Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes: Easy & Healthy Recipe

Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes: A Weeknight Wonder

Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Craving something delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy to make? Then you absolutely MUST try this Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes! It’s a flavor explosion that’s ready in minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal when time is short but you still want something special.

Why You’ll Love It

• The flaky, tender cod is perfectly grilled, creating a delightful smoky flavor.
• Fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes add vibrant color and a boost of nutrients.
• It’s incredibly quick to prepare – from start to finish in under 30 minutes!
• This recipe is a light and healthy option, perfect for anyone watching their diet.
• It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a casual weeknight meal, and easily customizable with your favorite spices.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Unlike some baked cod recipes that can turn dry, grilling the cod gives it a wonderful char and keeps it incredibly moist and tender. The combination of a simple olive oil marinade with fresh, vibrant spinach and tomatoes creates a bright and flavorful dish that’s both light and satisfying. We’re also relying on the natural flavors to shine, letting the high-quality ingredients speak for themselves, which is something many similar recipes often overcomplicate!

Ingredient List

• 1.5 pounds fresh cod fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the marinade and cooking)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your simple, flavorful marinade.
3. Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or on a plate. Pour the marinade over the cod, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the cod marinate while your grill heats up, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Place the marinated cod fillets on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it.
5. While the cod is grilling, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
6. Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes. If using red pepper flakes, add them to the pan at this point.
7. Once the cod is grilled, carefully place it on top of the spinach and tomatoes mixture in the skillet or on individual plates.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to elevate this dish with some delicious toppings:

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-marinate the cod; 10 minutes is plenty to impart flavor without making the fish too soft.
• Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the cod from sticking.
• Be careful not to overcook the cod. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the cod in a skillet over medium-high heat for the same cooking time.
• For extra flavor, add a clove of minced garlic to the skillet when cooking the spinach and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen cod?
  Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Can I substitute the spinach?
  Absolutely! You can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the type of green.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time?
  While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients beforehand to save time. Marinate the cod and chop your vegetables. But grill the cod and cook the vegetables just before serving.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store any leftover cod with the spinach and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Yes, feel free to customize by adding other veggies like bell peppers, onions or zucchini.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some ideas:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the spinach and tomatoes.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic powder, or add some minced fresh garlic to the marinade.
• Herbaceous Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the marinade and the spinach and tomato mixture.
• Citrus Infusion: Use lime juice instead of lemon juice or add a zest of lemon or lime to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with quinoa, rice, couscous, or a side of roasted vegetables. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a wonderful addition. It’s a versatile dish that fits into many different meal styles, so don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have!

Conclusion

So there you have it – a super easy, incredibly flavorful, and healthy recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. The Grilled Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes is proof that you don’t need a lot of time or effort to create something truly special. Go ahead, give it a try! And don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media – we can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and amazing recipes!