 388.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4.9 g |
| Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugar | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 31.5 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Broiler
- Lightly oil your grill grates, or alternatively, prepare your broiler by heating it up to medium-high. This will ensure your cod fillets get that deliciously crispy outer layer while remaining tender inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cod
- Brush both sides of the cod fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through while complementing the Moroccan-spiced relish.
Step 3: Grill or Broil the Cod
- Place the fillets on the grill or under the broiler. Grill or broil the fish for 8-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through cooking. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. The outside should be golden brown and crispy, providing a delightful texture.
Step 4: Make the Moroccan-Spiced Tomato Relish
- While the cod is cooking, prepare the Moroccan-spiced tomato relish. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and red pepper. Stir them together and cook for about 45 seconds or until fragrant—this step is crucial for unlocking the full depth of flavors in the spices.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for about 15 seconds, allowing the garlic to soften and infuse the oil without burning.
Step 5: Combine the Relish Ingredients
- Transfer the spice mixture to a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the diced tomatoes, orange juice, and salt to taste. Gently stir everything together to combine. The warmth of the spices and the fresh, juicy tomatoes create a delightful relish that pairs beautifully with the grilled cod.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the cod is grilled to perfection, transfer the fillets to serving plates. Top each fillet with a generous spoonful of the Moroccan-spiced tomato relish.
- For a complete meal, serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice, and pair it with a light green salad to balance out the flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cod with Moroccan-Spiced Tomato Relish:
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Fish Alternatives: If you don’t have cod on hand, feel free to substitute it with walleye, sea bass, or halibut. These fish work wonderfully with the Moroccan spices and have a similar texture to cod.
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper in the relish. Alternatively, for a spicier version, increase the red pepper or even add a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a cool, crisp cucumber salad or a fresh tomato and avocado salad to add even more freshness to the meal. For an extra touch, drizzle with some tahini sauce for added creaminess.
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Make It Ahead: You can prepare the Moroccan-spiced tomato relish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This gives the flavors more time to meld together, enhancing the depth of the relish when you’re ready to serve it.
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Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill or broiler, you can also cook the cod fillets in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
This Grilled Cod with Moroccan-Spiced Tomato Relish is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that combines the best of Moroccan flavors with the freshness of summer tomatoes. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or a weekend cookout, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your family or friends and bask in the compliments!
