Grilled Cod with Homemade Romesco Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Cod with Homemade Romesco Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that brings together delicate, flaky cod with a smoky, vibrant Spanish sauce made from roasted red peppers, nuts, and aromatic spices. This recipe shines for its simplicity and the way it transforms everyday ingredients into an impressive meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a quick weeknight upgrade, the combination of perfectly grilled fish and bold, zesty sauce guarantees everyone will come back for seconds.

Why Grilled Cod with Homemade Romesco Sauce Works

The star of this dish is the contrast between the mild, tender cod and the robust, tangy flavors of romesco sauce. Charring the fish on the grill locks in moisture and adds a slightly smoky note, while the sauce—rich with almonds, smoky paprika, and garlic—provides just the right amount of complexity. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for pairing with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

Making the Ultimate Romesco Sauce

Homemade romesco sauce comes together quickly in a blender or food processor. Roasted red peppers form the base, blended with toasted almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, and extra-virgin olive oil. The result is a creamy, punchy sauce that brings the dish to life and also works beautifully as a dip or sandwich spread.

Grilling the Cod to Perfection

Grilled cod is all about high heat and quick cooking. Brush fillets with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before placing them on a hot grill. Don’t overcrowd the grill, and use a well-oiled grate or grill basket to prevent sticking. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, until the fish is opaque and just begins to flake. A squeeze of lemon right before serving adds a bright finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Cod with Romesco

Present the grilled cod over a generous smear of romesco sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or microgreens. Serve alongside roasted potatoes, steamed rice, or a medley of grilled vegetables. This dish also shines as part of a light, Mediterranean-inspired meal with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 portions. Each serving is approximately 290–350 calories, packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins from the sauce—making it a nutritious choice for both family dinners and entertaining.

Grilled Cod with Homemade Romesco Sauce (Recap)

A balanced meal that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in appearance, this grilled cod recipe is sure to impress while being easy enough to tackle on a busy weeknight.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create an organized shopping list sorted by grocery store section—making your meal prep and shopping fast and stress-free!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Romesco Sauce:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, tomato paste, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Pulse until mostly smooth, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the sauce is creamy and well-emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
2. Preheat and Prep the Grill:
   • Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates (or use a grill basket for easy fish handling).
3. Season the Cod:
   • Brush cod fillets with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the Cod:
   • Place fillets on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the fish flakes easily (internal temp should reach 145°F/63°C).
5. Serve:
   • Spoon a generous amount of romesco sauce onto each plate, lay a cod fillet on top, and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This easy-to-prep fish recipe is excellent for meal planners. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly plan to have all the ingredients accounted for and organized in a master shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically sums ingredients used in all meals for accurate shopping
• Keeps staples like oil, salt, and spices from being purchased unnecessarily
• Groups grocery items by store section to save time
• Makes meal planning more efficient—no missing ingredients and less waste

Pro tip: If you’re planning a week of Mediterranean meals, schedule each recipe to consolidate fresh herbs, nuts, and pantry staples, saving time and money every grocery trip.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy the perfect harmony of grilled cod and zesty homemade romesco—meal planning, shopping, and dinner made simple and delicious!